Gone From the River, Not From Our Hearts

These are just a few of the amazing individuals who were integral to the Veazie Salmon Club and contributed significantly to Maine’s fishing heritage. Please shoot us a note if you know anyone else that was a member of the Veazie Salmon Club and we will be sure to post recognition! 
Gayland Hachey
Veazie, ME
A founding member of the Veazie Salmon Club and the Eddington Salmon Club, renowned for his craftsmanship in building fishing rods and tying flies. He played a pivotal role in Atlantic salmon restoration on the Penobscot River. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
Claude Z. Westfall
Orono, ME
Served as president of the Veazie Salmon Club in 1985–86 and was instrumental in Atlantic salmon restoration efforts. In 1992, he delivered the final Presidential Salmon to President George H.W. Bush. Veazie Salmon Club
James R. Hosmer
Veazie, ME
A construction engineer with the Maine Department of Transportation and an avid outdoorsman. He was a proud member of the Veazie Salmon Club. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
Gerald Clapp
Veazie, ME
A beloved husband and father, remembered for his involvement with the Veazie Salmon Club. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
Carl Ambrose
Veazie, ME
A lifetime member of the Veazie Salmon Club and an enthusiastic salmon angler. He embarked on seven trips to Alaska to fish for salmon on the Kenai River. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
David L. Ireland
Veazie, ME
Enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing cribbage at the Veazie Salmon Club. He was a life member of Mosaic Lodge No. 52 in Dover-Foxcroft. laryfuneralhome.com
Harold Brown
Bangor, ME
A life member of the Veazie Salmon Club, the Eddington Salmon Club, and the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
J. Mackintosh
Hampden, ME
A member of the Veazie Salmon Club and the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Bangor Daily News Obituaries
Russell Penney
Rockland, ME
An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of the Veazie Salmon Club and the Atlantic Salmon Club. bchfh.com
John Leroy Gilbert
Dover-Foxcroft, ME
An avid fly fisherman and an active member of the Veazie Salmon Club from its founding. crosbyneal
Bruce Probert
Bruce was a cherished member involved in too many organizations to name but as he said, they are just plaques on the wall. He was a sportsman who loved hunting and fishing, would follow any dirt road to see if it led to a good fishing spot, spent hours working in the woods or the gardens and always made time for kids. Bangor Daily News Obituaries

Donald M. Clough

He was a member of All Souls Congregational Church for over forty years and served on the Board of Trustees of that institution. Donald had several hobbies including opera, gardening, woodworking, and especially fly-fishing. He was a member of all three salmon clubs on the Penobscot. He and his brother, Robert, were the first Americans to fish the Panoi River in Russia. He made fishing trips to several exotic places around the world, but was happiest bass fishing with his friend, Tim Falvey, on the Penobscot. Bangor Daily News Obituaries

Members of the Veazie Salmon Club who have passed on leave behind a legacy as rich and enduring as the waters they cherished. Their dedication to conservation, tradition, and community shaped the spirit of the club and helped preserve the Atlantic salmon fishery for future generations. From master rod builders and skilled anglers to generous mentors and devoted leaders, these individuals poured their passion into every cast and conversation. Their contributions—whether through restoring salmon habitats, mentoring young sportsmen, or simply sharing stories by the river—live on in the current of our shared memory. As we reflect on their lives, we honor not just their membership, but their stewardship, friendship, and unwavering love for Maine’s great outdoors.

Posted in: