Loss of Owain Lewis

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Loss of Owain Lewis

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11 June 2012, 22:26

Bwanamich

Loss of Owain Lewis

deepest sympathies to Owain's family! A reminder to all of us heading into the field to remain focused.

"...Them, they were Giants!"
J.A. Hunter describing the early explorers and settlers of East Africa

hunting is not about the killing but about the chase of the hunt.... Ortega Y Gasset

11 June 2012, 23:19

Tembo

Very sad news. My condolences to his family and friends.

______________________
Age and Treachery Will Always Overcome Youth and Skill

12 June 2012, 02:07

ledvm

Owain was a very good friend of my friend Nigel Theisen...but I had never met him. Nigel spoke very highly of Owain and had hunted with him back when he (Nigel) was with Alan Lowe. Alan and Owain were good friends as well. Alan was killed by a cow ele in Chewore South 20+ years ago (there is a plaque on a Baobab tree there to mark the spot) and now Owain in Chewore North.

I am sure Alan and Owain are catching up as we type in God's safari camp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.

12 June 2012, 02:11

chuckmaxman

Sad sad story!!! My condolences to Owain's family and friends.

12 June 2012, 02:27

Michael Robinson

It's a tough line of work when a man may have to pay with his life for another's mistake. All too often, that's what a DG PH does.

My condolences and sympathy to Mr. Lewis's family and friends for their loss.

Mike

Wilderness is my cathedral, and hunting is my prayer.

12 June 2012, 02:36

Nakihunter

I just said a prayer for the family. cannot say anything more at such a sad time. Great to know that AR is a place where people really care for other hunters.

"When the wind stops....start rowing. When the wind starts, get the sail up quick."

12 June 2012, 02:40

gunslinger55

Wow terribly sad outcome. condolences to his family. Sounds like he stood his ground to the end nothing more can be asked of a PH. Very unlucky chain of events for sure. Going on my first Buff hunt in Oct. thinking if changing from .416 to .458

Rest in Peace

White Mountains Arizona

12 June 2012, 04:05

BigUglyMan

I met Owain in 2010 while on safari in Chewore South. We shared a table several times with Owain and Mike (his client) and I thought to myself on several occasions "I hope I get a chance to come back here and hunt with this guy". I just read this thread and my heart sank. Any chance of hunting with this gentleman have been forever dashed.

What a terrible loss. My heart goes out to Owain's family, blood and Chifuti. I hardly knew him and I'm nearly in tears. I can't imagine the hole for his loved ones.

SCI Life Member
DRSS

"In those savage countries success frequently depends upon one particular moment; you may lose or win according to your action at that critical instant."

Sir Samuel Baker

12 June 2012, 08:49

pagosawingnut

I probably don't have the right to add anything to this subject but all of the posts seem to be from people that Have had their souls touched by Owain. I know I did. People that have had the privilege of hunting with him and people that have met him and wished they had. God rest his soul. Hopefully, he died peacefully and quick and hopefully, he died doing what he loved. What more can a MAN ask for??? To be lost and missed by his friends, acquaintances and those that bearly knew him, like me. His passing brought tears to my old eyes. He was the man. A man that I could strive to be.
God rest his soul.

12 June 2012, 09:24

georgeld

Not to take anything away from what this great man accomplished.

BUT: the fact remains: No one can kill game of any kind or size unless you hit them right.
In such a case as this nothing other than a shot to the CNS mattered and they all failed to connect with such a shot. Resulting in this mans death and many others filled with sadness because it happened.
My best to all.
George

"Gun Control is NOT about Guns'
"It's about Control!!"
Join the NRA today!"

LM: NRA, DAV,

George L. Dwight

12 June 2012, 12:53

Torbjørn

Very sorry to hear. My condolences to his family and friends.

Torbjorn

12 June 2012, 21:41

TAMELA MOSS

Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

Most have herd the news of the tragic death of Chifuti’s Senior PH Owain Lewis. This has been a difficult thing to settle in my heart and mind. Like you, I’m one of the many that loved Owain and Robbie. They stayed at our house during the last safari show season, and traveled to visit as many of their friends as they could get to. My first reaction was to depart the states to attend his funeral. But the needs of Owain’s family have quickly become apparent, and cannot be overlooked or neglected.

If Owain would ask anything of his friends ... he would ask that we take care of his wife. There’s no insurance, and little savings or resources. Like most, they lost everything when they lost their farm. This family was dependent on a PH's income. Robbie Lewis needs the help of friends and the safari community that Owain loved and lost his life to.

