Roy Lein and Mark Lein
Two generations of Lein's have fished the Chama River for more than 56 years. Roy was actually stationed in northern New Mexico as an 18 year old Air Force private. He joined the Air Force straight out of high school in Bowling Green, Ohio. He was immediately sent off to boot camp, then on to radar control school. Once he completed his radar operations training, he was stationed on a very small radar station near Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico.
While taking a 12 mile run, Roy met rancher Bill Faris. Mr. Faris owned a ranch that had several miles of Chama River frontage. Bill taught Roy to fly fish. He allowed Roy to come to the ranch on his off days and practice his new skills. Roy eventually met Patricia Williams, from Dulce, New Mexico. They fell in love and were married. Roy left the military and accepted a position with Central Mutual Insurance company in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Roy and Pat bought a small home on Parsifal Street. Virtually ever weekend, the two traveled back up to the mountains to enjoy some fishing and camping. As their family grew, the fishing and camping continued to gain momentum. The two had a total of 4 kids, all of which were introduced to the Chama river and to the outdoor world.
From Mark, Steve, Pam and David, thanks Mom and Dad! We have been greatly blessed by your love, your wonderful parenting, the advice you have shared and by the incredible gift of fishing and camping that you introduced us to at such a young age. We have all enjoyed the beauty of the New Mexico mountains for many years thanks to you. Love you guys!
The ranch that Bill Farris once owned is now owned by my good friend David Cooper. David's father, Carl and his wife Gladys bought the ranch more than 50 years. Carl still holds the New Mexico State fishing record for catching the third largest Brown Trout ever caught in the state. He caught that fish in the Chama river which flows for miles through the Coopers El Vado Ranch. The fish was caught in 1966, and Carl's record catch weighed in at a whopping 14 pounds and was 32.5 inches long. That is big folks! Carl and Gladys raised their entire family at the ranch. Heck, the Coopers helped raised half of our family too! Me included! David Cooper and I spent many a day at the ranch finding ways to drive our parents nuts. We floated logs down the river, we rode his horse through the river and out onto the island in the middle. Oh yeah, we weren't supposed to be there! The two of us were all over those mountains as kids. It's a wonder we survived to tell the stories. Truth be known, Coop and I had an absolute blast growing up. David is like a brother to me. In fact, my wife Jan and I were just up to Coopers El Vado Ranch in April of this year. It was awesome to see my friend and to spend time with he and his incredible family.
If you are seeking a special place to bring your family, Coopers El Vado Ranch is the place you have to try. It's a magical place with special New Mexico healing powers. If you have a chance, have a beer with my big brother David and tell him that I will be back to bug him again soon! Visit Coopers El Vado Ranch (http://www.elvado.com/). Tell D that Leiner sent you.
