Community Member Spotlight
Barnabas Lee
One of my most fulfilling roles in life, is the role of being a father and having a family. My dad dedicated his life and his time to his family. I have done the same with my life and my family. That dedication has filled my life with love and adventure. One of the the gifts of being in the middle of the fly fishing community, is watching parents introduce their kids to the world of fly fishing.
This months community member spotlight takes me back to my earliest memories with my own father. His top priority in life is his family. I very rarely see him without his beautiful daughters in tow. I believe the greatest gift we can give our children is our time, and Barnabas Lee is a great example of being a great father, he gives his time to his family.
Barnabas Lee is a gift to the world and his family. The fly fishing community is lucky to have him as a member, and I am proud to call him our community member spotlight for the month of April.
-Chris Rich, AZ Fly Shop Founder
What does fly fishing mean to you? What about fly fishing offers you most satisfaction?
Fly fishing to me is simply a way to enjoy the outdoors. It creates a destination to look forward to during the “x” mile hike. With a young growing family having a hobby that is not selfishly my own, but one I can share with my girls (still trying to convince my wife to join us). My daughters have taken to different aspects of fly fishing: the fishing, the fly tying, and adventuring. What offers the most “satisfaction” is that I spend time with my daughters one on one, having uninterrupted conversation, and sometimes get a fish.
What does having AZ Fly Shop in the community mean to you? What do you like about AZ Fly Shop?
Not only do they get to feed a hobby that I enjoy, but they provide a warm environment for my entire family. When I pick up my kids from school sometimes they will ask (unprompted I swear), “Can we go to the fly shop today?”. This is simply because the Rich family have been so warm and welcoming to my family. What I like about AZ Fly Shop is that they are approachable. Their warm and friendly demeanor attracts the same types of people as their employees and customers.
Tell us your most memorable fly fishing story
Is there any advice or quotes that you feel everyone should hear?
One time Chris coached me on how to catch a Sonoran Sucker on the phone late at night. The next day I did exactly as he said and caught a Sonoran Sucker. The moral of the story is Chris knows what he is talking about and loves to share his knowledge, just ask him. (The advice truly here is to ask questions, and be curious)
Is there anything else you would like to add or share with the community?
