Lines From Linda: The Collie Club of America...
BY LINDA AYERS TURNER KNORR continued
Sterling Albert Payson Terhune
Marcia obtained her license to judge collies in 1967 and had the honor of judging the Collie Club of America show twice as well as the Canadian Col- lie National show. Her greatest pleasure was deciding breedings, training puppies, and men- toring other collie enthusiasts. Her Mar- nus dogs have had a strong influence in numerous other Collie lines. Roy Ayers Jr. delivered an emotional tribute to his father followed by a Pow- erPoint presentation by Ayers grandson Todd Turner, in the middle of which Todd, without hesitation, said, “We need a doctor. Is there a doctor here?” At the back of the ship the lovely Spens- er Hardin, “Collie Daughter” of Leslie Jeszewski collapsed with Leslie catch- ing her to break the fall. CCA Members Dr. Kathy Leenhouts and nurse Mary Forfa rushed to care for Spenser who thankfully is now fine, but she had to miss the remainder of the national activities. Calling to check on her, Ayers grandson Todd asked Spenser “What was it about me that made you sick.” And a new friendship began! A popular part of the evening was Turner’s presentation which included wonderful old photos of Roy Ayers awarding wins to collies shown by many on board the ship. Examples included Sally Tabb garnering an All- Breed Best in Show at age 11, big wins for Tom Coen and Don Jeszewski, next year’s National Judge Butch Schulman winning at age nine and QCCG past President James Holiday at age 13 were enjoyed by the crowd. When another Ayers Best in Show award popped up on the screen, an excited Pam Eddy shouted “That’s Me!” With Ron Keller looking on, Carrie Lenhart delivered a powerful presen- tation on her beloved Mother Marcia Keller ending with sound of Marcia’s voice from an interview taped with George Horn in 2008. We will always remember Roy L. Ayers, Marcia Keller and all the follow- ing HOF inductees!
(1872-1942) Sunnybank
1985 Elisabeth B. Browning (1893-1984) Tokalon Florence Cummings (1887-1972) Arrowhill Fred Kem (1889-1945) Lodestone Mrs. William H. Long, Jr. (1905-1971) Noranda W.R. Van Dyck
emulate. We are grateful to him for his deep dedication to the highest prin- cipals of the sport of purebred dogs. Roy’s creed when he went into the show ring was: “I have no friends and I have no enemies – I am judging man’s best friend to the best of my ability.” That he did!
(1892-1967) Honeybrook
1986 Chris Cassleman (1894-1969) Hertzville Michael J. Kennedy (1892-1979)
Marcia Kay Keller 1928—2010
Bellhaven Kennel Manager
Ada Shirley
Marcia Kay was born March 28, 1928 in Buffalo, New York. Her educational years growing up were in multiple plac- es, as finding employment for her father during the depression required moving between the Bronx and various suburbs of Buffalo. As long standing childhood friendships were difficult to maintain, reading was her one constant. After reading her first Terhune collie story she just had to locate every one of them. A teenage job at a local collie ken- nel led to a friendship with William Schwinger of Harswing Collies. As Bill had been president of the Collie Club of America during the 1940s, visitors at his home were many great collie breeders and judges of that time. Some of them who became Marcia’s mentors were Doc McCain, Tom Halpin, Art Alexander, Ed Myers and Gus Sigritz. These associations helped in forming the image of the collie that she later felt best matched the Collie Standard. In 1946 she picked the kennel name of Marnus. Her husband, Ronald Keller came into the picture at a dog show in 1952. By the late 1960s Marnus col- lies had developed a look that was eas- ily recognized. Through the years of numerous champions there have also been notable wins, including Best of Breed at the Collie Club of America show along with Best In Show awards, all owner handled by her.
(1914-1979) Shirhaven Rudd Weatherwax (1908-1985) Charles Wernsman (1897-1952) Arken 1987 Margaret Haserot (1891-198) Pebble Ledge Edwin J. Myers (1905-1986) Ardenhill
1988 Grace E. Christie
(1882-1980) Saint Adrian
Clara M. Lunt (1886-1953) Alstead Gustave Sigritz
1984 Dr. Oda Prescott Bennett (1886-1944) Tazwell Florence Bell Ilch (1891-1982) Bellhaven Dr. James Price McCain (1892-1957) Cainbroke Edwin L. Pickhardt (1894-1969)
(1914-1970) Cherrivale
1989 Art Alexander (1918-1960) Tri Acres Mary Browning Beresford (1916-1955) Poplar Ted Kattell
60 • S how S ight M agazine , M ay 2018
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