Letters from the family at the time of Mike's passing June 18 - July 18, 2002 Dear Family and Friends, On a sad but lovely day about 200 people gathered at The Spanish Cultural Center to celebrate Mike's life. Our main speakers were Mel Krieger, Nelson Ishiyama, and Mike Michalak. They related their own thoughts of Mike. Mel read a poem written by Corin. And, Nelson read a message from Pam and John McCosker. Next among those who shared thoughts were Fanny Krieger, Peggy Whitson, Sandy Roerden, Bob Nauheim, Marty Seldon, Jack Thomas, Roy Petri, Craig Suttles, Tom Kilfoil, Lani Waller, and Robert Fong. Classical Guitar music followed by Babak Falsafi. Sheri Woo talked about Mike. Then Jan Woo read a Remembrance by Christine. We then had slides from Mike's life along with music. We were all treated to a light buffet with Seafood Paella and wine. Then more guitar by Babak Falsafi. We wish to thank all who attended for making the effort to remember and celebrate Mike's life. Thank you also to all who sent thoughtful messages of sympathy and kind thoughts of Mike. All your good wishes are appreciated. Fondly, Christine, Corin, Richard and the Fong family

THE INSIDE ANGLER publisher Michael Fong passed away Friday, June 14th.

Tuesday, June 18th
From Christine Fong:

It is with overwhelming sorrow that I announce this morning the passing of Michael Wayne Fong at 9:45 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2002. He was 63.

We thank the Kaiser Hospital emergency room, Vallejo, Mobile Critical Care Unit, and Sacramento Intensive Care Unit for their valiant attempt to save his life. The cause of his passing was hemorrhage caused by an aneurysm in the brain. We were on our way home from Davis Lake.

He was above all a loving father to Corin, our daughter, and a loving husband. We were married in 1963 and enjoyed rich experiences of nature, friendship and fly- fishing.

Corin, Richard Dudzinski, Corin's husband, and I composed this letter and address it to all family, friends, associates and anyone whose path he crossed in his extensive travels. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the warm and thoughtful expressions of sympathy and offers to help in any way.

I think we all feel that the fishing community has lost a great advocate for the sport of Fly Fishing and the protection and preservation of our fisheries.

To the subscribers of The Inside Angler we announce that the July issue will be mailed out as usual. We are leaving open the possibility of continuing the newsletter. After careful consideration we will make a decision.

David Armocido has suggested that a Trust be created in his name with the proceeds donated to a worthy cause that would be ongoing. I will be meeting with him soon, and we will advise every one of developments. Other suggestions are welcomed.

We are looking into a venue for a memorial service to be held in the San Francisco Bay Area in about three weeks.

In the June issue of the Bulletin, the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club newsletter, he was interviewed and answered questions about fishing in general, which may be of interest to you.

Sincerely, Christine, Corin and Richard

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June 20th followup messge from the family

Dear all family and friends,

I apologize for having to communicate in such an impersonal way. Each of you had a unique relationship with Mike and he would want you to know how much he appreciated all your friendships. Your kind expressions of love and sympathy mean a great deal to all the family and us.

We talked many times about how lucky we were to be able to gain our livelihood doing what we loved. Above all the most important thing to us was and is the friendships we were able to make throughout the world and which I hope to keep even though I may not be able to visit all of you.

I will treasure my last fishing trip with Michael. We were lucky to be hosted and guided by Don Rotsma at Davis Lake. We stayed in our van with the fragrance of pine surrounding us and listening to the many birds in the area. We especially enjoyed seeing the grosbeaks that were attracted to seed put out by Paula, Don's wife. You can reach Don at don@flyfishwithdon.com.

After waiting out some strong winds and cold we fished the weed beds and caught many fish on Don's fly RED, (red-eyed damsel). Mike tried several flies including, bead head nymphs, blood midges, and several damsels. He hooked many more than he landed because of the thick weed beds. During the height of the hatch they would not take our offerings but we continued to try different patterns. Finally, Don had a strike on a floating damsel.

As we were coming in Mike noticed a couple of familiar faces - Lisa and Ralph Cutter. They had been filming the damsel hatch with a lipstick camera and Lisa gave animated descriptions of a damsel hatch from a trout's perspective. They enjoy meeting people from many walks of life in their Fly Fishing schools out of Truckee, CA. Mike and I remarked how special it was for us to get to see them again.

We stopped to visit with Jay Fair and his son in Portola and talked of old times fishing Davis Lake and Eagle Lake over the years and how things have changed. Jay has been under the weather this spring but his son and the rest of his family are helping him in the business. Mike and I talked of how much we enjoyed our visit with Jay and his son.

We couldn't have asked for anything more than to visit with special friends and make new ones.

Love, Christine

Michael Fong Memorial index page