The Centralia Alumni Association has announced Gary Loomis as the recipient of the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Person Award.
The award will be presented at halftime during a basketball game at the Centralia High School gym on Jan. 30.
“This event promises to be a momentous occasion, celebrating the accomplishments of a distinguished alumnus who has not only left an indelible mark on the fishing industry, but has also contributed significantly to environmental conservation and community advocacy,” the Centralia Alumni Association said in a news release.
Loomis, of Centralia, “is not only a distinguished 1960 graduate of Centralia High School, but also a true visionary and pioneer in the world of fishing and beyond,” the Centralia Alumni Association states.
Loomis recalled not having access to safe fishing spots within biking distance as a child, igniting “a passion that would shape his life’s work,” according to the news release.
Loomis spearheaded a quantum shift in the fishing rod business by embracing the use of graphite in 1973.
“His relentless pursuit of information about graphite led him to stand outside the Boeing factory gate, engaging with workers to learn more,” according to the news release.
This “groundbreaking endeavor” resulted in Loomis recruiting an engineer to develop the first graphite rod, setting a precedent for innovation in the fishing industry.
“From that moment forward, Gary Loomis became the go-to figure for emerging materials, earning him the title of the ‘godfather of graphite,’” according to the news release.
His expertise extended beyond fishing, with Loomis contributing to the design of graphite tubes for the military and for science labs, air ducts for the Boeing 777, arrows and more.
Beyond the realm of materials and design, Loomis played “a crucial role” in establishing chapters of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) in the Pacific Northwest, according to the news release.
“The CCA, under his influence, became a key player in advocating for sustainable fisheries management in Washington and Oregon,” the Centralia Alumni Association stated in the news release.
Loomis’ advocacy has led to significant changes, including the relocation of commercial fishing off of the Columbia River mainstem and the adoption of less harmful nets by gillnetters to protect wild fish.
Reflecting on his career, Loomis said, “It’s never been how much money I could make. It’s been how good of a product I could make and how well I treat my employees.”
For more information on the award and the Jan. 30 event, contact Deb Parnham at debparnham@gmail.com or 360-388-1301.
