Edward George Van Put

Edward George “Ed” Van Put, of Livingston Manor, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, life-long conservationist and renowned fly-fisherman and outdoorsman, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years of age. 

Born in 1936 to Emil Edward Van Put and Agnes Post Van Put in Paterson, New Jersey, he grew up in northern New Jersey with his brother Russell and enjoyed hunting and fishing, encouraged by his grandfather Edward Louis Van Put. Upon graduating from Hawthorne High School he enlisted with the US Army, proudly serving as a medic. After his service, he began to thrive in a corporate job, but felt a call to pursue a life closer to the land, captivated by fly-fishing the rivers of the Catskill Mountains. 

He settled in Livingston Manor in 1965, and worked as a fisheries professional for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for forty years. His love of fishing inspired a lifelong effort to preserve and protect the natural beauty and rare qualities of Catskill rivers. He secured more than fifty four miles of public fishing rights, access, and special regulation fishing areas–a state record–and was awarded the agency’s highest honor, the Ernest F. Trad Award. His contributions in stream management and habitat reflected a diligence and passion for learning about and from nature, focused on protecting our pristine waters for future generations.

On the river, Ed became an angling legend who earned his nick-name “the Admiral of the Delaware,” and spent countless hours fishing, most often using his favored trout fly, the Adams. A master fly-caster and fly-tyer, Ed honed his skills from noted experts like Harry and Elsie Darbee and enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with others. He was an original instructor at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing, where he introduced many to the joys of fly-fishing, and also enjoyed the camaraderie of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild, hoping to inspire others to carry on the traditions of the Catskill style. 

As a meticulous researcher and historian, Ed wrote extensively on fishing and history. His writing appeared in publications throughout the world, and he authored five books, including two editions of The Beaverkill: The History of a River and Its People; Trout Fishing in the Catskills; The Remarkable Life of James Beecher; and the upcoming A Flyfisher’s Revelations, to be published this spring. 

Ed was a communicant and former usher of St. Aloysius Church, Livingston Manor; a member of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum; a founding member of the Catskill Fly Tyers Guild; a founding member of the former Beamoc Chapter of Trout Unlimited; a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers Association; and an Honorary member of the Clear Lake Stream Club. 

Ed’s tireless efforts and passion led to notable contributions and accomplishments, and throughout his life he remained a humble, kind and generous man with a strong moral compass. He was inducted into the Catskill Fly Fishing Center Hall of Fame and the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame. He received many honors throughout his life, including the Sullivan County Environmentalist of the Year, the Sullivan County Historical Society’s History Preserver Award; Trout Unlimited’s Professional Communications Award; the Delaware Company President’s Award; the Joan Wulff Award for Excellence in Fly Fishing; and Trout Unlimited’s Catskill Conservation Award.

Ed was quick with a genuine compliment, a smile, laugh or handshake, or words of encouragement for others. Ed was unafraid to stand up for what he believed in, from protecting the environment to rooting for the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed the thrill of sporting events and supporting local athletes, becoming a fixture in the stands at high school basketball games for more than forty years. 

Ed leaves behind his best friend and beloved wife of forty three years, Judy O’Brien Van Put; his mother, Agnes Van Put of Livingston Manor; children Lorine Buchholz (Scott) of Wurtsboro, Brett Van Put of Bohemia, Lee Van Put (Anisha Arouza) of Livingston Manor, and Tyler Van Put (Tiffani) of Manhattan; five beautiful granddaughters, Taylor, Alana, Carly, Evie and Ilā; his sister-in-law Kathy Van Put; several nieces and nephews; his devoted beagle, Millie; and many dear friends and neighbors. He is predeceased by his brother Russell Van Put and his father Emil Van Put. 

Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 from 3-7 PM in the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave., Roscoe, NY. A Catholic Mass will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 at 10 AM in St. Aloysius Church, Livingston Manor, NY. Father Antony David will officiate. Burial will follow in Lew Beach Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum, St. Aloysius Church, or Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com