The ƵappValley Rod and Gun Club (SVRGC) is set to honour the lives of one of its most beloved members and is inviting the entire community to join in the celebration.
Art Brendle, long-time member and 22 rimfire director of the SVRGC, passed away on Aug. 8 after a battle with cancer and the club is set to fête him Sunday (Sept. 21) at 1 p.m.
The public is welcome to attend and a competition will be held in his honour, with a trophy being dedicated to his honour.
“He was a tremendous shooter and really helped to get young people involved in our club,” said Brendle’s close friend Dave Banbury.
Brendle died at the age of 73, was a Ƶappresident for almost 50 years and was a SVRGC member for over 25 years. Banbury said the Brendle would always submit results from SVRGC events to The Ƶapp.
“I think he liked to see his name in lights,” Banbury joked, noting that Brendle was often one of the top performers at local contests.
The German native arrived in Canada in the 1960s and settled in Ƶappshortly thereafter. He worked for 38 years as a driver at Cardinal Concrete and helped the club grow.
“He worked tirelessly at the club to promote 22 caliber Silhouette shooting at the club and encouraged many youth to take up the sport,” said SVRGC communications director Scott Douglas in an email.
The celebration begins at 1 p.m. at the club and will feature a shooting competition, followed up by words from Brendle’s close friends. Anyone interested can attend the event for free.
For more information on the SVRGC, visit www.svrgc.org.