Safari Classics has opened a memorial account in Owain’s name for just this purpose. This is a short-term account intended to address the multitude of Robbie’s immediate needs. I leave for Harare in 6 weeks and will deliver to Robbie, the entire amount. There will not be a deposit into the Zim banking system. We wish, as do you, that Robbie receive 100% of the Qwain Lewis Memorial Fund.

Please see the banking details below. A wire transfer from your bank to Owain’s account is most efficient. You may also send a check to either the bank directly – or to the Safari Classics office, both addresses are provided. We will make the deposit and keep current for Robbie, a list of all who have donated in Owain’s memory.

Bless you all for your concern, compassion and desire to help this extraordinary man and his beautiful Robbie. There are not words to describe the void his passing has left in our lives. I’m proud and fortunate to have the right to call Owain Lewis my friend. It’s because Owain had so many friends that we have this opportunity to grieve and share this loss, and to come together to help our Robbie.

Tamela Moss
Safari Classics and Chifuti Safaris

Wire Instructions

*** When wiring please MEMO: Owain Memorial Fund, FOB Robbie Lewis

Account Name: Safari Classics
Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

Account Number: 1440000453610
Account Address: 5206 McKinney Ave Ste 101
Dallas, TX 75205

Routing Number: 111017694
BB&T Swift Code: BRBTUS33

Bank Address: BB&T Bank
717 N. Harwood Ste. 100
Dallas, TX 75201
Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

13 June 2012, 01:42

jstevens

Personally, while it is always bad for someone to die before his time, he was doing what he enjoyed. I may be a little different, but I'd rather get mashed by an elephant at 60 than spend 10 years in a nursing home and die at 80 while bankrupting my children to keep me alive. There are worse ways to go than this, trust me I've seen them.

A shot not taken is always a miss

13 June 2012, 08:21

timg953

My condolences go out to Owain's family and friends. Friday, Dave Fulson and some of Owain's other friends will be live on high caliber radio sharing their memories. If you want to listen go to www.highcaliberradio.net at 1pm Friday or 5pm(cst)Sunday and click the listen live button for KFPW 1230.

13 June 2012, 09:19

luv2safari

Qwain was a big man in so many ways. His loss leaves an enormous void.

My condolences to his family and good friends.

13 June 2012, 22:42

LionHunter

My check is in the mail. Where's yours?

The intent is to hand deliver 100% of the donations to Robbie Lewis in 6 weeks. After expressing your condolences, get a check in the mail, PLEASE.

Mike
______________
DSC
DRSS (again)
SCI Life
NRA Life
Sables Life
Mzuri
IPHA

"To be a Marine is enough."

13 June 2012, 23:00

larryshores

I Fedexed a check the day the information came available. Having thought about this, I see a way to get the family more with with no more net cost to the contributor.

Contributions to this Fund are not tax deductible. If a charity was involved, a larger amount could be given that was tax deductible and have the exact same net cost.

For me personally, a $1 donation to the Fund is the same as giving $1.56 to a charity. The math is:

$1.56-($1.56x.36)= $1.00

I imagine a 50% increase to the family would be meaningful. Just a thought for the organizers of this worthwhile cause.

14 June 2012, 00:17

Rich Elliott

Owain is the gentle giant on the far left. A soft spoken Gentleman if ever there was one. I've known him since 1981 and we tried to stay in contact throughout the years. Candi and I last visited with he and Robbie at SCI LV this year. Such a shock to hear of his passing.
Our hearts go out to Robbie.
Rich & Candi Elliott

Rich Elliott
Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris

14 June 2012, 14:07

jaegerfrank

Interesting pic, is ist possible to get more background to it? Many thanks!

14 June 2012, 14:27

Torbjørn

quote:
Originally posted by jaegerfrank:
Interesting pic, is ist possible to get more background to it? Many thanks!

Correct me if I wrong, but I think this pic is taken during the production of the DVD Bolted to Death by Mark Buchanan/Big Bore Production. Mr Buchanan is the person nr 3 from right. Rob and Barry Styles (Buffalo Range Safaris), Mike Roden and Joe Smithson (both from Granite Mountain Rifles) also on the pic.

Rifles in caliber 275 Rigby, 375 HH, 416 Rigby, 404 and 500 Jeffrey`s, 458 Lott and 505 Gibb`s.

Torbjorn

14 June 2012, 16:53

Rich Elliott

Correct. Mark sent it to me a few years back.
Rich Elliott

Rich Elliott
Ethiopian Rift Valley Safaris

14 June 2012, 19:34

Elton Rambin

British hunter killed by buffalo he was trying to shoot

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

A British man working as a professional hunter on a private game reserve in
Zimbabwe has been killed by a wounded buffalo he was trying to shoot.

