Dick Braun passing

[Tom M]

We have lost a long time member Dick Braun (That-Zebco-Guy) who passed away Monday Dec. 9th. Dick was an active member here as well as adding many great articles to the reel news magazine. We will certainly miss his knowledge and eagerness to help others with questions about Zebco's and Zebco history. Rest in peace my friend.

[Steve]

No one has been more focused on a favorite reel brand than Dick. His published info on Zebco is an invaluable contribution to old reel lore, and his enthusiasm was infectious. RIP, Dick, and thank you.

[Jonathan P. Kring]

Sorry to hear. Condolences to his family. He was a great individual.

[kyreels]

RIP Dick. Here is a tribute that Bryce found on the Zebco Facebook page.

[Midway Tommy D]

What a huge loss to the reel collecting community! He was a book of knowledge that would generously share that information with anyone that was interested. RIP, Dick & Godspeed!

[Paul M]

Dick was a very influential collector and an important ORCA member. His passion for Zebco inspired young and old around the world. Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

[Biggamereels1988]

RIP That Zebco Guy

[Brian F.]

Dick was instrumental in starting up the ORCA Facebook page. Very sorry to hear this news. We'll catch up again with each other sometime, Dick.

[Richard Lodge]

Dick was a genuine character, as enthusiastic about Zebcos as anyone I've ever met. Generous to a fault with his vast knowledge. He wrote some really good pieces for The Reel News that helped broaden my horizons when it came to these classic, affordable American reels. RIP, Dick.

[Nick in NY]

That says a lot about the person when the company gives such an acknowledgement, really enjoyed our conversations, Rest in peace Dick

[RonG]

Dick will be missed. He was a great contributor to not only ORCA, but also to FATC. He hosted many FATC shows in Punta Gorda, FL. Anyone that has hosted an antique fishing tackle show knows that it's done because you love the hobby and enjoy meeting old friends. Dick was good at this. Rest in peace old friend.

[spadej1]

This is sad news. He was a wealth of knowledge on an often overlooked subject. Rest in peace.

[Bill Muth]

An absolute legend in the reel collecting community. RIP Dick and thoughts and prayers to Dick's friends and family.

[bettybarr]

I miss Dick. We talked every day when he was VP during my 2 years as President. He cared about ORCA and was a huge contributor toward our knowledge of Zebco.

[reeltackle]

Dick always had time to talk and help you out, he was a genuine people person and a good soul. Dick hosted several of our FATC shows and was always an enthusiastic and participant in whatever was going on. He will be missed by many. God Speed Dick.

[Kevin McJunkin]

I had a number of pleasant interactions with Dick online and in person. Attended a seminar at one of the tackle shows about his beloved Zebco reels. His enthusiasm shone through. We all came away with a lot of additional knowledge and a Zebco hand towel swag, that I still have. What a fantastic tribute by the Zebco company! My condolences to his family. RIP Dick, you will be missed!

[Terry Battisti]

Dick was a great guy and the guru of ZEBCO history. I looked forward to seeing him at ICAST every year, that is if I could keep the conversation at less than two hours. Rest in Peace Dick. Thanks for the conversations over the years and for teaching my to respect a reel I always scoffed at.