Following a nomination from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) Rick Amsbury, the late Executive Director of the Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, who passed away last September, posthumously won the 2004 Canadian Wildlife Federation’s (C.W.F.) Roderick Haig-Brown Award. The awards ceremony was held in Kingston last weekend at the C.W.F. Annual General Meeting. Rick’s sister, Judy Amsbury, was on hand to receive the award.
The award honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to furthering the sport of angling and/or the conservation, development and wise use of Canada’s recreational fisheries.
“Rick spent all of his life championing the cause of recreational fishing and the need to protect our valuable fisheries resource. It was an honor to nominate him and a pleasure to have him win this award. He would have been humble but very proud to take home this honor,” said O.F.A.H. Executive Director, Mike Reader.
It is the second prestigious award Amsbury has been honored with over the last year. In February, Geoff Regan, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans presented Judy Amsbury with Canada’s Recreational Fisheries Award for Rick’s outstanding contributions to recreational fishing in Ontario and his dedication to the conservation of the resource.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving than Rick for these awards.” added Reader. “As coordinator of Canada’s National Fishing Week, Rick spent thousands of hours developing and selling the concept of this event, which focused on family, children and the enjoyment of our natural resources. Rick started something and the people who knew him will make sure his vision will live on.”
Amsbury’s personal and professional focus was the development of promotional programs aimed at youth, urban families and others who once fished but no longer pick up a rod and reel.