“Knowledge is to be shared, not displayed.” – Lefty Kreh
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet the Legend several times, but never the chance to hear him speak all day. I was anxiously awaiting his trip to the Ozark Fly Fishers all day meeting in February and when I heard that he could not make it, I was very disappointed (Ed Jaworowski came in his stead and he did a pretty fine job). I am not sure why Lefty could not make it, but I do think that anybody who has more than four score under their belt can do just about any dang thing they want. Maybe Lefty can make it next year. I certainly hope so. Lefty is the big jewel in the crown of fly fishing and there is only one of him. An Australian magazine referred to Lefty as "one of America's national treasures." He has been honored around the world and sought after for speaking engagements from the Far East to New York City. He is characterized by his unique fishing hat with ear flaps…I bought one like it and look like a fool when I wear it…Lefty slaps it on and he just looks cool in it.
You most likely know quite a bit about Lefty Kreh. He has been involved in much they innovation and evolution of fishing with the long rod. He has been an ambassador for fly fishing internationally and, at the end of the day; he is one of, if not THE, most entertaining characters among us. He is a special gift that we have enjoyed for decades. His spirit, his attitude, his ingenuity, and his “life well lived” is an inspiration to us all. Having said that, what I am about to share with you is some things you may not know about Lefty.
There aren’t many folks who get their own postage stamp…but then, there aren’t many Lefty Kreh’s. His Lefty's Deceiver fly was reproduced and named on a United States postage stamp. If that weren’t enough, Lefty has an anthrax strain named after him – BVK-1 (as in Bernard Victor Kreh – known to us as “Lefty”) – that he contracted at Fort Detrick. His two co-workers did not survive the incident. An accomplished outdoorsman and naturalist, while he was in his army training, he identified and spotted some Ivory Bill Woodpeckers near Camp Shelby. At the time, no-one believed him, but recent sightings have proved he was most likely right. He served in World War 2 during the height and heat of battle and escaped death many a time. The horrors he witnessed during the war and his battlefield bravery shaped much of his character. Lefty’s upbringing – the oldest of four children that lost their father to an accident during the height of the Depression – was the foundation of a gritty and determined soul. In essence, Lefty has been forged in the fire and is the poster boy for “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” I don’t know about you, but this guy is one of my heroes and I truly look up to him. On the lighter side, he got his nickname by pitching, hitting, and shooting with his left hand, but he dribbles, passes, and plays billiards right handed. He can cast a fly rod with either hand, and do it damn well, thank you very much. And, if that weren’t enough, Lefty can toss a metal washer up in the air and shoot a bullet through the hole. Really. No, really!
A Lefty Kreh along comes along once every so often. It is a monumental and time changing event. Enjoy it while you can. And if you run into Lefty, tell him you love him. Thanks for everything, Lefty. We appreciate it. You think about that…TL
