Passings

Rock Island Armory and Armscor announced that Martin Tuason, its President and Chief Executive Officer, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Tuason became President and CEO in 2012, continuing the Tuason family legacy that began when his grandfather, Celso Tuason, transformed a small retail sporting goods store into Arms Corporation of the Philippines (Armscor) in 1952.

Barbara Mellman Skinner, longtime Bushnell Optics Public Relations representative, former Advertising and Product Specialist, passed away on October 22, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Editors and outdoor writers covering Bushnell’s new products, including competitive shooters seeking the right optic, all knew Barbara as their go-to trusted expert.

Byron Ferguson, the internationally renowned longbow archer whose impossible shots drew standing-room crowds around the world, passed away early this month. A fixture of archery exhibitions for decades, Ferguson blended showmanship with old-school craftsmanship, turning a traditional bow into a precision instrument and inspiring generations to pick up the sport.

Nosler®, Inc. is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Nosler, our Chairman, on September 2, 2025, at the age of 79. Bob dedicated his life to carrying forward the innovation and spirit that defined Nosler from its beginning, a company founded by his father, John A. Nosler. During his four decades of leadership, Bob guided the company through significant expansions and innovations.

Outdoor Sportsman Group joins the global angling community in mourning the loss of Philip “Flip” Pallot, who recently passed away due to complications from surgery. Pallot’s passing is an unexpected and profound loss, leaving a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and countless admirers.

With heavy hearts, Gun Owners of America (GOA), Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), and Gun Owners of California (GOC) announce the passing of Sam Paredes, a GOA Board Member, a leader within GOF, and the longtime Executive Director of Gun Owners of California (GOC). Sam’s life was marked by an unwavering commitment to defending the Second Amendment and advancing the cause of liberty for future generations.

John Patrick “Pat” Fitts, who was the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s 18th director and served from 2018-2021, died Wednesday morning in Little Rock. He was 59. Fitts began his 32-year career with the agency as a fisheries technician, mowing levees and dragging seines at the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery in Lonoke, when he was in high school.

It is with profound sadness that Hodgdon shares the passing of John Brewster “JB” Hodgdon, who passed away on June 13, 2025 at the age of 88. A lifelong resident of Kansas, JB was born on October 16, 1936 to Bruce and Amy Hodgdon. In his career, Mr. Hodgdon held many roles at the Hodgdon Powder Company.

Tom Mackin, former President of Rapala VMC USA and longtime member of the Rapala VMC group executive committee, has died.

Craig Dobbs Campbell Sr., who served as Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner from 2006 to 2011, died Nov. 9. He was 76 years old. Campbell’s term as chairman from 2010-11 was highlighted with the creation of the committee system to revamp the way the Commission functioned. Modeled after the way the Arkansas General Assembly operates, Commission business was broken down into seven committees with different commissioners chairing each committee.

We at Ed Brown Products are deeply saddened to report that Ed Brown, industry icon and founder of Ed Brown Products, passed away at his home on September 15, 2024, after an intense battle with an aggressive, un-treatable liver cancer.

Longtime writer and American Handgunner Magazine Contributing Editor Mike “Duke” Venturino has died. Mike passed away June 9, 2024, at his Montana home after a short illness.

From Bill Wilson, "The Wilson Combat team and I mourn the passing of industry icon Melvin Forbes. Unfortunately, I didn't know Melvin in person until May of 2022 and had only known him by his reputation as the godfather of ultralight hunting rifles."

Loren Hitchcock, who was Arkansas Game and Fish Commission director for almost two years during 2011-12, died May 28 at his home in Higden (Cleburne County). He was 70.

On Thursday, March 21, Joseph M. DeCosta passed away. He was 91. For 30 years, Mr. D. was the man who made the National Matches happen. He would arrive in May, two months before the Matches started, and leave in September, a month after they ended.

Mack Gwinn III advised of the passing of his father, Captain Mack Gwinn, Jr. CPT Gwinn developed multiple firearms designs. According to the obituary, "Following his retirement from the Army, Mack began his lifelong career as an inventor and entrepreneur, ultimately filing nine patents."

Don Green, founder of Sage Fly Fishing, passed away January 26 according to an Instagram post by parent company Far Bank.

James (Jim) Easton passed away at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends. He was 88 years old. His family-owned archery companies, Hoyt Archery, and Easton Technical Products, employ more than 400 workers in Utah and Indiana. Mr. Easton is survived by his wife of 29 years, Phyllis, son Greg, daughter Lynn, and three grandchildren. The family will celebrate Jim’s life at a private memorial observance.

It is with heavy hearts that Waypoint TV announces the passing of its beloved President, Todd Hansen. Todd, a true visionary and a passionate advocate for the outdoor community, left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts and he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) expressed its deepest sympathies to the family of former President/CEO Miles Moretti who passed away on September 17 after a short battle with cancer. Moretti retired from MDF on March 31, 2021, after nearly 15 years at the helm and leading the organization through significant growth.