The Passing of a Great Man, Jack Wattley RIP

[brewmaster15]

Hi all, I have been told by multiple sources now that Jack Wattley has passed away. I spent hours after hours reading his articles in my younger years and learned much from this incredible Discus Breeder. The hobby owes him much and I know That we have lost a great one of our Ranks.

I know he has moved on but I want to thank him again for all he gave our hobby.

Rest in Peace Jack Wattley, and Thank you!

Al

[jeep]

Wow. I've been reading his books and articles since I was 9 years old. He was one of the early pioneers of this hobby and we all owe him a debt of gratitude for sharing his knowledge..

[Ryan]

Jack was just shy of his 97th birthday. I hope his long life was happy and fulfilling. If it weren’t for the pictures of Wattley turquoise that I saw in books as a kid, I probably wouldn’t have started keeping cichlids. I’ve read so many books and articles featuring Wattley. He was a pioneer to our hobby. Rest In Peace, Mr. Wattley. My thoughts are with his family.

[Disgirl]

In 1988 I saw discus for the first time. There were 6 of his Turquoise discus in the tank of a fellow fish club member at a meeting at her home. I have had them almost ever since. Thank you Jack!
Barb

[rickztahone]

Jack was just shy of his 97th birthday. I hope his long life was happy and fulfilling. If it weren’t for the pictures of Wattley turquoise that I saw in books as a kid, I probably wouldn’t have started keeping cichlids. I’ve read so many books and articles featuring Wattley. He was a pioneer to our hobby. Rest In Peace, Mr. Wattley. My thoughts are with his family.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[discusraja]

RIP May his soul rest in peace. Though

[Second Hand Pat]

I am sorry to hear this. I have "heard" of Jack throughout my life but it wasn't until I got into discus that I understood his impact on the discus world. MY heart goes out to his family.
Pat

[discuspaul]

I spent a great deal of time reading & continually looking forward to Jack's monthly articles in Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine, to which I was subscribed for at least 20 years.

He's the one who very definitely had me so interested in discus, that when I heard my employer was transferring me to Singapore from Canada in 1976, with a little research I knew that was the place for me to get seriously involved in discus- keeping and that's exactly what I did - that's what got me hooked and that's where I am to this day - discus are my favorite fish to keep as a hobbyist - even more so than the many beautiful varieties of saltwater fish I've also kept over the years as well.

Very talented man, Jack Wattley - RIP !

[Filip]

Rest in peace Jack .My condolences to his family.

[Paul Sabucchi]

I join all the above in mourning the passing of a pillar of Fishkeeping. I already missed his regular column on TFH, first thing I used to read even before ever thinking of keeping discus, sad hear he is no longer with us

[JamesW]

Found this post on the Jack Wattley Discus facebook page, posted by Gabe the current owner of Jack Wattley Discus:

My condolences to the entire Wattley family and all his friends and followers around the world. Jack Wattley passed away last night with his family. To me he was my friend Jack since 1991. Very rarely did we talk about Discus instead we talked about our families. Maybe this friendship strengthened our partnership. I show you pictures of Jack and my children...they too called him Jungle Jack.
Again not about me or my family. But about the tremendous dedication and devotion to the Discus fish which he had.
He shall be missed and now he is free to explore without the physical limitations which his 95 year old body gave him. He missed his 96Th birthday by 7 days.
Safe travels Jack

[Yom]

RIP Jack. He was considered the pinnacle of discus husbandry when I got into the hobby back in the late 80's; I still have several of his publications on my bookshelf. I firmly believe the hobby would not be what it is today if not for him. Fair winds and following seas Jack

[Mr.BigBlock]

Rip

[joeGargas]

He was a great personal friend

-joeGargasMe and Jack Wattley.jpg

[gills]

Had some of his fish. Read his books and got to meet him once. A very nice man and a pioneer. RIP Jack.