{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Carl Smolka

With heavy heart I share this message from Al Warner about long time TPFR member Carl Smolka.

Carl had nearly perfect attendance at John Bilotta's Casting Church and spent many years as a volunteer for Walter Reed Project Healing Waters.

RIP, Carl.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Al Warner <alwarner88@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Oct 27, 2018 at 8:39 AM
Subject: Carl Smolka

Good Morning,

 

This week we learned of the passing of our beloved Carl.  Cancer won, we lost. Carl was a recipient of the PHWFF Phil Johnson Exceptional Leadership Award.

 

Carl was our inspiration, our teacher, and a gift we will continue to receive.  He loved PHW, especially the Walter Reed and Ft. Meade programs.  He was a volunteer since the inception in 2005.  Sometimes words on paper, are merely that, words on paper.  In this case they have real meaning.  It is impossible to describe the void Carl leaves.  I know of many tears shed this week.  Carl wouldn't have wanted them, but he deserves them.

 

There have been many tributes paid to Carl in my email box this week. The best are from his students. Lee Barbee, one of Carl's students in the beauties of the vise, wrote:  "This is something incredibly hard for me to process. I've been at a loss for words since reading this email this morning.  The best I can say, is Carl was a hell of a man. He had a ton of heart. He will be greatly missed. I'm so sorry for everyone who knew Carl so well. Especially his family. May he Rest In Peace."

 

Beth Steinberger wrote: "The world lost another great one.... I am so very grateful for the time I had in knowing Carl, and all that he shared about Fly Fishing and life. There will be a huge hole that I doubt one person will ever fill again."

 

Carl was loved and respected and this week, God welcomed him home.  Can you imagine the trout he is catching?  Our deepest condolences to his family.

 

Carl will be honored in a service and viewing next Friday and Saturday.  From the family:

He was the best of all of us,

 

Al

 

 

 

 

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