Gail Thompson Hulsey 1951-2008, My Sister

LITCHFIELD -- Gail Thompson Hulsey, "Queen O' Trout", age 57, of Oak Hill Road in Litchfield, died suddenly as the result of an accident in Belgrade on Friday afternoon. Gail was on her way back from camp after three days of fly fishing at her favorite spots. Gail was an avid outdoorswoman. Though she only began fly fishing in 2001, she rapidly became known by many for her ability to practice the art. Through practice and research, she evolved into one who could read water and determine which fly to use. This was proven by her ability to outfish anyone who was with her, constantly.

She was born in Gardiner, Jan. 16, 1951 the daughter of M. Eugene and Jean A. (Morris) Thompson.

She received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Maine in Orono and her Masters in Library Science at the University of Kentucky.

Gail was a Registered Maine Guide. She was also on the staff at the L. L. Bean Fishing Store and an instructor at the L. L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School. She was to have instructed at the upcoming Casting for Recovery event. Recently, a new fly was created by Abbott Fishing Gifts and named "Gail's Glory" after her.

Gail approached everything she did in her life with great gusto and enthusiasm. She sought out new challenges as opportunities to learn new skills, including quilting, ballroom dancing, Feng Shui, and fly tying.

Gail was a perfect wife to Richard and mother to her son, Samuel 'Sam' M. Rothman of Litchfield and Kennebunk. She is also survived by her parents, Jean and Gene Thompson of Litchfield; two sisters, Anne Thompson of Litchfield and Barbara Thompson and husband Wayne of Lisbon; a nephew, Andrew Clemons of New York City; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wed., July 16, 2008 at the Litchfield Plains Baptist Church, Plains Road, Litchfield with a reception following at Gail's home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit, support and educational program that provides fly fishing retreats for women who have or have had breast cancer.

Donations may be sent to Casting for Recovery, P O Box 1123, Manchester, VT 05254 or electronically at www.castingforrecovery.org.