Death of a friend

Jenny and I are much saddened in hearing that Vic Hardaswick has died, a man who did so much for falconry over many years. 

It was with his partner Don Hunter that I first saw what accomplished Gyrs can do in falconry when handled with understanding and sympathetic management. Don showed us a Jerkin waiting on as a twinkling speck with concentration, loyalty and aerial style in mastery of any quarry, awesome to see from a creature of such charismatic beauty and presence. I was captivated when twenty five years ago captive breeding of hawks was quite new and it was Vic who bred and imprinted my first Jerkin. 

When the Jerkin came to me in England he never disappointed either in the field or as a charming character in home life and the breeding chamber. Over following years Gyrfalcons were constant members of our team, their humour and unmatchable flying ability often combined to amuse and astound, demanding attention in our relationships emotionally draining and fulfilling far beyond other aspects of our art.
Clearly Vic put so much into his falcons and my Jerkin showed me just how accomplished he was as somebody trusted in his creations. By his individual talent Vic contributed much to my falconry in subsequent years for which I will always be grateful. 

It was my good fortune to have known such a fine man. I feel loss of a friend tonight whilst appreciative that all of falconry is much indebted for his contribution in many ways over many years. All falconers have much to celebrate in his being and all are the poorer for his passing. 

Thank you Vic, even though you have left us you are still giving me pleasure today, there is still a Jerkin amusing us in my team.