It was Thursday, August 9th of this year that my brother-in-law, Henry Camirand, and I attended a farewell and retirement party for Fish and Game Executive Director Lee Perry, whose term ended on August 13th. It was a wonderful party put on by the employees of Fish and Game and many friends and co-workers attended the function to honor him, which ran from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Judy Stokes, Chief of Public Affairs Division of Fish and Game, was the Master of Ceremonies for the party. Lee was presented with many gifts and best wishes for a happy retirement. Among the farewell gifts that Lee Perry received, was a beautiful spotting scope, from the Fish and Game Commissioners, and a tripod for the scope, presented by the Division Chiefs.

Grafton County Commissioner Sharon Guaraldi and Carroll County Commissioner Bob Rowan presented departing Executive Director Lee Perry with a spotting scope from members of the Fish and Game Commission.  Fish and Game Division Chiefs presented Perry with the scope's tripod.

Lee and his wife are moving back to Arizona, where other family members live. New Hampshire has had a number of executive directors in the Fish and Game Department since I came to the state in 1962 and I consider Lee among the best. I hope Lee, you know that the sportsmen and women and the people of New Hampshire are grateful for your service and wish you a long and happy retirement. May you and your family continue to enjoy a good life. We’ll miss you. Who will lead the Fish and Game Department now? According to New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission Chairman, Glenn Normandeau, as of August 13th, Donald S. Clarke has been appointed as the Acting Executive Director of the Department. Clarke took office on August 14. The Commission has taken this action under the authority of RSA 206:8, Section III. Donald Clarke previously served as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commissioner for Sullivan County from 1999 to 2006. He has a background in real estate and agriculture and has served on many local and county boards and committees, including his six years as Sullivan County Commissioner. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission conducted a nation-wide search this Spring for a new Executive Director to assume leadership at Fish and Game. A permanent Executive Director was not appointed. The Commission will initiate a new search later this coming Fall.