Remembering Dwight Gehman

Dwight Gehman, who resided in the Barto area and was a member of the Perkiomen Valley Trout Unlimited for over 30 years, I am sad to announce, passed away May 3rd after a lengthy illness.  I met Dwight the evening I was elected to office by PVTU on 11/13/17, when I assumed responsibility to lead and try to rebuild the chapter.  Though I only knew him for a few years, I came to know him not only as a member of the chapter, but as a friend and a loyal supporter of PVTU.  I came to respect him for his interest in conservation and extensive knowledge of the Perkiomen Creek Watershed.  He was especially familiar with the streams and property owners in and around Route 100, in Berks County.

One of my main objectives upon becoming head of the chapter was to initiate stream restoration projects throughout the watershed, including the West Branch Perkiomen Creek and Pachwechen Run, two tributaries to the main stream.  I found, through conversations I had with Dwight that he, too, had interest in and offered to assist with this effort on these streams, as he lived and frequently fly fished in the area.  As a result of his extensive knowledge and the relationships he had with the land owners, he became a mentor to me.

Dwight not only assisted us in planting trees in the area, but equally important, toured the area with myself and my Conservation Chairmen, to help us evaluate the current status of these streams by actually walking them with us and assessing their needs as we went.  He also introduced us to some of the property owners.  His time and foresight have lent further credence to our interest in trying to maintain and enhance these bodies of water into the future

.Numerous telephone and in person conversations that Dwight and I had, along with other assistance he provided, will not be forgotten and in fact, he will be remembered in perpetuity as PVTU will be planting a Memorial Tree along one of these bodies of water as a living memento to him and his contributions to the Perkiomen Watershed.  I don’t know of anyone who knew more about fly fishing for native trout in the local streams than he did, and his passion became clearly apparent to me during the conversations I had with him the last few years.  Further, he released his fish so they could live on and provide enjoyment for other fishermen to enjoy.  He will be missed!

Tom Smith, President

Perkiomen Valley Trout Unlimited, Chapter No. 332