Last Sheep Camp

Wayne W. Webber

Wayne W. Webber, 88 years old, passed away on Saturday, August 28th, 2021 at his home in New Baltimore, MI. Born in Thompsonville, Michigan, Wayne lived his life in Macomb County, returning to Thompsonville often where he developed his lifelong passions for fishing, hunting and the preservation of wildlife.

Wayne passed away with his “babe” Joanie, wife of 66 years by his side. Wayne is survived by his beloved sister Jeannine Webber. He is preceded in death by his parents Chris & Theresa Webber, brother Melvin, and sister Virginia (Joseph) Rollo.

He leaves behind nieces and nephews, each of whom loved and respected him dearly: Joe (Patty) Rollo, Donna (Al) Path, Cynthia (Alan) Helisek, David (Lynda) Martenson, John (Jennifer) Martenson, and Kris (Kathleen) Martenson, as well as 14 great nieces and nephews and 14 great-great nieces and nephews. Wayne will also be missed by his administrative assistant and dear friend Lisa Marie Tini and his caregivers Lynn, Heather, Diana, and Shawn.

Wayne began an independent concrete business in 1956, but his plans changed with a call to serve a 20-month tour of duty in the Army, including 16 months with peacekeeping forces in Korea.

Upon his return, he restarted his concrete business and asked his grade school friend Earl Champagne to join him. This was the beginning of Champagne-Webber, a small concrete business that grew into a national highway construction company which built highways, bridges, and airport runways in several states.

Until his death, Wayne presided over The Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation which supports endeavors related to healthcare, education, and providing nourishment, clothing and shelter for the less fortunate. One of Wayne’s favorite events was the distribution of new winter clothing to the children in the Benzie County, Michigan school district each fall.

Wayne Webber was a passionate hunter. His love of nature and hunting took him around the globe. He was dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife and supported the people of the regions he visited. On every journey he helped hundreds of people by constructing fresh water wells and watering holes for wildlife during the dry seasons. Clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, and sports equipment are just few of the items he would bring with him for the children he met along his travels.

A celebration of life in honor of Wayne will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in honor of Wayne may be made to the charities that focused on his love and passion for literacy and helping those in need: Beyond Basics Literacy Program and Pope Francis Center. WS

Dr. Ernest Lokey

Dr. Ernest F. Lokey Jr., 89, of Salida died Aug. 29, 2021, at his home.

He was born Nov. 15, 1931, in Lubbock, Texas, to Ernest Franklin Lokey and Noma (Nabors) Lokey.

He attended public school in Farwell, Texas, until age 16 when he enrolled in Wentworth Military Academy, graduating in 1950.

In fall 1950, he enrolled in Texas Tech University and graduated in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a commission in the U.S. Air Force.

He served three years during the Korean War.

Upon completion of military service, he enrolled in Loyola Dental School and received a DDS degree in 1961.

In 1962 he married Betty Jean “B.J.” Enga.

After an additional three years of study to become an orthodontist, he practiced orthodontics for 28 years before retiring.

Dr. Lokey was active and held membership in the American Association of Orthodontics, Southern Society of Orthodontics, American Dental Association, Eagle Scouts, Wild Sheep Federation, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, NRA and Texas Tech Alumni Association.

He enjoyed hiking, hunting, fishing, rafting and skiing and treasured time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jane Lokey Lindsey.

Survivors include his wife; daughter, Enga Ann of Natimuk, Australia; sons, Ernest F. Lokey III of Dania, Florida, Brad Alvin of New Orleans, Louisiana, David Kim of Los Barriles, Baja California, Mexico, and Richard Allain of Midwest City, Oklahoma; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A private service will be held at a later date. WS

Melvin Kilback

The family of Melvin George Kilback is saddened to announce his sudden passing into the arms of his Savior on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the age of 67. A guide outfitter of 41 years, Melvin passed away doing what he loved in the Kettle Valley wilderness.

Melvin was born on June 14, 1954 to the late Ernest (Ernie) and Alvina Kilback. A lifelong resident of Oliver, BC, Melvin was first and foremost a husband to his wife Tami and a father to his daughter Whitney (Reid), as well as brother to Marvin (Edith), Loreen (Gordon), and the late Dale and Sandra.

To others, Melvin was the proud owner of Kettle River Outfitters, a masterful orchardist and gardener, a regular customer or a fellow member at one of the various organizations he was associated with over the years, including most recently, the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia where he served as President of the Okanagan Region and Convention Chair, and previously, the RCMP where he volunteered as an Auxiliary Constable for 17 years, the Good Shepherd Christian School where he served as Chairman of the Board of Parish Education, and the Grace Lutheran Church where he volunteered as a Sunday school teacher.

A humble man of commitment, generosity, patience, integrity and faith, Melvin was so many things to so many people, and will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Melvin’s life will be held at the Kilback family farm on June 18, 2022 in advance of next year’s cherry harvest. Details will follow closer to the date, but all friends are welcome. Condolences and tributes may be left for the family by visiting www.nunespottinger.com WS

Marlene Helms

In April 2019, Marlene Helms was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). She insisted that her husband and longtime member of WSF Dean Helms go for his desert ram to complete his FNAWS. She went along, although she did not hunt because of her health.

