It is with deep regret that we report the death of Eugene “Gene” Oviatt of South Park Quail and Clays, Lake Park, Ga., on Saturday, March 2. Oviatt’s death was reported to us by John F. Letsinger, NSCA National Delegate from Georgia. According to Letsinger, Oviatt died of an apparent heart attack while on the 5-stand at Bradford Sports Farm in Florida. Emergency care was given to him immediately, but was not successful. Oviatt was an NSCA Life Member and Level II Certified Instructor. We will update this post with more details as they become available.    Read More →

Memorial services were held on Sunday, January 27, for John P. Jensen, 70, of Bolton, CT. John passed away last Tuesday, January 22. John joined NSSA on January 1, 1968, and was a former World Champion and skeet instructor. He was a member of the Hartford Gun Club. He was also an avid fly fisherman. He was retired from Aetna Life & Casualty Insurance Company in Hartford, CT. John is survived by his wife, Marilyn Scola Jensen; a daughter, Jennifer Friedrichsen of Rowayton; two brothers, Howard P. Jensen, Jr. of Seminole, FL and Glenn M. Jensen of Brier, WA; and two grandchildren, Annika Friedrichsen and John Friedrichsen. He was predeceased by his first wife, Donna R. Jensen. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Kidney Foundation,... [SEE MORE]

NSSA member Claude Arnold Townsend, age 68, of Birmingham, AL, died January 17, and a memorial service in his honor was held on January 22. Claude first joined NSSA in 1979 and was an Alabama Skeet Champion. He also served as Assistant Coach for the University of Alabama Skeet Team. Claude owned Chemical Solutions and most recently worked for Clayton Industries. He served in the National Guard and was an active outdoorsman, participating in skeet shooting, hunting, and scuba diving. He also volunteered as a local youth sports coach. He is survived by his daughters, Kris Elizabeth Ames (Steve) and Kimberly Jordan Townsend (Greg Mowczo), both of Lafayette, IN; and brother, Michael Townsend (Kelly) of Waco, TX. He was preceded in death by his wife,... [SEE MORE]

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 25, for Master Engraver, William (Bill) Hugh Mains, who passed away on December 28, 2012, in Bandera, TX. Mains, of Knightstown, IN, performed his trade for many years at skeet events, including the World Shoot. He was survived by his sister, Margaret Coggeshall, daughters Robin E. Mains and Kimberly B. Mains-Agee, three granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews across the globe. Bill began his career by serving in goldsmith and watchmaker apprenticeship positions during high school. He graduated in 1954 as a hand jewelry engraver from Bowman Technical School in Lancaster, PA. He began engraving guns while serving in the United States Air Force. Following honorable discharge from the Air... [SEE MORE]

We are saddened to report the passing of Steven Craig “Steve” Peterson on Tuesday, January 8. Steve, age 62, was owner of NSCA member club Shooters, Inc., a Minnesota range and mobile unit. Steve passed away at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center. A celebration of Steve’s life will be Saturday, January 12 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Milroy, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Redwood City Cemetery. Steve was born August 15, 1950, in Marshall to Warren and Dona (Welter) Petersen. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Milroy. He graduated from Milroy High School in 1968 and attended Southwest State University, graduating in 1972.... [SEE MORE]

NSCA and its staff and members extend their condolences to the family of Michelle “Shelly” Kriz of Brainard, Nebraska upon her death from cancer on Friday, December 14. She was 37. Shelly was the wife of Terry Kriz, owner of Oak Creek Sporting Club. Many members knew Shelly from the club, as she often helped with tournaments at Oak Creek. Shelly was passionate about her family, including 12 foster children for whom she and Terry cared over the years, and Relay for Life, in which she was very involved. She is survived by her husband Terry; children, Olivia, Linda, Millie, Kayden, Devin, and Deloke; her parents, David and Lynette Vyhlidal of Elkhorn, Neb.; parents-in-law, Dean and Lynelle Kriz of Brainard, NE; brother Scott and Amy... [SEE MORE]

Longtime NSSA member and referee A.B. “Scotty” Mitchell lost his battle with cancer on Sunday, November 18, at the age of 71. Scotty joined NSSA in 1971, registered well over 100,000 targets, and refereed all over the country, including at the World Shoot. He was New York State Chief Referee from 1984 to 1995. He was also a member of the Long Point Waterfowl Association, Ontario Association of Anglers and Hunters, the Fin, Feather and Fur Conservation Club (3F Club), and the Ilion Fish and Game Club. He worked for General Motors for over 30 years. Scotty’s daughter spent the summer with him rehashing old skeet stories, and the one he mentioned in particular was the HOA “non” shoot-off at the 2008 World Championships.... [SEE MORE]

NSSA and NSCA join the family, friends, and employees of Perazzi in mourning the loss of Daniele Perazzi, the company’s legendary founder. Mr. Perazzi passed away on November 7. Mr. Perazzi’s funeral was on Friday, November 9 in Brescia, Italy. The factory was to reopen on Monday, November 12. An announcement was posted on the Perazzi website: The Founder and President of Armi Perazzi, Daniele Perazzi, has passed away. To all who have had the privilege to know and appreciate his greatness and his genius, you can be assured that his legacy will live in Mauro and Roberta Perazzi. You can read about Mr. Perazzi’s career in this informative tribute at SportingShooterMag.com.  Read More →

We regret to inform the NSCA community that Life Member Robert A. “Bob” Christensen died early Saturday morning in Kansas while on a hunting trip with family and friends. Bob died from an apparent heart attack. He was 51. Bob was CEO of Christensen Farms & Feedlots, Inc., one of the largest pork production companies in the United States, headquartered in Sleepy Eye, MN. He was considered an icon of the pork industry and was honored for his innovation and leadership. “Bob was one of the quiet leaders in sporting clays, someone who always stepped in when there was a need without seeking credit for his participation,” said Robert Crow, NSCA Director. “He was supportive of our member clubs, shooters, and the association.... [SEE MORE]

Our deepest sympathies go out to friends and family of Bill Mock, a long-time NSSA referee who was killed at work in a mining accident on September 13. According to the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail, Mock, 61, was struck by a falling rock at a mine in Pennsylvania. Bill joined NSSA in 1994 and has refereed all over the country, including at the World Shoot for many years. Bill’s presence, professionalism, and smile on the field will be missed by all.    Read More →