Schuylkill Valley GSP Club
Cheryl Browning
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Cheryl Browning passing. Everyone knew Cheryl from our hunt tests. She was a favorite gunner for most, had a sense of humor that was unmatched, and a hug when needed. When you entered the bird field with her gunning, no matter who you were, you had a friend with you. Hunt Tests will never be the same.
“When you have shot one bird flying you have shot all birds flying. They are all different and they fly in different ways, but the sensation is the same and the last one is as good as the first.”
– Ernest Hemingway
Rayanne Lehman
Our president, Rayanne has lost her battle with cancer. Please share your fondest memories of her here. View Rayanne’s obituary here.
Rayanne was the first GSP person that talked to me at a dog show over 20 years ago! I showed up ringside, starting asking questions and she was so kind and helpful! 20 years and 6 GSPs later, I owe my introduction to GSPs to Rayanne. She was an inspirational leader to our club and we will miss her deeply.
I still remember my first Hunt Test standing in the kitchen with Rayanne. We were watching the Master dogs go through and I remember commenting how badly I felt that some of the dogs were excused from the bird field for doing something wrong. I told her I didn’t want to work the kitchen anymore, I wanted to hand out dog treats to all the dogs. She told me I needed to get tougher and we laughed. Fast forward 9 years, I’m in the kitchen with her again and she reminded me of that conversation and pointed out, “Now you are picking up your own dog when you don’t like what she does in the field! My how things have changed!” We again laughed.
This club lost someone with so much knowledge of the AKC world. If we take all of us combined, we cannot hold a candle to what she knew. She left an impression on me and I will forever think of her every time I walk into that club house. The kitchen will never be the same. Your coconut cake will forever be missed.
She will be deeply missed! I never felt like a newbie or a strangers around her! If you were at an event she made you feel like family.
What a lovely tribute! You really nailed it! That’s exactly how she made everyone feel!
It’s been six months since Rayanne’s passing during which time Schuylkill Valley has had Board meetings, Membership meetings, Fun day and Hunt Tests. Each and every event has been a reminder of how much she has meant to the club, its’ members and how much she is missed. Her selfless dedication and efforts in supporting not only Schuylkill Valley but the breed we’ve all come to love continues to be an example for all of us who also love our breed. As we look forward to this coming fall’s Mock Hunt Test as well as our October Hunt Test her absence will again be deeply felt but the example she has set will be invaluable in helping us host and enjoy these times. Thank you Rayanne.
We miss you Rayanne. You were a very special person