Al Scharlow

 December 4, 2002 marked the passing of Al Scharlow of Fox Lake Illinois, a quiet individual, dedicated to the Field Bred Springer community for 30+ years.

     Al grew up knowing tragedy, losing both parents in an automobile accident at age 7. Thereafter, his grandparents raised him. Most of his early adult life was spent as a glazer and a sheet metal worker, until he purchased Bart’s Bait, a retail bait shop, which he ran in a store attached to his home. Married to Lorraine, they had (3) children – Eric, Charlie and Nancy.

     He had a great sense of humor, quite dry, that most never saw. Al was an honest man, in that you always knew exactly where you stood with him; and above all, he had a low tolerance for those who were less than truthful with him.

     Many days were spent fishing with his wife in northern Illinois, only coming to an end because of her illness, and ultimately his. A longstanding member of a hunt club, he hunted birds at least once a week. Al never believed that hunting would ruin a good trial dog. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the NRA, and deeply devoted to his Church.

     A long time member of the English Springer Spaniel Club of the Central States in addition to the Southern Wisconsin Sporting Spaniel Club, Al was a fixture at training sessions and could always be seen at the local trials in addition to venturing out East on occasion. He loved his dogs, and could be classified as a firm, but gentle trainer.

     Reflecting back, two instances come to mind. The first, at a trial when Al was running two dogs, Swifty and Wings.  In the midst of the series, after being tapped by the judge, Al just stood there. Finally, the judged asked, “ Aren’t you going to send your dog?” Al said, “ I would, but, I can’t remember his name” and then, compromised on “Swings.”  The other was after a pre-trial training session held at Pat and Janet Fischers’. We were admiring the vibrant colors of all the ribbons they had on display in their kennel. Commenting that he wished he had a wall that looked like that, I said,” Al, you’ve got lots of ribbons!” His response, “Ya, but they’re all BLUE.”

     After Lorraine’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed to the point where she needed constant care, Al was her sole provider over a five- year period. He only had a housekeeper to help him in the last year of his life.

     He continued to come to training sessions, although in great pain, because he loved it, it was a big part of his life, and he loved his dogs.

     Al was unbelievably “matter of fact” about his condition.   On more than one occasion, people commented the he was a lesson in coping with terminal illness. Al was strong to the end, dying with dignity and courage. He will be missed.

 

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