Eddie Price Obituary
On the 25th of January, Matthew Price contacted Martin Mumby with the sad news of the passing of his father, Eddie Price M.B.E. at the age of 91.
Eddie passed away peacefully at home on the morning of the 23rd January 2015 leaving his loving wife and six devoted sons.
Eddie was one of the true pioneers of modern carp fishing and is best known for capturing a 40lb 8oz mirror carp from Redmire Pool in September 1959. He caught a 26lb leather a year later and took one of the most famous carp fishing photographs with his 'monster in the weeds' picture taken in July 1958. He also caught a 10lb 8oz wild carp from Beechmere and many other fish from his local waters including perch to 3lb 12oz.
All specialised tackle in those days had to be made by hand and Eddie was equally proficient at this, making the rods and nets etc he used to catch monster fish of the time. His fishing diaries and photographs were put together in a book and published in 2007. Eddie was particularly proud that the 'The Fishing Diaries of Eddie Price' went on to become one of the most desirable and collectable fishing books ever published.
Many people may not realise that he became regarded as the most highly qualified amateur Roman archeologist in the country after discovering Roman remains on his farm in the early 60's. The dig on his land lasted for 55 years making it the longest continuous dig ever in Britain and despite a heart by-pass operation Eddie would still be out in the fields making new discoveries.
He wrote and illustrated four large volumes on the subject and in 2008 was awarded the M.B.E. for his services to archeology. Eddie was a long standing JP and in 2009 was awarded a PhD Master of the Open University.
On a personal note I feel very privileged to have counted Eddie Price as a friend after meeting him in 2005. He was a special man and had a charisma about him but at the same time was one of the most humble and down to earth people I have ever known. Despite this humble nature he was also a very determined individual which explains his success in anything he turned his hand to. I loved visiting him and particularly enjoyed his tales about him and his brothers escapades in the good old days!
Eddie Price will be dearly missed by anyone who knew him and the world will be a poorer place without him in it.
