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Final Shots: Stanley Orr

We’re saddened to report the recent passing of Stanley Orr, a lifetime member of Winnipeg Trap and Skeet Club. Over the many years of his membership, Stan was involved in all aspects of the operation of the club. Following a remarkable career shooting trap, including induction into the Manitoba Trap Shooting Hall of Fame, Stan turned his attention to sporting clays and FITASC, joining NSCA in 1992. He attained Master Class in 2009 and won many events in class and concurrent categories along the way. Stan shot a total of 31,899 lifetime targets with NSCA.

In 2006, Stan became a certified FITASC Regional Referee and eventually worked his way up to International Referee. For 18 years, Stan refereed State, Regional, U.S. Open and National Sporting Clays Championship FITASC events in the USA and Canada. Stan believed the role of the referee is to support the shooter and facilitate their efforts to break as many targets as possible within the confines of the rules. He was known to be very good at finding that balance.

Stan also loved to teach. He was an NSCA Level 1 Certified Instructor, and he also taught the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, the training required to get a firearms license in Canada.  He derived great joy from bringing new people into the game and impressing upon them the need to enjoy the sport safely.

NSCA extends its condolences to Stan’s family, friends, and fellow members of Winnipeg Trap and Skeet Club.
 

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Final Shots: Joyce S. “Jo” Hanley

We regret to report the passing of shooter and outdoorswoman Joyce S. “Jo” Hanley on February 19. Born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Jo relocated to Palm Beach in the early 1960s with husband George W. Hepworth. As a young adult, Jo developed a passion for firearms, eventually becoming one of the few female NSCA Level III Certified Instructors, as well as a skeet, trap, and field instructor. Throughout her life, she passionately pursued sport fishing, tennis, hunting, and competitive shooting at the highest level.

Known for her bold, vibrant personality and can-do attitude, Jo left a lasting impression on friends and loved ones alike. She is survived by daughter Jill Hepworth Crompton and long-time companion Peter C. Theron. Jo was preceded in death by George W. Hepworth and William H. Hanley. Plans for a celebration of life will be announced later. Donations can be made in Jo’s honor to Safari Club International Foundation.

NSCA extends its sympathies to Jo’s family and friends.

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Final Shots: Joseph B. “Joe” Cantey III


NSCA regrets to announce the passing of Joseph B. “Joe” Cantey III on January 5. Joe served NSCA as one of its most valued leaders for many years as an officer, Executive Council member, Advisory Council member, national and international shooting champion, and range owner. He was considered by many to be the face of FITASC in the USA, serving as the NSCA FITASC representative and FITASC Vice-President of America. He was inducted into the NSCA Hall of Fame in 2008 for his shooting accomplishments: He was on 18 USA Sporting Clays and FITASC Teams, a member of All-American Teams in 11 consecutive years, and medaled 23 times – including 12 gold medals – in international shooting events. He was a four-time World Champion and two-time National Champion.

Joe spent much of his adult life training race horses at Belmont Park in New York and won the Belmont Stakes in 1980. After retirement, he moved back home to Camden, South Carolina, where he took up sporting clays. “I fell in love with the sport the first time I tried it,” Joe said upon his induction into the NSCA Hall of Fame. In 1995, he opened Hermitage Farm Shooting Sports in Camden.

NSCA extends its sympathies to Joe’s wife Amy Cantey, children J.B. and Ashley, and other family and friends.

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Final Shots: Kolar’s Don Mainland Passes

We are saddened to report the passing of Don Mainland, the man who established Kolar Arms as one of the leading manufacturers of clay target shotguns since the 1990’s. Mainland acquired the company founded by Larry Kolar in the 1980’s, moving the tube-set business to his machine shop in Wisconsin. After producing trap guns for Remington, Mainland then began production of Kolar-branded shotguns made in the USA. The company is currently in its third generation of Mainland operation, with Don’s son Jeff and grandson Sean now managing the business.

In addition to the Kolar gun business, Don started Letsch Manufacturing, Pioneer Products, and Racine Air. He was known as a true visionary and naturally gifted and driven leader. He had many passions, including clay target shooting, cycling, riding horses, and golf. Don was an accomplished bike racer who raced in Japan’s Kierin circuit in the early 1950’s and held the U.S. coast-to-coast cross-country record, which stood for 11 years. Don was also a proud United States Marine. Above all, Don was known as a loving and proud family man. He was married to Ruth for 71 years, and together they had four children: Michael, Mary, Jeffrey, and Lisa, as well as 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Under Don’s leadership, Kolar Arms grew from a personal passion to a leader in the firearms community, synonymous with excellence and commitment to quality — a reflection of Don’s own integrity. His contributions have been recognized by multiple shooting organizations, including being honored by NSSA in 2011, along with Larry Kolar, Claude Purbaugh, and Jess Briley, for revolutionizing the game of skeet with their development and advancement of sub-gauge tubes. He was inducted into the Wisconsin State Trapshooting Association and honored by other professional organizations for his contributions.

As we mourn his absence, we also celebrate his life — a life richly lived and generously shared. A funeral service will be held on November 9 in Racine, Wisconsin. NSSA-NSCA extends it sympathies to the Mainland family, Don’s Kolar Arms family, and his many friends. See Don’s full obituary.

 

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NSCA Legend Lois Neely Passes

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lois Neely, a true legend and cherished member of the sporting clays community. Lois departed this world on July 10, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of our industry. Lois dedicated her life to sporting clays tournaments with an unwavering commitment to excellence, skill and service to our sportsmen. Her career began with the NSSA in member services in 1985. She moved to the NSCA in 1989, the first staff member to solely focus on the NSCA at headquarters, with member services until December of 1996 when she became the lead of the NSCA as Assistant Director.

In 2000, Lois struck out on her own as WyShotgun and offered tournament administration services to gun clubs throughout the country. Lois stayed on the NSCA Rules Committee and Hall of Fame Committee for another 10 years as an at-large member due to her knowledge of the game. Lois ran registration for every NSCA National Championship held in San Antonio from 1990 to 2022. Her tireless efforts earned her a spot in the NSCA Hall of Fame as a recipient of the Hal DuPont Service Award in 2021.

Our friend’s memory will forever live through the countless experiences, profound knowledge, and exuberant personality she generously shared with us. Funeral arrangement details will be provided when information is available. Let us be patient, understanding, and supportive during this difficult period, granting her family the necessary time and space to heal.