Heinz Refuge volunteer, Fred Sanders, helps out a young angler during "Passport to Fishing" on June 1, 2008. Photo by Frank Doyle, Refuge Volunteer.

Heinz Refuge "Passport to Fishing" not only fun, but a great way to take in some sun. Photo by Frank Doyle, Refuge Volunteer.

Heinz Refuge, June 1, 2008 "Passport to Fishing" Refuge Officer and program coordinator, Jared Klein, teaches youngsters how to tie knots. Photo by Bill Buchanan, USFWS

Heinz Refuge, June 1, 2008 "Passport to Fishing" Anglers of all ages try their luck in the waters of Darby Creek. Photo by Bill Buchanan, USFWS.

Heinz Refuge-June 1, 2008-"Passport to Fishing" Photo montage pays tribute to the late Bill Thomas who coordinated the program for 5 years prior to his passing. Photo montage by Bill Buchanan, USFWS.

The first day of the 2008 National Fishing and Boating Week, June 1, was celebrated at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum with the programs, "Passport to Fishing" (takemefishing.com/rbff.org) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's   "S.M.A.R.T" that teaches fishing skills, safety, ethics, and much more.

Approximately 75 people participated in the program. Visitors came from Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, PA., Wilmington, DE., and from southern New Jersey.

The refuge hosted the event in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Friends of Heinz Refuge. Generous donations were made by the Friends, Dick's Sporting Goods, and the DeLuca Family (refuge volunteers).   Refuge Officer, Jared Klein, coordinated the event after the untimely passing of VUA, Bill Thomas, who had coordinated the program for the past five years.

Fishing, and the event, was a passion for Bill.  So when he passed away on the early morning of Sunday, May 18, the refuge staff thought it would be a fitting tribute to name the event after him.  While we mourn his loss and send our sincere condolences to his family we hope they find some solace in the fact that his memory will be with us for many years to come as the joy and enthusiasm he had for fishing will live on in this program he nurtured and now bears his name. We know how proud he would be to see "Passport to Fishing" continue and make so many people happy as they discover this wonderful way to connect with nature and a pastime, that for so long, meant so much to this big man with a heart of gold.