Bing and his wife Brownie became involved in retrievers about 1948 when Ted and Patty Fajen introduced them to the game. They learned, as most of us have, the keen rewards and disappointments associated with it.
Bing always ran stylish, well breed Labradors. Over the years his contenders have won every trial championship the American Kennel Club offers. It began in 1957 when Nodak Cindy won the Country Life Trophy for the High Point Derby dog. In 1962, another black female, Bigstone Hope captured the National Championship. That win was duplicated in 1967 when Butte Blue Moon also earned the title. Then Bing handled Boley's Tar Baby to win at the National Amateur Stake in Spring, 1968. The final accomplishment, a Doubleheader, was achieved in October 1976 when Bing piloted Togom's Tiger of Abilena to both wins at Kansas City.
Others such as Cher Te Neg, Jet's Target of Claymore, Paha Sapa Warpath, and Stonegate's Arrow were National contenders in the Sixties. Bing sold one "great" before fulfilling his destiny. He too went on to become a National Champion - John Olin's famous King Buck. Bing had more than fifteen titled dogs in nearly forty years of trialing. Truly an impressive and enviable record.
Bing held a number of Offices within the two National Clubs. He served as President of each and was Field Trial Chairman for both. In addition, he was Vice-President and Secretary of the National Amateur Club. During these tenures he was instrumental in purchasing the Wisconsin Amateur Clubs' publication which is now known as the Retriever Field Trial News. His idea of rewarding the efforts of National Stake workers blossomed into the Club hosted Workers Party held during the Trial. Bing served on innumerable Committees, yet still found time to Judge a total of 55 point stakes and one National Championship.
Bing was always ready to extend a helping hand to the newcomer. He welcomed many a "Greenhorn", explained the rules of the game and, through example, illustrated true sportsmanship. Although winning was always important, he always competed with love for the sport, dogs and people in the forefront.
In private life Bing was active in his business, Masonic work and was a great philanthropist for numerous organizations in the Omaha area.
Bing's wisdom and enthusiastic involvement has, in some way, touched all of us and enriched the game. We have him to thank for much of our past heritage and future promise.
RFTN December 1990
