Houndsmen are a hardy breed. To follow dogs through some of America's steepest, roughest, and brushiest country no matter how far or how long the race only to face a bear or hog at close range with limited visibility and mobility is a calling very few heed and even fewer can handle. Alas, even the storied vitality and tenacity of the American Houndsman must succumb to the steady crawl of Time, and unforunately, nothing can be done to stop the passing of our beloved members.

     CHC would like to pay somber respect to the members we lose whether it be due to an unfortunate accident or the inevitability of Time. If you are aware of the recent death of a CHC member, please send an email to announcements@californiahoundsmen.com indicating the deceased member's full name; month, day, and year of birth; month, day, and year of death; and the preferred breed of dog or species of game the member particularly enjoyed during their life as a houndsman.

Longtime member of Stockton Houndsmen, J.D. Hensley passed away on December 30, 2008. J.D. was born in Russellvile, Arkansas on March 12, 1925. He lived in Stockton for the past 50 years and worked as a lather for 30 years. J.D. was a World War II veteran with the 11th Airborne Division and had been awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action on Luzon. During his service time, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and the Pacific Theater Ribbon. An avid hunter and fisherman, J.D. had many friends who hunted with him and his dog DJ. He is survived by his wife Myrtle and three children, Tom, Richard, and Sis (Sherlyn). Please join CHC in offering your prayers to J.D.'s family during this trying time. CHC is tremendously proud of the honorable service J.D. gave to his country, and honored to count him among our hunting brethren.