Rolfe Beagle Club Honors Brian Winters

Brian Winters of Ridgway was a ‘mainstay’ of the Rolfe Beagle Club in northern Elk County for almost 30 years of the club’s 80 years of existence. Brian was the “firewood” guy for the club and was always searching for firewood for the beagle club so the clubhouse could stay warm all winter. The ironic twist to Brian’s search for firewood for the club was that he did not burn firewood at the home he shared with his wife Johnna. “Brian really liked cutting and hauling firewood,” said Johnna, “And helping the Rolfe Beagle Club was important to Brian,” finished Johnna.

Last Sunday, Jim Pennington, Jr., President of the Rolfe Beagle Club, presented Johnna with an honorary plaque in memory of Brian for all his years of dedication to the beagle club. The plaque will hang on the Honor Wall at the beagle club. “Brian was the guy that we depended on for our heavy chainsaw work,” said Kris Viglione, a member of the Board of Directors of the club. “When it came time to cut trees, cut brush, split wood, or haul wood, Brian was there to help,” said Kris.

In addition to being a member for over 30 years, Brian Winters was a member of the Board of Directors of the club for the last 20 years.

“Brian and his friend John Silvis did almost all of the planting in the back training area to improve habitat for wildlife. Brian would plant and John would help; a great team,” said Mary.

It was always worth going to the club on Sunday morning for coffee, and to listen to the latest story from Brian about picking leeks, hunting deer, or jeep riding with Johnna. Brian is missed at the Rolfe Beagle Club. We appreciate that Johnna continues to be involved at the club. We thank Ray Erich for designing the plaque to present to Johnna.

Photo of Jim Pennington Jr., presenting the plaque commemorating Brian Winters to Johnna Winters, Brian’s widow.