Dr. Chuck Williams remains a beloved man in the Flathead Valley a little more than seven years after his death.

Last Saturday at the Kalispell Sunriser Lions Club’s 50th annual family ice fishing derby, Lions member Mike Wood shared some of Williams’ impact here.

“Chuck was quite the guy, loved hunting, fishing and the outdoors, and we’re honored to continue what he began,” Wood said.

Wood was speaking about Williams beginning a tradition of providing free S’mores at the Sunriser fishing event.

Williams bow-hunted all over North America and was a huge supporter of youth hunters and anglers in the Flathead.

M.R. James, the founder and long-time editor of Bowhunter Magazine, fondly eulogized Williams in a story https://bowhunting.net/2013/12/saying-goodbye/ at bowhunting.net.

James, in part, wrote “Dr. Chuck Williams was perhaps the most positive, upbeat, giving, and eternally optimistic person I’ve ever known. He deeply loved God, his family, friends, all things bowhunting and fishing. He especially treasured his beloved Big Sky Country.”

Williams would have enjoyed Saturday’s annual event on frozen Smith Lake.

Temperatures in the mid 30s, no wind and eight inches of ice greeted about 200 anglers.

Warren Illi, one of the derby’s organizers said there were less anglers than normal, but not surprising with the event the day after Christmas.

“We didn’t know if Christmas being yesterday or Covid would impact the turnout, but it was still a good crowd,” Illi said.

The Stys family, Steven, Amanda and their three boys, Bearet, Riley and Fynlen, were well prepared with an ice hut, two sleighs and an outdoor fire place.

Eight-year-old Bearet landed a northern pike which weighed 3.42 pounds, one of the bigger fish of the day.

Kassie Fisher, of Kalispell, said she was fishing the Sunriser for the first time. She stayed busy baiting hooks while looking after her kids, including 5-year-old Tenley. Tenley was bundled up in a bright green hat with pink coat and snow pants.

Saturday’s winners included Blake Nicholson, who landed the largest pike, and Garrett Allison, who caught the largest perch. In the 12-and-under smallest perch contest, there was a three-way tie. Brayden Reum caught one while Logan Nelson landed two.

Hot food and beverages were available from Lions Club members who kept the gas grill busy while cooking burgers and hot dogs.

Walleyes Unlimited donated 100 rod and reel combos which were given to the youth anglers. Sportsman and Ski Haus sponsored the event, donated bait, prizes for all winners and Flathead Wildlife also donated to the event.

In addition as a public service the event helps the club make a modest amount of money to donate to family fishing pond programs in the valley.

The club is very active in the Flathead, donating to many groups and volunteering at various events.

For more information on the Lions Club, call 406-309-0992 or go to www.kalispell-lions.org and https://www.facebook.com/kalispelllions/.