With heavy hearts, we share the news that Glen Robert Blackwood, a beloved friend, colleague and devoted conservationist, passed away on Dec. 29, 2025, at age 62. Glen’s passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him and in the broader conservation community he served so passionately.
Glen joined the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society family in 2020 as a Regional Director and in 2021 transitioned to Director of Regional Development for Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, bringing with him not only decades of experience in the outdoors but an infectious enthusiasm for the natural world. Many of us felt his genuine excitement for sharing time in the field, whether that was on a stream with a fly rod in hand or in the woods during a crisp October hunt.
Born in Springfield, Ohio, Glen’s love for outdoorsmanship was rooted in his early life – from summers spent fly fishing the spring creeks of Pennsylvania to the lifelong friendships he forged along the way. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in agriculture and later made Michigan his home in pursuit of trout, grouse and woodcock.
Before his work with RGS & AWS, Glen was known throughout the outdoor sporting world. He owned and operated the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company in Rockford, Michigan, taught countless friends to fly fish and shared his knowledge through his television show, “Fly Fishing with Glen Blackwood.” Many of us remember him for his stories – always told with wit and in his one-of-a-kind, booming voice.
Glen was a prolific conservation writer whose contributions extended across the outdoor community, including Covers magazine, where he shared a thoughtful book review in every issue following his hiring in 2020, reflecting his appreciation for the classic works of hunting and conservation. He lived the stewardship ethic he wrote about and championed, volunteering his time with Trout Unlimited, the Pere Marquette Watershed Council and other organizations dedicated to protecting wild places and wild creatures.
Beyond his expertise and accomplishments, Glen will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, his love of teaching and his unwavering commitment to mentorship. Whether guiding a young angler to their first trout or sharing reflections on the seasons, Glen’s presence made us better – and the world a bit richer.
We extend our deepest condolences to Glen’s family and to all who were touched by his life. His legacy as a devoted conservationist and cherished friend will continue to inspire us in every field we walk and every stream we cast.
