Al Crise Has Passed
Al Crise (or “ol’ Al” as he was known to many) has passed. Some FF&W readers may know Al from his casting classes at Federation of Fly Fishers’ meetings and so forth, or from his posts on a number of fly-fishing bulletin boards. Al was tireless in his teaching of fly casting, and had a real desire to get kids involved in the sport. Al was also very much about helping those who were injured or debilitated to get to know the healing aspects of fly fishing. He will be greatly missed by many….
I remember one time when I was doing a casting clinic in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, which had been hit by a tornado before my arrival. I was to do the clinic on top of a building, and I had been promised an “associate” or two to assist with the large number of clients. Turns out that Al was one of those who had agreed to be there. Crunching around on bits of broken glass still lurking from blown-out windows, we wrangled everyone and got the clinic done. I don’t how everyone’s fly lines fared after being cast over the debris, but the clinic was a success. One of the more “unique” situations in which I’ve had to do a casting clinic, and a memory of ol’ Al that I’ll never forget.
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I was privileged to be one of Al’s students for a weekend at his ranch a few years ago at a casting workshop for potential certified casting instructors. His impact here in Texas (and beyond) to flycasters cannot be overstated. A more humble and gentle man is unlikely to be readily found.
Al was to have taught at our Guadalupe River Trout Unlimited Trout Fest this weekend, as he did last year. His battle with cancer forced him to pull out a few weeks ago, but not before ensuring there were casting instructors to fill in for him.
Until we meet again Al…
I just learned of Al’s passing today from your blog entry, Jason. As an aspiring CCI candidate, I have profited immeasurably from Al’s online study group. It’s been an important component of my study and preparation. Regretfully, I was never able to meet him in person.