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This year the Carp Classic fundraising dollars will go to the Eric Gagel Memorial Fund as a college fund for soon-to-be born child of Jenny Gagel (Simms Fly Fishing Products Customer Service Representative).

Eric Gagel, 44, of Belgrade died of a heart attack on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. After graduating from University of Louisville in 1987, Eric traveled extensively and ended up in Big Sky, where he met his future wife, Jenny. He and Jenny married in 1999 and settled in Belgrade, Montana.

Eric's most favorite thing to do was go hiking or walking with their dogs. Eric was an avid sea kayaker, rock climber and eventually came back to fishing for enjoyment. It was something that he had done as a child with his grandmother and realized how much he enjoyed it.

The highlight of Eric's life was learning that he would be a father. He was so looking forward to welcoming his and Jenny's first child into the world this May. He was a very proud "pre Poppa".

Eric is survived by his wife of almost 10-years, Jenny Gagel.

"Then as it was, then again it will be. Though the course may change sometimes, rivers always reach the sea." - Led Zeppelin, 10 Years Gone.