By Peta Thornycroft, Aislinn Laing in Johannesburg

2:45PM BST 11 Jun 2012

Owain Lewis, 67, had been tracking the animal for three days to finish it
off after it was shot and injured by a visiting American hunter he was
escorting.

Paul Smith, the owner of Chifuti Safaris in the lower Zambezi Valley, said
Mr Lewis was "very tough and experienced" but had been caught unawares when
the buffalo charged from the undergrowth and tossed him in the air.

"It turned on him and attacked him and unfortunately the apprentice hunter
with him could not shoot the animal as Owen's body was in the way," he said.

"It was a very tough fight. Owain's neck was broken but the apprentice did
manage to kill the buffalo.

"We are very shocked. This is the first time we have had an incident like
this.

"We have had so many messages of support from people who hunted with Owen.

It is a tragedy."

One of the people who hunted with Mr Lewis, Alan Bunn, posted on a message
board that he was "a man who had probably forgotten more about Africa and
hunting than any of the younger professional hunters will ever learn".

"He was a kind soul who worked hard and always carried with him the very
best of attitudes," he wrote.

Mr Lewis is understood to have adult children, who were travelling to
Zimbabwe from their homes in the United States and New Zealand for a funeral
on Friday.

He previously ran his own ranch in the Chegutu district of central Zimbabwe
but it was seized by Zanu PF supporters in 2001.

The Cape Buffalo is one of African safaris' prized Big Five and one of the
most dangerous animals in the world, also known as "The Widow-maker". It can
grow up to 1.7 metres in height and 3.4 metres in length, and weigh as much
as 910kg.

Elton Rambin
Mail/Ship: 1802 Horse Hollow Rd.
Barksdale, Texas 78828
Phone: 479 461 3656
Ranch: 830-234-4366
Check our Hunt & Class Schedule
at
www.ftwoutfitters.com

4 Rules of Gun Safety
1/ Treat all guns as though they are loaded.
2/ Never point the muzzle at anything you do not want to shoot.
3/ Do not put your finger on trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot.
4/ Be sure of your target and safe background.

14 June 2012, 21:33

MHC_TX

My condolences to Owain's family and friends. I have also sent a donation to the Owain Memorial Fund.

Do I interpret this correctly (from the below statement)......that Owain knew the buffalo was there and was able to engage it (fire 3 shots), but not stop/kill it before it got to him?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
From Aaron Neilson's post on 6/11/12 of what they found at the scene "FYI - Owain was carrying his .458 bolt gun. I found 3 spent rounds in the path, and exactly where Owain was standing when he initially got hit.......just 12 feet behind where the bull initially hit him"
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

.

15 June 2012, 00:21

Alan Bunn

quote:
...

A British man working as a professional hunter on a private game reserve in
Zimbabwe has been killed by a wounded buffalo he was trying to shoot.

...

had been caught unawares when the buffalo charged from the undergrowth and
tossed him in the air.

"It turned on him and attacked him and unfortunately the apprentice hunter
with him could not shoot the animal as Owen's body was in the way," he said.

"It was a very tough fight. Owain's neck was broken but the apprentice did
manage to kill the buffalo.

...

One of the people who hunted with Mr Lewis, Alan Bunn, posted on a message
board that he was "a man who had probably forgotten more about Africa and
hunting than any of the younger professional hunters will ever learn".

"He was a kind soul who worked hard and always carried with him the very
best of attitudes," he wrote.

...

He previously ran his own ranch in the Chegutu district of central Zimbabwe
but it was seized by Zanu PF supporters in 2001.

...

Therre are several mistakes in this article.

First, Owain was not British. He was born in Rhodesia and died a Rhodesian.

Second, I did not say the quote attributed to me. Chris E. Nelson was the one who said it. However, I totally agree with the statement and WISH I had been eloquent enough to have said it.

Third, Aaron Nelson, a source on the ground, stated the client's son killed the buffalo and not the apprentice PH. I think I will go with Aaron's account, especially considering all the other mistakes in this article. Also, I don't think they were caught 'unawares' as stated, but I suppose it is still up in the air as to the actual sequence of events.

Fourth, Owain was smart enough to sell Damvuri to the Zimbabwean government early on, when they still had money to buy out the white farmers.

