I was booked to hunt with the late Phillip Smythe this coming July but with his tragic death I just figured I had lost all my deposits. There was no way I was going to ask a pregnant widow with two small children for a refund. However, early this morning I received this in my inbox.

Dear Mr Mike Core

I hope this email finds you well. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you Compliments of the Season and introduce myself. I am Rob Lurie, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Professional Guides Association (ZPGA), Professional Hunter and Safari Operator.

I write to you today about the safari you booked with Phil Smythe of Ivory Trails Safaris for Zimbabwe this year. I am sure you are aware that Phil was tragically involved in an incident with an Elephant at the end of last year which resulted in Phil passing away. Phil was an exemplary professional and upstanding member of our Association, industry and community. He will be sorely missed. Phil is survived by his wife Leah, their two young girls and a babe on the way.

After consultation with Leah and her family, it has been agreed that all Phils booked safaris should continue as planned.
The funds derived from these safaris will go to a trust fund that has been set up for Leah and the children.

In my capacity as the Chairman of our Association and as a friend of the family I have agreed to assist in communicating with you, explaining to you and helping with the running of your planned safari.
Between myself and a couple of other qualified professional hunters (specifically chosen for their high levels of experience, professionalism and ethics) we will conduct these safaris on the Smythe family’s behalf, and ensure your expectations are met.
We will also finalise who the professional hunter for your safari will be in the next week or so and pass this on to you so that you can communicate and plan the finer details of your safari. Anything else can be communicated through myself.

I am available to communicate with you in the following ways
Email : chairman@zpga.org or robsafari@gmail.com
Signal, WhatsApp or Telegram: +263 773 451 585
Or my USA cell number that I can talk or text on: 262 676 2723

I look forward to hearing back from you

Kind regards


Rob Lurie
ZPGA Chairman
APHA Life Member
DSC Life Member


WOW! I didn't expect this so again thanks to Leah Smythe, Rob Lurie and all the fine members of ZPGA.

I have never met Rob but I have had multiple dealings with him over this matter . Seems like a stand up guy to me.

Now, that is truly commendable and inspiring.

Bravo to the ZPGA and their chairman!

Thanks for sharing this, Mike.

Class acts all around.

Excellent gesture on behalf of ZPGA...awesome!

So glad to hear this. We can only help Phil’s family by prayers and funds.

Jeff

Absolutely amazing. Good job for ZPGA.

Excellent!

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The epitome of class!

Wow I find this extremely commendable. Well done ZPGA!

Outstanding.

Dave

Well done!!

Well done!

I am appropriately impressed.
Imagine a world where political leaders were all this honorable.
Proper.

That is very impressive.

.

Wow ! Thats impressive. Many other professional associations should take a page out of their book ! Cudos ZPGA and Phil"s family!


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PS GunsCore, I hope you post a thorough report here on AR on your scheduled hunt!


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Good for them !

Rob is a good guy as are all of his boeties. Nothing but respect, very cool.

quote:

Originally posted by Charlie64:
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PS GunsCore, I hope you post a thorough report here on AR on your scheduled hunt!


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Will do this coming August. I am also hoping to have a chat with Leah while there.

I last communicated with Rob last week. He o that they were still trying to contact a few remaining clients.

Solid all around.