Dick Lane was born in Chicago, IL on February 7, 1914, but his parents left for California when he was only 6 weeks old. He lived in parts of the Eastern United States for a few years after that, but the family settled back in Southern California and Dick has remained there since his early adolescence. He was married to his wife Sylvia for 62 years and they have one daughter and a granddaughter. Sylvia, who was always by his side at spaniel field events, recently passed away. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Around 1943, Dick and Sylvia became involved with spaniel field trials. Other than working in construction all over the world, the only other hobby that took Dick away from dogs was his love for deep sea fishing. He still holds the record for catching the largest black sea bass since 1962, at 567 pounds!
Dick considers as his mentors, Steve Studnicki and Paul Ruddick. Dick says, “Paul was the best dog trainer I’ve ever known, who never got the credit he deserved.” Dick’s voice still beamed with pride as he spoke of his show bred springer named “Miss Twinkle”. Around 1950, this springer was the high point puppy in the country. Dick mentioned that in those years, most of the springers competing in trials were from show lines. He recalled that it wasn’t until the Armours of Chicago imported field trial springers from England, that field trial lines made their mark here in the United States. In the 1950’s, the Lanes also owned an American Cocker named FC Wild Acre Liberace, who was selected to be on Field & Stream’s “All American Cocker Team”, which consisted of 5 dogs of each sporting breed, chosen by the magazine and honored for their accomplishments. Other dogs that Dick owned and felt needed to be mentioned are:
- CNFC/FC Patchwood’s Trapper , handled to his 1985 Canadian National win by Dick Vermazen
- FC Fetchfeather’s Valiant, US High Point Open Dog in 1984, 2 nd in 1985 Canadian National; also handled by Dick Vermazen
- FC Fetchfeather’s Apache Chief , son of 2x NFC Saighton’s Sizzler
- FC Fetchfeather’s Tom Tom , grandson of FC/NAFC Saighton’s Signal
- FC/AFC Fetchfeather’s Dove , half-sister to FC/NAFC BJ’s Copper Penny and FC/NAFC Gleangillen’s Flying Tiger
Dick has made many long time friends, 2 of whom are still around today running dogs. Robert Sanchez, a professional trainer and field trial gun since the late 1940’s, met Dick in 1947 at Dick’s hunting club in Mexico, near the Rio Hardy. Bob says, “You will never find a kinder, more generous man, or better role model than Dick Lane. He is one classy guy.” Larry Lawrence, another long time friend and field trialer wrote, “Over the years, one of the most remarkable phenomena about Dick Lane has been his willingness to accept each field trial as it comes without complaint. I do not recall him complaining, as most of us do, about the judges, the guns, the field trial committee or even the banquet. Perhaps this attitude was influenced by his good friend and professional trainer/handler, Paul Ruddick, who said ‘You pays your money and you takes your chances.’ Dick has devoted a major portion of his adult life to Springer field trials and the breed…..and they are better as a result.”
Mr. Richard M. Lane is being honored today by the Bird Dog Hall of Fame and his constituency for his contribution over 6 decades to English springer spaniel field trials. He was pivotal in starting and supporting many of the Southern California clubs, still in existence today; he was instrumental in bringing out quality judges and springer trainers to the west, and for 15 years, has provided the Southern California Pheasant Club as the base for the San Fernando Valley English Springer Spaniel Club field trials, as well as for other area clubs to hold their events. Although he recently sold this property, he continues to oversee the San Fernando Valley club and runs his current dog, Fetchfeather’s Dancer, whenever he can. Over the years he has judged trials; was President of the NESSFTA (National) in 1985; served on countless field trial committees, and has provided many newcomers with the extraordinary history that he carries with him regarding the sporting spaniel.
To quote Field Trial Hall of Famer Janet Christensen: “Dick exemplifies the true sportsmanship that we should always be striving for in our field trials. He is a complete gentleman.”
Postscript: Dick sadly passed away on January 9, 2006. The field trial community has not only lost a true sportsman, but a good friend. His unique laugh brought a smile to all who were there to hear it and the sparkle in his eyes brightened any room he entered. We will miss you dearly, Mr. Lane.
By Cheryl Sligar