Their trip to finish Dean’s FNAWS was to Carmen Island, Mexico. Gaspar with Mexico Hunts took excellent care of them and treated Marlene like a queen. It was a trip that neither on of them would forget. Marlene passed away on June 17, 2021. Dean and Marlene were married for 46 wonderful years and had two beautiful daughters, a son-in-law and grandchildren.

“My FNAWS Award is a tribute to Marlene for her insistence on me completing this hunting accomplishment. Without her persistence, I would probably never have completed it. She is dearly missed every day by me and our children and grandchildren.” Dean Helms WS

Mike Simpson

Forrest Michael “Mike” Simpson, 76, of Bedias, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2022, with his wife, Becky, and children, Michael, Travis, and Barret lovingly by his side. Mike was born on May 2nd, 1945, to Bernice and Forrest Simpson in Crockett, Texas, and raised in Conroe, Texas, with his younger brothers Jerry and Pat.

Mike always had a passion for wildlife and the outdoors. It was this passion that led him to create Conroe Taxidermy in 1972. What began as a hobby in his parent’s carport, grew into the largest taxidermy facility in the southern U.S. and one of the biggest in the nation. Mike ran the family business with his three sons. Mike attributed their business’ growth to hard work, attention to detail, and craftmanship.

Along with his very successful business life, Mike contributed countless hours to Safari Club International, Houston Safari Club Foundation, Dallas Safari Club, and the Wild Sheep Foundation. Mike served as President (SCI, HSCF) and on numerous committees as he believed that by these organizations working cooperatively, they could achieve a common goal of protecting our freedom to hunt and to promote wildlife conservation worldwide.

Mike hunted on six continents, collecting more than 350 species with most qualifying for the record books. He won numerous awards during his lifetime including the C.J. McElroy Award, the Weatherby International Hunter of the Year Award, the World Hunting Award, SCI Hall of Fame Award, and the Jim Conklin Award. Mike Simpson was a member of the NRA, Boone & Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, International Sheep Hunting Association, Sportsman Club of Texas, Ducks Unlimited, Coastal Conversation Association, Rocky Mountain Mule Deer Foundation, Grand Slam Club, Texas Operation Game Thief, Exotic Wildlife Association, National Taxidermy Association, and Record of Exotics.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Becky Simpson, and was a proud father to his three sons and their wives, Michael and Jody, Travis and Dawn, and Barret and Stacey. Mike never missed an opportunity to brag about his grandchildren and great grandchildren and was the best Paw Paw to Megan and Thomas Doyel, Weston and Wendy

John Della Valle

John was born in the middle of an April snowstorm, an unpredictable event...and he led a very unpredictable life. He was born in New York City, not an environment that one associates with a man who loved to hunt and fish and who appreciated everything about nature. His last regret, which he voiced a few days before he passed, was that he wasn’t going to make it to Panama to go fishing.

John’s love of hunting and fishing led him to collect books, bronzes, paintings, and unique items from around the world. He eventually started a business buying and selling collectibles which would only serve to fuel his obsession while he spent his days planning his next trip.

John started his hunting adventures in 1965 in Wyoming, the same year he got married. He began his trophy collection with deer and antelope and then traveled to Canada for elk, moose, and caribou, and to have more unique adventures. In 1977 he shot his bighorn sheep in Alberta, and in 1979, he went to the Simpson, Jacob Simpson and Jenna LaRoy, Autumn Robles Simpson and Kris Robles, Austin Simpson, Tristan Simpson, Brooklyn Simpson, Julia Doyel (six years), Lillian Doyel (two years), Ezekiel Robles Simpson (one year), and soon-to-be-born Levi Forrest Simpson. Mike is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jerry and Vicki Simpson and Pat and Jeanie Simpso,n as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family. The legacy of Mike Simpson’s sincere kindness toward others and un-ending taste for adventure will live on through his large and loving family. WS

Yukon and was able to bring home a Dall’s sheep. He shot a Kodiak brown bear in Alaska in 1981 and was thrilled to see it in the Boone and Crockett record book. He received the Super Ten of North America Award and The Silver Bullet Award. His sights were always firmly set on a FNAWS. He got his Stone’s sheep in 1982 and it took 31 more years for him to go on a desert sheep hunt, which he won from a Grand Slam Club/Ovis® raffle when his sons bought him the winning ticket. It was John’s happiest moment. He made the cover of Grand Slam® magazine and his smile covered the whole page. It was the only hunting trip his wife accompanied him on.

John and his wife traveled the world together. They saw tigers in India, flew close to Mt Everest, rode elephants in Nepal, went on several African safaris in addition to his hunting safari’s, visited most countries in Europe and spent the month of October 2021 in his favorite country, Italy. His passport tells the story of adventure and joy.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, who is an educator, his son, Craig, an orthopedic surgeon in Chicago and, Jared, an architect and real estate developer in Brooklyn. Their concern for the future of our environment and our wildlife will be carried forward by their four children, Evia, Isanna, Dominic and Valentina. WS