DONORS:
Virginia Cummins, Dan Lass, Val and Mary Fairman, Walter Imfeld III, Jim
Garry, Mrs. Cheryl Ng, Mr. and Mrs. Evertt Gray, California Hawking Club
REMEMBERING ED
Written in 1992 by John E. Pappas
I was a young college student 21 years ago when I met Ed Cummins
at Turner Sports and Marine in San Lorenzo, California. I was with
my future father-in-law on a boat buying excursion when I became
captivated by a large big game trophy collection on display, including
the red-tailed hawk above Ed’s desk. Little did I know at the time that Ed
would become my dear friend and falconry guiding light.
I had birds of prey before I met Ed Cummins but my road was rocky, full
of hard knocks, and book learning – not trial and error. Ed Cummins was
to become my master falconer, my sponsor, my mentor, and – most of
all – my beloved friend. He was the first practicing falconer I ever met. He
was the first to guide and assist me. For this I will forever be in Ed’s debt.
His gifts to me were many, including a knowledge and understanding
of nature and ones place in the scope of things. Ed taught me to respect
animals and the environment, and to give back as much as I took.
Ed was a true environmentalist. He had a greater understanding of life
than most due to his love and devotion to many winged hunting partners
over his 40 plus years as a master falconer. Caring for and hunting with
birds of prey gave Ed a unique look at nature – close up and personal.
He was instrumental in all the current improvements we now enjoy in
falconry regulations. Ed accomplished all this, and more, during his
tenure on the CHC board and as vice-president for over six years.
Ed will be sorely missed by his peers and CHC members. His
contributions will be felt for years to come, his efforts long-lived, and
will benefit fellow falconers. I will always have fond memories of Ed
Cummins. He has gone to a better place but will never leave my heart. To
my sponsor and friend: May your heart soar with the eagles!
Earl Herald, Steve Herman and Ed Cummins
“He had a greater understanding of life than most due to his love and devotion to
many winged hunting partners over his 40 plus years as a master falconer.” -John E. Pappas
IN MEMORY OF ED
Written in 1992 by (the late) Ed Ng
Ed was a good friend. I started in the sport
in 1960. I met Ed in 1961. . In that era, the
so-called “top-guns were names like Louis
Davis, Steve Herman, Jim Adamson, Hans
Peeters, Ted Solomon among others. Being
a newcomer, I could not help but feel a
very distant acceptance into the sport. Of
all the established Bay Area falconers, Ed
was the only one to step forward and offer
his friendship. That friendship lasted for
over thirty years. It is hard to realize that
so much time has passed and harder to
accept the fact that we will no longer hawk
together.
A stimulating thought that I had in 1961
has never left me, even to this day. I have
not met many individuals of falconry status
and rank. I did not take too much time to
realize for myself were Ed fitted into my
three personal, distinct classifications of
falconers: 1) There are those who will attest
to the fact that they love falconry and end
up doing something (usually to themselves)
TO falconry, intentionally or otherwise; 2)
There are those who will attest to the fact
that they love falconry and end up doing
something (usually taking game) WITH
falconry; 3) There are those who will attest
to the fact that they love falconry and end
up doing something (usually individuals
like Ed) FOR falconry.
In this field sport as in life itself, just as
there are three distinct differences in the
so-called “Love of Falconry”, there is a
difference between an acquaintance and
a friend. There is an old expression that is
appropriate: All good things must come
to an end. Well, it was good knowing you,
Clifford Edward Cummins. Too bad this
good thing came to an end so soon… you
have left behind some casual acquaintances,
and many, many good friends. I will miss
you.
PHOTOS:
Top: John Pappas,
Ed Cummins, and Ed
Ng
Middle: Cummins
Family Photo, 1991
Bottom:
Jim Rickard,
Steve Herman and Ed
Cummins
A CALIFORNIA FALCONER
By Sterling Bunnell (modified from the April, 1992 Hawk Chalk)
Ed Cummins died of a heart attack February 13, 1992. For the
previous two years he had been vice-president of the California
Hawking Club, and the previous four was a CHC director. He
had long been an influential figure in California falconry. Many
relied on Ed for instruction, encouragement and advice. In
1954, Ed and Steve Herman spent several months in Colorado
flying eyas prairies successfully at pheasants and magpies. They
learned much about flying from Pete Asborno, Hal Webster, Bill
Russell, and other active regional falconers. When Ed returned
to California, he taught others what he had learned and in so
doing contributed to the development of California falconry.
Ed was a great history enthusiast and helped keep the traditions
of the art alive in subsequent generations of California
falconers.
A successful businessman, Ed’s insights into human and institutional nature were invaluable in guiding CHC in its dealings
with state regulatory officials. Ed was a devoted family man and a practical falconer who flew his birds at a high level in the less
than ideal conditions of the San Francisco Bay area.
Those who knew him will remember Ed’s ability to combine deep kindness with shrewd observation. He spoke the truth, but
known not to speak ill of anyone. We will miss him.