State of Vermont


House of Representatives

Montpelier, Vermont

Concurrent House Resolution

www.leg.state.vt.us

H.C.R. 54

House concurrent resolution in memory of Thomas E. Evanoika of Castleton

Offered by: Representatives Helm of Castleton and Canfield of Fair Haven

Whereas, Tom Evanoika left an outstanding legacy to Vermont anglers based on his roles as a successful entrepreneur, passionate advocate, and dedicated teacher, and

Whereas, he established “Tom’s Bait & Tackle shop” in Castleton, which is a unique emporium and gathering place for fishing enthusiasts, and

Whereas, fishing and the preservation of Lake Bomoseen were the heart and soul of Tom Evanoika’s life, and both had no more caring and devoted friend, and

Whereas, he was happy to share his extensive knowledge with any interested angler, and he devoted many hours to introducing youngsters to his favorite pastime, and

Whereas, Tom Evanoika established the Lake Bomoseen ice fishing derby and passed its operation to the local Lions Club which continues to operate this event for charitable purposes, and

Whereas, he was an outspoken advocate on behalf of Vermont’s fisheries, and he revolutionized the department of fish and wildlife’s fry stocking program by assisting in bagging and transporting fry to remote locations and helping to improve their survival rate, and

Whereas, Tom Evanoika was instrumental in the establishment of Vermont’s bait fisheries’ industry and helped to draft its administrative rules, and

Whereas, he was one of the state’s most skilled and best known fishermen who was successful when others were not because he was very knowledgeable about fish and their environment, and

Whereas, Tom Evanoika was so respected and admired in the fishing community that news of his death brought some of his fellow anglers to tears, and

Whereas, his wife of 37 years, Irene, and their daughters Brenda and Laura have lost a beloved husband and father, now therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:

That the General Assembly extends its condolences to the family of the late Tom Evanoika, and be it further

Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to Irene Evanoika in Castleton.

______Attested to:

Gaye R. Symington

Speaker of the House

______

Peter F. Welch Donald G. Milne

President pro tempore Clerk, House of Representatives

Date:______

www.leg.state.vt.us