(Thoughts by Jeff Reinke)

On November 19th I was sadden to hear the passing of GBTU member Greg Heiser.

Greg was a skilled angler, a dear friend and a thoughtful mentor. To me, Greg was all of these and more. Greg was a business partner with my wife and I and it was Greg that got me back into fly fishing after a long absence. He also encouraged me to join TU.

My wife and I joined Greg and Susan for a few fall weekends at the Pere Marquette Rod and Gun Club to share Michigan’s natural beauty which deepened our friendship. Greg always put me on the better water to encourage me. What I will remember most about Greg was that twinkle in his eye when he told a joke, and his wry smile when he set the hook. He may be gone from from this realm but his presence was the definition of character, kindness, fairness and most of all love. Peace to Greg.

We will raise a roast to Greg at our December Chapter Meeting.

Greg’s wife Susan kindly shared Greg’s Obituary. Please read further to learn more about his life:

See obituary for Greg 

Greg was a long-time member of the Gary Borger Chapter, and was a wonderful soul who cared deeply about the conservation causes that Trout Unlimited pursues. Sadly, he lost his battle with cancer and left this Earth too soon. We will all miss him deeply and our Chapter is very grateful to his family and his wife Susan for naming GBTU as the charity for those who wish to make a contribution to Greg's memorial in lieu of flowers. We will be targeting these donations to support the restorations of trout streams in WI, MI and Iowa that Greg loved to fish.