Dear Sportsfriends,

I am sorry to inform you that our friend Jim Lempner has passed away. Jim competed in the Working Dog Championships last weekend, and was apparently feeling under the weather, but then suffered a major heart attack on the airplane on the way home from Iowa. He was in unstable condition all week and finally succumbed today. 

Jim was the Pacific Northwest Regional Champion in 2010 with his dog Pax, and those of you who were there I’m sure remember how much of a good sport and gentleman he was. Jim has been a stalwart sportsfriend to many many people for decades, from competing on national and world championship teams to working with brand new handlers in his club. My heart goes out to his friends and especially his family. Jim will certainly be missed. 

wj