I was deeply saddened to hear of Gene Bullard's passing today. Gene was a unique individual who left a hugely significant mark on custom rod building and a deep impression on hundreds of dear friends and associates. We are all richer for having known him.

Gene's accomplishments in the rod building field loom large. Many of the products and methods we take for granted today were first brought to the craft through Gene's innovative mind and countless experiments. As a businessman, he had few equals. In many ways, his rod building component supply business set the standard for the modern component supply business. Even though it was a large enterprise, Gene personally answered nearly every sales call and provided a level of personal attention and service that remains unrivaled.

The Bullard Diamond One-Coat and later Diamond II epoxies set the standard for thread wrap coatings for many years. His CPX color preserver still retains cult status. His line of E-Z adhesives changed the course of rod building hot melt products.

Some of the earliest books and pamphlets on rod building were published by Gene. They included his own rod building wisdom which was extensive. Gene was one of the earliest rod building thread artists. Many of the instructional treatises on wrapping handed down over the years originated with Gene and were then passed down through his many employees who eventually went to work throughout the rod building and fishing industry.

Gene was also a talented fisherman and his list of fishing buddies reads like a who’s who of the fishing tackle industry. Those who didn’t know him might regard some of his tales as mere bravado or imagination. Those who did know him regard those same tales as highly fascinating fact. In many ways, Gene was larger than life.

It has been a privilege to publish Gene’s articles on rod building history these past few years in RodMaker. I have a few more as yet unpublished and will continue to print them until they run their course.

Gene was 76 years old. He will be sorely missed.

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I, for one, have enjoyed Gene's articles in the magazine, Tom. My thoughts and prayers go to his family.

Gene was an incredible man. I met him thru Jean Harrington as a fledgling rod builder in the late 60s or early 70s and was instantly impressed by his openness and willingness to help. He added greatly to this craft/industry in so many ways. Like Fran myh thoughts and prayers to his family.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/30/2008 11:33AM by James(Doc) Labanowski.

Although I never met Gene, his prescence and contributions to the industry/craft were felt by all of us! God Bless!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I never met Gene, but had been meaning to post a thank you to him, as I really enjoyed his articles - they were my favorite part of the getting RodMaker! My prayers go out to his family.

Marc

Never met Gene either, His articles were always intresting. Prayers to his family!!

Just last night before bed I picked up an old Rodmaker with Gene`s article about catalogs. I thought to myself after reading it what a pillar he is in the rod building community. An amazing man. Sorry to hear of his passing, Prayers to his family and friends.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Another great name in the rod building has left us...My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I was one of his first customers when he opened shop...Fish on Gene !!!!! I will remember with great fondness our telephone conversations in the late sixtys and early seventys and he always threw in a fish story.

Tight Lines
Tight Wraps
Fishin'Stix by Fred

I had a nice talk with Gene's niece this morning. She is already hearing from folks all over the Country and beyond. Gene had many good friends - people that started as his customers and employees, and rose to eventually take important positions throughout the tackle and other industries.

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Sadden to hear this. A big loss to everyone who build rods. Thanks for publishing his stories in the Magazine. Always looked forward to reading them. God Bless and our condolences to his family.

Never had the pleasure of meeting Gene but have enjoyed many of his writings. My condolences to his family and the many many Friends that loved him.

Enjoyed his recent articles in RodMaker..my.condolences to the family and to his good and best friends.

In what I've learned about Gene Bullard, someone I've never met....sounds like he was REALLY into rodbuilding back in the day, When he decided he needed to get out, sounds like he backed off 100% from rodbuilding and dove 100% into a second passion of Horticulture, and succeeded at that.... I find that priceless....and then in these past couple of years, contribute some of his efforts back to rodbuilding. Thank you.


Salute.....\_/

NERB that types with a bar of Ivory soap in his mouth.