2023 Field Trial Obituaries

In memoriam

March 16, 2023

Notices Received In March

Roger W. Martens
We are saddened to report the passing of long-time field trial patron Roger Martens of Ridgeville, Ontario. Roger passed away on March 11, 2023, at age 85.

During the 70s, 80s, and '90s, Roger and his devoted partner and wife, Donna, campaigned numerous dogs on the major horseback shooting dog circuit, most carrying the prefix kennel name of "Springtime." Roger was a fierce competitor and an excellent amateur handler. Roger also campaigned dogs on the open circuit with professional George Tracy for many years. Roger's winners included Springtime Buddy, Jim, Kay, Yankee, Rocky, Aberdeen Abby, Cross Rail, and Kelly's Girl, to name a few.

Roger campaigned dogs and served the sport as a leader in many ways. He donated his talent to assist with several organizations, including the National Shooting Dog Futurity, U. S. Quail Shooting Dog Futurity, National Open Pheasant Shooting Dog Championship, AFTCA Region 13, and Ohio-Pennsylvania Open Shooting Dog Championship, plus several others in the capacity of director, vice president, and president.

Roger will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, my friend.

Mike Husenits, West Lebanon, Penn.

Notices Received In January

Donald Norman Wood
Donald Wood passed away on November 29, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, three sons, two daughters, and his grandchildren.
Don grew up in Needham, Mass.; he attended Needham High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

Don moved to Davie, Fla., from Sugarloaf, Penn., in 1978. He met his wife-to-be, Sharon, while horseback riding with a local riding club. They were married on April 1, 1990. When Don moved to Florida from Pennsylvania, he was field trialing English setters, renting a horse from a hack line, and sleeping in the bed of his pickup truck. This was a man who loved to field trial. He often said, "I don't care about a placement as long as the dog pleases me." Don gradually transitioned from setters to pointers as he realized they were more suited to the local conditions.

A long-standing member of the American Field and the American Field Trial Clubs of Southwest Florida, Don was recognized for his tireless efforts at bettering the sport of field trialing. Often called the "Ever-Ready Bunny" for his boundless energy, he was a joy to work with or compete against. The Cecil B. Webb field trial grounds in Punta Gorda, Fla., were his home turf. He took every opportunity to train there and competed in every trial. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the trials were run professionally and remained fun-filled events for all. New members are the lifeblood of the sport, and if Don introduced them, they would be hooked. He was the most gracious and welcoming host one could ever know. His wit and the twinkle in his eye lit up every event. Don was loved by all who knew him.

Rest in Peace, Don Wood.

Ruth A. Bozeman
Ruth A. Bozeman, 84, of Taylor Ridge, Ill., died Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus.

Ruth was born on September 20, 1938, in Streator, Ill., the daughter of Stanley Fredel and Amanda Theolyn (Bingham) Olson. She married Loyd Bozeman on May 5, 1957, in Caledonia, Miss. Ruth was a pedigree researcher and president of Bozeann Setters. She also served as the secretary of the National Field Trial Association. Ruth loved to tend to her flower garden, was an avid shopper, and loved traveling, especially to Sanibel Island, Fla. She collected Santa Claus ornaments and was a wonderful cook. Her family meant the world to her, and she made sure that she always spent time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her husband; daughters, Kimberly Bozeman, Sandra (Scott) Rundall, Diane (Andy) Bozeman Woods; grandchildren, Jimmy, Chris, Joey, Steve, Lindsay, Jeff, Jenna, Alex, Tanner, and Jackson; 10 great-grandchildren, with two on the way; sister, Marilyn Carr; and beloved dog, Goldie. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Gerald and Larry Olson; and sister, Karen Boeckmann.

An official entity of United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Field legacy, mission, and Field Dog Stud Book certified pedigree database is carefully managed by UKC for the continued betterment of field trial dogs. UKC is committed to the American Field community, and all hunters, breeders, clubs, associations, and participants.