Tribute to Marty Mait ~ Friend, Volunteer, Instructor/Guide — Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU)
Tribute to Marty Mait
Friend, Volunteer, Instructor/Guide
Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU)
Marty assisting adaptive angler with fly tying
On Saturday, July 10, 2010 some of us from Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) attended a memorial service for our friend Marty. It was an honor to be included in this celebration of Marty’s life. He was truly a remarkable man who touched the hearts of so many.
We will all miss, Martin Benjamin “Marty” Mait, our dear friend, fellow angler, instructor/guide, and supportive volunteer. Marty loved to share his passion for fishing with others. He was an active member of Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) for the past ten years.
Marty always looked forward to and enjoyed helping with the fall ADAPTIVE ANGLERS ON THE FLY – Fly Fishing Camp for Disabled and the Spring Fly Fling – Fly Fishing Retreat for Women Cancer Surviviors. He was a wonderful instructor/guide who would graciously share his knowledge, wit and experience to help others find the pleasures he so enjoyed when fly fishing.
Whether it was casting instruction, fly tying or streamside guiding, Marty would quietly offer to be wherever he was needed to help. When we were seeking financial donations to support our adaptive anglers, Marty was the first to provide a scholarship to help those in need. And he continued to do so every year we have offered the programs.
We all still laugh every time we reminisce and think about planning the 1st Spring Fly Fling – Fly Fishing Retreat for Women Cancer Surviviors. At our pre-event orientation the night before the event was to begin, we were outlining all the logistics and responsibilities for the weekend. Just before we finished, Marty quietly raises his hand and asks, “These are all women who have never fished before, right?” “Yes, that is correct.” “We want them all to enjoy there day on the river, right?” “Yes, that is correct.” “Well then, what are your plans to address any needs if the women need to use the bathroom?”
“Oh my God, Thank you for that insight!” Marty smiled as he quietly left the meeting. In less than twenty-four hours we constructed what fondly would be referred to as “Rustic Elegance” our Adaptive Streamside Latrine.
Marty providing streamside instruction at Spring Fly Fling
Marty made so many contributions to Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited. H e will always be remembered for all his service to the organization, especially all that he did to support our adaptive fly fishing programs. In memory of Marty, TJTU is establishing a “Marty Mait – Adaptive Angler Scholarship” for those who require financial assistance to attend our camps.
- SPRING FLY FLING – Women’s Fly Fishing Retreat for Cancer Survivors- (Marty far right)
Martin Benjamin “Marty” Mait
Martin “Marty” B. Mait, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Retired, 76, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Friday, May 14, 2010.
Lieutenant Colonel Mait served 21 years of active service in the Army, during which he served two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Korea, and a tour in Germany. He received the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Air Medal. After his military career, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia for 19 years with the Department of Criminal Justice Services; including 10 years as Deputy Director. His service was recognized by the Virginia Senate May 1994 in Senate Resolution No. 103. Following his state service, Marty continued his service to his community as a member of the Fluvanna Planning Commission.
Among his many interests, Marty (AG4DN) was a long time member and State Government Liaison of the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club, a member and Secretary of the Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited Chapter, a 50-year member of the Freemasons and a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Marty graduated from City College of New York with a BA. He would go on to receive a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a Masters in City Planning from the University of Virginia.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lila Cohen Mait of Charlottesville, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell B. and Barbara S. of Chesterfield, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph N. and Elisabeth A. of Bethesda, Maryland; a daughter and son-in-law, Leslie S. Mait and Scott M. Milkovich of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; six grandchildren, Sonja Bauer, Alex Mait, Rachel Milkovich, Simon Mait, Leon Mait, and Nick Milkovich; and a sister, Eleanor Curtis of Gainesville, Florida. He had a special fondness for his two dogs, Rocky and Blue.
A celebration of Marty’s life will be held at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, Virginia, 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010.
Memorials may be made to Trout Unlimited, Civil War Preservation Trust, or a charity of your choice.
Respectfully Submitted
Mark A. Andrews
Founder/Executive Director
Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.
Filed under: Therapeutic Adventures