Cheers,

~ Alan

Life Member NRA
Life Member SCI

email: editorusa(@)africanxmag(dot)com

African Expedition Magazine: http://www.africanxmag.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.p.bunn

Twitter: http://twitter.com/EditorUSA

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. ~Keller

To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; to be credible we must be truthful. ~ Murrow

15 June 2012, 00:34

Elton Rambin

Alan.

Thanks for the corrections to the story that appeared in Telegraph.
Elton

15 June 2012, 16:44

BigBBear

Larry, your point on tax deductability is the one I stressed in the other thread. We have the ability with the 501,c,3 SMS PH relief Fund to do just that. I am on the board with several other AR members and we ensure the money is used as intended. In the case of John Greeff, tis opportunity was utilized and all proceeds as well as proceeds from the raffle went directly to Johns family. We are working to gain some awareness on this subject alone and create a living, breathing, substantial PH relief fund so that we are not caught on our back foot as we usually are. Presently, we have some good video footage of the impact a devastating injury has on a PH or tracker and what this fund can do. More to come on this as I am making a request of Saeed to post a topic on this effort. Also, as I said in Buzz's post, I have sent a PM to Dave Fulson to discuss the possibility of using the SMS tool to raise higher levels of money for Owains family due to the tax value of the donation but I have not heard back from him. I feel it rude to just start an effort when someone already has started one if the two are not in sync. I assume they are all busy and I will hear back soon. Thanks for pointing out the tax value of a donation if channelled properly to all. A lot of time this gets missed.

Larry

15 June 2012, 23:34

Alan Bunn

Currently 2:34 PM Eastern Standar Time

If you are close to your computer, David Fulson is being interviewed right now about Owain.

They are going to talk to me next. It will be re-broadcast on Sunday.

High Caliber Radio

Here is a link to their website:

www.highcaliberradio.net

16 June 2012, 21:10

Bill/Oregon

This thread has been heartbreaking, and I never had the chance to meet the man. I am so sorry for Owain's wife and family. It is clear by the eloquence with which so many are expressing their grief that he was a special guy.

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author

17 June 2012, 00:01

Bill/Oregon

Just feel called to help the Lewis family, so I put a signed Jack O'Connor book up on offer in the classifieds. All proceeds to the Lewis fund. Thanks for considering.
Tough Father's Day.

There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author

17 June 2012, 18:06

Muvhimi

I have known Owain Lewis and his family for over 30 years and am deeply saddened by his passing. An extraordinary man , a gentle giant.

A few years ago I had ordered a new Landcruiser for the upcoming hunting season with my first hunt starting in May. Sadly the Toyota agent was very slow in getting the vehicle to me on time . I had met Owain in Harare and vented my frustrations about my vehicle not arriving in time for my first client. The next morning Owain arrived at my house with a vehicle for me to use. Not any vehicle - his best Landrover. I was stunned by this man's kindness and gererosity and was able to carry on with my hunt.

Thanks to Tamela Moss and Safari Classics for setting up a fund for Robbie. Believe me folks they really need this money - things are economically tough in Zimbabwe. My last client Jeff Quinn is on his way home right now. He did not know Owain but shared this tragic news over this past week with me around the fire. He not only let me take a day off his hunt to let us attend the funral but is sending a check to the fund. Thank you!

My sincere condolences to Robbie, Sherrie and Rowan + family. Owain's death has left a huge void in our lives.

Andy & Sarah Hunter and all staff at Chipitani Safari Co and Zimbabwe dip and pack.

17 June 2012, 23:58

subsailor74

quote:
Originally posted by TAMELA MOSS:
Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

Most have herd the news of the tragic death of Chifuti’s Senior PH Owain Lewis. This has been a difficult thing to settle in my heart and mind. Like you, I’m one of the many that loved Owain and Robbie. They stayed at our house during the last safari show season, and traveled to visit as many of their friends as they could get to. My first reaction was to depart the states to attend his funeral. But the needs of Owain’s family have quickly become apparent, and cannot be overlooked or neglected.

If Owain would ask anything of his friends ... he would ask that we take care of his wife. There’s no insurance, and little savings or resources. Like most, they lost everything when they lost their farm. This family was dependent on a PH's income. Robbie Lewis needs the help of friends and the safari community that Owain loved and lost his life to.

Safari Classics has opened a memorial account in Owain’s name for just this purpose. This is a short-term account intended to address the multitude of Robbie’s immediate needs. I leave for Harare in 6 weeks and will deliver to Robbie, the entire amount. There will not be a deposit into the Zim banking system. We wish, as do you, that Robbie receive 100% of the Qwain Lewis Memorial Fund.

