I know practicalfly regulars will recognise the name Tony Downing and some of you may have been lucky enough to know the man.
Unfortunately Tony passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 21st of April near his home in Preston Patrick Cumbria leaving behind his wife and friend of practicalfly Maeve just ahead of their 38th wedding anniversary.
Tony was instrumental in the development and success of practicalfly and you can find articles from him throughout the site including his definitive articles on North Country Spiders and Wet Flies.
I could never thank Tony enough for his friendship and his generous contribution this site. I feel humbled but hope that practicalfly and his contribution will be a lasting tribute to a fine Nort Country Gentleman.
Tony in his own words;
Born and bred in Derbyshire, I was taught the Art of Fly Fishing at the age of 6 by a favourite Uncle, my first fish was a wild brownie from the Dee at Llangollen. The rest of my apprenticeship was served on the rivers Dove, Derwent and Wye, in the footsteps of Walton, Cotton etc.
I was badgered into fly dressing by my wife, Maeve, shortly after we were married, and all these years later I am still at the vice.
My favourite flies are, as my forum name implies, Caddis flies. Closely followed by North Country Spiders and Nymphs.
I first met Tony and Maeve on a forum day out to Farleton view fishery outside of Edinburgh and will always be grateful to Gameangler for the opportunity to have met such a wonderful couple.
R.I.P. Anthony Downing, North Countryman, Fly Fisherman, Fly Tyer and Friend
Ian Akers
