I grew up on a farm in Chilliwack, British Columbia and was immersed in the outdoors right from the start. My older brother, Sig, was my single greatest influence. He took me along on camping and fishing trips that were out of the way, where limits were pushed and high adventure was routinely part of the experience.
As a young boy, when cycling along country roads, I kept my eyes peeled for Sportsman cigarette packages and would save the pictures of fishing flies that were featured on the back of the package. At the time, fly fishing was something I dreamed about doing, but it struck me as incredibly mysterious, magical and out of reach.
As I went through school, Art became something I knew would always be a special part of my life. When I reached university, the lure became so strong, I dropped out of Sciences (which I also liked), to immerse myself in the history, philosophies and the process of creating Art. I graduated in the mid 1970’s with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of British Columbia.
After graduation and getting married, I became a school teacher. This became an important emphasis for the next 31 years while my wife and I raised our family. During this time, the focus on Art was put on hold but I finally embraced fly fishing and fly tying. This, along with camping, became a key activity in which the whole family participated.
I am now retired but continue to teach fly tying lessons as I have for over 20 years. I try to get away as much as possible with my close friends and family to fish for trout, grayling, bull trout, brook trout, steelhead and salmon. Art has also become central to my life again.
For nearly 40 years, I have lived in Prince George, British Columbia. Although separated, I still appreciate the great Art talent Renee is and how she was a valuable sounding board and support person while I was doing Art. Our three sons, Justin, Devan and Julian are spread throughout B.C. and Alberta, and along with their wonderful partners, Jill (with Justin) and Lindsay (with Julian), provide us with a lot of pride and joy. Our grandchildren (Henrik and Holly) are also a constant source of amazement and joy.
Erich Franz