News Regarding Ben Wright

[Midway Tommy D]

I'm sick to my stomach right now and pretty much speechless. I lost a good friend and confidant today, although I am thankful we were able to talk a little yesterday, even though it was for just a short time. I will truly miss you, Ben. My heart goes out to Shari and his entire family. Rest In Peace "Bubba"!

[Richard Lodge]

Very, very sad news. I feel like we have lost one of our anchors in this hobby of ours. My heart goes out to Ben's family and my gratitude is strong for Ben, who brought a ton of knowledge, enthusiasm and advocacy for spinning reels, collecting and comraderie. Rest in peace, Ben.
Richard

[Bill Muth]

Very sad news, one of the best guys in the hobby. I really enjoyed any chance that I had to talk to Ben.

[Bill Sonnett]

Very, very sad news
Way to young
Rest in Peace Ben you will not be forgotten

[Tightlines666]

This is sad news indeed. I did not know Ben, but nearly every time I went to research a spinning reel, I inevitably came across some valuable information that Ben had compiled. Over the years he attained something of a 'legend' status in my minds eye. I enjoyed his blog, and the quarterly reports offered up in The Reel News. I know he will be sorely missed.

My condolences to those who were close to him.

John

[joe klaus]

Very sad. I had multiple deals with Ben, along with multiple conversations and the privilege of meeting him several times at shows. A true gentleman.

[reeltackle]

What a great guy and a great friend, he will be greatly missed in many ways. Ben never hesitated to lend a hand or help in any way he could, he would always go that extra mile to help you find an answer. A knowledgeable man with a good heart, a true gentleman. Godspeed Ben.

[Jim Schottenham]

My deepest sympathy to Ben's family for their loss. Ben was a terrific guy and the consummate reel collector. How many of you knew Ben had an amazing collection of Vom Hofe reels before turning to spinning reels? He was always there to answer a question, and provide as much detail as one could possibly ask for. I first met Ben at the Rochester, NY ORCA National, and was impressed with both his enthusiasm for the hobby and his passion for ORCA. I will miss you my friend.

[clinton_beeler]

I talked to Ben just after he got out of the hospital. He had questions about Zebco reels. We met because of a comment I had made about the 1970 reel that was never produced. He was the first person to suggest that I write a book about Zebco. He was such a nice person. I will miss him.

With Deepest Condolences,
Clinton Beeler

[Roger Schulz]

Ben brought more members into ORCA that anyone I know. He made collecting spinning reels popular and our membership increased because of it. Great guy and good friend. My prayes are with his family.

Roger Schulz

[Len Sawisch]

Ben, I remember our first deal in Ohio decades ago, and our last deal just months ago - may your family find peace in knowing that so many folks you touched and taught are now so saddened by your passing.

[m3040c]

No matter how many different collectors I spoke with about spinning reels, there was always a constant name that would come up. That would be Ben Wright. Not only would someone drop his name as being the authority of collectible spinning reels; but, they would always say what a great guy he was. I did not know him personally, yet, I am saddened by his loss, he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

[Smead]

In addition to his extensive contributions to reel collecting, much mention has been made regarding Mr. Wright as being very friendly and helpful to others...a good legacy.

Condolences to family and friends.

[RAM]

Always tough to lose such a good man. He had enthusiasm and he liked facts, did things properly. Wish we could all be better that way. He will be fondly remembered by his fellow collectors and friends. Our thoughts are with his family as well. Again, he was a good man.

Bob

[Chuck Gano]

ben will be missed greatly by the reel collecting world but much more by the spinning reel collectors he single handily brought open-face reels out of the shadows of the collecting arena and made it OK to put them on a shelf and be proud of your finds, and over the years nobody helped me personally with all my questions then ben, even told me once "charlie,there,s no dumb questions just dumb answers", i have a couple ?? now so ill have to finally take Ben's advice and just keep diggin.....thoughts and prayers for his family
cg

[Chinook1]

I am so sad to hear of Ben's passing. I send my condolences out to his family as I am sure they are hurting during this time.
I have to say Ben influenced me greatly in my search for European spinning reels. I would send him questions and pictures and he was ALWAYS so gracious in getting back to me. 99% of the time he knew what the reel was, its origin and value at first glance. Unlike myself, who has to use Ben's book, Ben had this knowledge at his disposal through years of experience. We have truly lost a legend.

Rest in peace Ben, rest in peace.

Steve Tallman

[Steve]

Some words about Ben from The Batavian, May 15, 2016

[redfish]

Sorry to hear about Mr.Wright. I enjoyed reading his monthly reports.

May he RIP.

[Chinook1]

Here is the link to the funeral home should you want to post your condolences.

http://www.thebatavian.com/obituaries/1 ... ben-wright

[Steve]

A tribute to Ben Wright that you may have missed.

[m3040c]

A tribute to Ben Wright that you may have missed.

Thank you Steve!

[Dick Braun,that-zebco-guy]

Thanks Steve, As long as there are spinning reels Ben will live on.

[Chinook1]

Wow...an international legend for the spinning reel enthusiasts if there ever was......

His legacy is intact and ongoing.

[Paul M]

By coincidence I was contacted today on another matter by Renzo Di Paolo, President of ANTIPES on whose website the tribute to Ben Wright is posted. I thanked him for that tribute. ANTIBES is the Italian national antique fishing tackle collectors association. If you use Google Chrome (instead of Explorer, for example) to read the link Steve posted above, all text is instantly translated into English without any extra tools, just click the "Translate" button. Their whole site is very interesting.

Paul Manuel