Hi everyone. I have some very sad news. Barry Roach passed in late March in Arizona. Barry was inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame last year. I told you all about him then. I do have one more story about Barry that shows the character of the man. He was very ill last June, but he still flew out to Illinois to enter the Hall of Fame. I asked him why he went through all the hassle of coming all the way out here. We could have easily sent him the plaque in Arizona. He told me that if we thought enough of him to vote him in, then he would show up to receive the honor. It is not much but it says a lot about him. Rest well, Barry.
Unfortunately, I have to mention the passing of another Illinois shooter. Mike Rhodes, a longtime shooter died in early April. Mike was a good guy and a good shot. He is much better known for running the Gatch Lake Gun Club south of Vandalia, Illinois. Gatch did not throw registered birds but threw non-registered derbies all year long. Shooters from all over the southern zone of Illinois would show up there for a good time. Rest well, Mike.
I was shocked to find out that our executive director, Lynn Gibson, has passed. Lynn, for years, did a good job running the ATA for us. We have a really big hole to fill. Rest well, Lynn.
On a happier note, Mike Hathaway has reached the 75,000 target plateau in Singles.
Shoot well and support your local club.
Bill Duncan, ATA Delegate