Over 40 years ago, a group of men started fishing together. They came from different career paths and backgrounds but had one hobby and passion in common, a strong love for fishing.
Over the next several years, the group grew in number and became a more formalized unit, which they began to refer to as the “Fisherman’s Academy for Relief and Thought.”
The Fisherman’s Academy has taken over 100 fishing trips since 1976. The group consists of 10 core members: Pete Gilbert (‘57), Peter Candler, Jimmy Brown, Roy Lichlyter, Drew Ferguson, Billy Payne, Bill Dukes, Bill Davidson, Tommy Brown (‘56) and Bruce Lanier Jr. (‘61).
“We’ve traveled to nearly every lake in the South and even drove up to Lake Eerie once,” recalls Gilbert. “We’re a group of people that like to fish, and the thing is, we’re pretty good at it.”
Fishing and Friendships
The Fisherman’s Academy led to the foundation of strong friendships between the group of men, who were further bonded by the friendships and connections made through the years between their spouses and families.
“We have faithfully taken two fishing trips each year since 1976 and have an annual dinner as well,” said Gilbert. “Our wives started traveling together and have been to England, France, and even Wyoming. So now, as families, we show up for each other’s lives. We’ve taken interest in each other’s children and grandchildren. It’s not just about catching fish. It’s a matter of exploring each other’s lives and finding new places to go fishing together.”
“Fishing has always been almost as much about the time and the relationships going on at the time as it was about catching fish -- because a lot of times we didn’t catch a whole lot of fish,” reflected Candler. “This group is like one I’ve never seen. We’ve truly bonded from the friendships that have been formed through fishing together. We've been to many weddings and now funerals together.”
Candler continued, “We have a box full of memorabilia and pictures and if you look at the pictures in the boxes there are more pictures of meals that we’ve eaten than fish that we’ve caught. The stories that were told over the dinner table or the breakfast table, the menus and recipes, you’d think that we were more of an eating club than a fishing club, but we always managed to sprinkle a little fishing in with the fellowship.”
Memorializing Strong Friendships
“When we began losing members of our group, we wanted to find a way to remember them in a meaningful way, and we thought about how we could do this,” said Gilbert.
The group’s first loss was Tommy Brown (‘56), who passed away in March 1999. He was followed by Bill Davidson in August 2005 and Bruce Lanier Jr. (‘61) in April 2008. It was at that point that the fishermen sought to memorialize their friends through contributions to organizations that were important to them.
“We began by asking our friends' widows how they’d like to have any contributions designated, and Tommy and Bruce’s wives both agreed upon Darlington,” said Gilbert. “It was important for us all to realize that we could help students (at Darlington) with our gifts, and we feel very fortunate to be able to do this for the school. I think Tommy and Bruce would be thrilled to know that something was set up to help others in their name through the Fisherman’s Academy.”
Many members of the group had connections to Darlington. Lanier's father graduated from the school in 1932, and his brothers, George (‘62) and John (‘65), attended as well. Tommy Brown’s sons, Jeff (‘82) and Rick (‘85), also went to Darlington. Bill Davidson was connected through his son, Bill Davidson III (‘83), and daughter, Martha (Davidson) Coppedge (‘84), who is also deceased.
Since its establishment, The Tommy Brown (‘56) and Bruce Lanier Jr. (‘61) Memorial Fisherman’s Academy has raised approximately $17,000 for general scholarships and financial aid for Darlington, and members of the group continue to contribute to the school in honor of their friends.
“This memorial is a philanthropic and meaningful expression of friendship,” said Joe Montgomery, Darlington’s assistant head of school for strategic initiatives. “By establishing this fund, the members of the Fisherman’s Academy are acknowledging the amazing memories that have been made by creating something positive and enduring for many years to come.”
All students applying to Darlington have the opportunity to also apply for financial aid, and many of Darlington’s families qualify for assistance.
“Any contribution that is given to Darlington towards financial aid makes a difference in the life of a child. The Memorial Fisherman’s Academy is helping a child achieve their dreams,” said DeLean Brandon, director of financial aid. “This gift gives students an opportunity to widen their perspective and challenge themselves at Darlington. There are students that wouldn’t be here without them.”
Families who are considering Darlington are encouraged to schedule a campus visit and contact DeLean Brandon to discuss opportunities for financial assistance that are available.
Recent picture of the Fisherman’s Academy Members
Front row: Billy Payne, Drew Ferguson
Back row: Peter Candler, Roy Lichlyter, Pete Gilbert (‘57), Jimmy Brown, Bill Dukes
“Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it’s not the fish they’re after.” - Henry David Thoreau
