Remembering Joe Wolthuis

There are some people in our industry whose presence becomes part of the rhythm of every gathering. Joe Wolthuis was one of those people.

Many of you have shared stories over the past few days that perfectly capture who Joe was and what he meant to this community.

Jillian Tisdale shared one of her memories of Joe:

“I only met Joe in person a couple of times, but spoke with him often. The first time we spent time together was at AFFTA’s Confluence in Boulder, where we were paired together during a manufacturer-retailer exercise. From the start, Joe was immensely kind, and as we got to know each other, he consistently provided invaluable advice and insight that meant a great deal to me. He was a true wealth of knowledge and love that will certainly be a great loss to his community and this industry.”

Joe’s presence at industry gatherings was something many of us came to expect. Corinne Doctor shared this reflection:

“There was not a fly fishing industry event that didn’t find Joe in attendance. He always had a way of being productive while keeping the jokes flowing. I always found myself at his table so we could have a few laughs, and mostly so he would share his abundance of backpack snacks with me. It will simply not be the same without him.”

Another reflection came from Ryan Hamilton, who served alongside Joe on our Board and saw firsthand the energy he brought to every gathering:

“I got to know Joe through our time serving together on the AFFTA board and seeing him at consumer shows over the years. Even in those settings, it was clear what a special person he was. Joe brought energy, laughter, and great stories wherever he went. He’ll be deeply missed by the fly fishing community and by all of us lucky enough to cross his path.”

Brian Bennett adds his words:

Joe and I would trade notes on what the industry was getting wrong and occasionally right. He had a knack for cutting through the noise with a single observation that was equal parts wise and hilarious, and you never quite saw the punchline coming.

That was Joe. Completely himself, all the time. No performance, no posturing, just genuine love for this industry and the people in it, and often delivered with perfect comedic timing.

I'm going to miss those conversations. And I'm really going to miss the man; the world was a much better place with him in it.

And this from Hilary Hutchinson

Joe didn't just quote Napoleon Dynamite; he would pose like Uncle Rico in the glamour shot scene, just out of nowhere, for no reason, which somehow was always perfect timing. 

I love how Joe took care of our angling community. When I jokingly asked him to help keep my daughter out of trouble at the fly fishing shows, he sent me pictures of himself pretending to put her on his shoulders for chicken fights. He messaged me to wish me safe travel before each of my international trips and checked in when he saw on the news that Montana was experiencing severe storms or wildfires. 

I feel less comfortable on this planet without him, but I know I'm better for having known him.

I want to add something personal here as well.

Joe’s willingness to serve was apparent from our first meeting, and my time with Joe made me a better person. Joe was quick to quote a movie or make an off-the-wall comment that always seemed like an inside joke for one. Half the time, you were laughing before you even knew why.

I so appreciated his devotion to this industry and his years of service to our board. Joe had a way of helping move the conversation forward while still making the room feel lighter. That is a rare thing.

There will not be a Zoom meeting, virtual gathering, or industry event that feels quite the same without him. And I have a feeling there will be a lot fewer backpack snacks floating around conference tables, too.

People like Joe help shape the culture of this industry. Not just through the work they do, but through the way they treat others. Joe made people feel welcome. He made people laugh. And he made our community better.

He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts are with Joe’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Fair winds and tight lines, Joe.

Lucas Bissett

Executive Director

American Fly Fishing Trade Association