Please see the banking details below. A wire transfer from your bank to Owain’s account is most efficient. You may also send a check to either the bank directly – or to the Safari Classics office, both addresses are provided. We will make the deposit and keep current for Robbie, a list of all who have donated in Owain’s memory.

Bless you all for your concern, compassion and desire to help this extraordinary man and his beautiful Robbie. There are not words to describe the void his passing has left in our lives. I’m proud and fortunate to have the right to call Owain Lewis my friend. It’s because Owain had so many friends that we have this opportunity to grieve and share this loss, and to come together to help our Robbie.

Tamela Moss
Safari Classics and Chifuti Safaris

Wire Instructions

*** When wiring please MEMO: Owain Memorial Fund, FOB Robbie Lewis

Account Name: Safari Classics
Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

Account Number: 1440000453610
Account Address: 5206 McKinney Ave Ste 101
Dallas, TX 75205

Routing Number: 111017694
BB&T Swift Code: BRBTUS33

Bank Address: BB&T Bank
717 N. Harwood Ste. 100
Dallas, TX 75201
Owain Lewis Memorial Fund

Tamela - This must have been especially difficult given that Owain and Robbie stayed with you in Dallas for 6 weeks earlier this year. Many thanks to you for personally taking the initiative to set up this fund for Robbie Lewis and doing ALL of the grunt work to make sure the fund collects and gets the money to Owain's widow. The world is a better place because of the selfless efforts of people like you.
Mangwana

18 June 2012, 00:19

bwana cecil

AMEN!

LORD, let my bullets go where my crosshairs show.
Not all who wander are lost.
NEVER TRUST A FART!!!
Cecil Leonard

18 June 2012, 04:02

TAMELA MOSS

I’m proud to announce that the Belgain Browning .458 rifle, donated and listed in the “Owain Lewis Memorial Fund” thread, has been purchased and the proceeds of $ 1,500.00 will be added to Owain’s Memorial Fund on Monday. Huge thanks to Mangwana for this great idea, and for donating the rifle. Thanks to all for your interest and inquiries.

18 June 2012, 05:12

ravenr

Would 1 of you
start a new post.
tell the rest of us
your favorite story about this man.
I for one want to know more.
Hope I'm not out of line
with this request but I am
intriged of this gentleman
who touched so many others.

18 June 2012, 07:34

LittleJoe

I am sorry to read and hear of his passing but where it was his lively hood I cannot imagine he would want to go any other way. I know for one that if it was my time to go I would prefer that it was doing what I love to do. It is very unfortunate for all of us that are left behind to feel bad about it. He is in a better place and may his wife and childrens hearts be filled with found memories for life.

I wish that people would quit pointing fingers at the hunter; bottom line we were not there and don't know the answers to some questions.

God speed and god bless Owain's family.

18 June 2012, 19:58

RickCap

I am just learning of the sad news regarding the loss of PH Owain Lewis after returning from a very successful and safe 14 day safari in Dande East with CMS. I know it will not be lost on most of you - my PH on my recent safari was Alan Shearing and we shot two buffalo safely and cleanly. I can assure that I was very relieved on that on count.

I did not know Owain but given the sentiments expresed it sounds like he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. My sincere condolences to his family and to his fellow PH brethren.

Rick

19 June 2012, 19:02

465H&H

I have to admit that I did not know Owain or had even heard his name before this incident. It appears from the posts here, that was my loss. I would have enjoyed spending some time afield with him.

465H&H

20 June 2012, 00:36

Tom In Tennessee

Very sad....never met the Gentleman but he was obviously trusted and loved by many as a true Professional

20 June 2012, 07:33

ExpressYourself

I am very sad to hear of the death of Owain. I would like to offer my sincere and deepest condolences to Robbie, Owain’s family, friends, and his hunting associates.

Respectfully,
Shawn

Shawn Joyce
Diizche Safari Adventures
P.O. Box 1445
Lincoln, CA 95648
E-mail: shawn.joyce@diizchesafariadventures.net
Cell: (916) 804-3318

Shoot Straight, Live the Dream, and Keep Turning the Pages to Your Next Adventure!™
Website- www.DiizcheSafariAdventures.com
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Twitter- http://twitter.com/DiizcheSafari
YouTube- http://www.youtube.com/user/shawncjoyce
Facebook- http://on.fb.me/gYytdn
Instagram: diizchesafari_official

29 June 2012, 02:35

BigUglyMan

Cheque sent in the mail today.

SCI Life Member
DRSS

"In those savage countries success frequently depends upon one particular moment; you may lose or win according to your action at that critical instant."

Sir Samuel Baker