This is a picture of Torch taken sometime in the mid 60's with FC
AFC Stilrovin Tuppee Tee. This was supposedly Torch's favorite dog.
Torch Flinn died in April of 96 and left many memories
behind. Her involvement with retrievers spanned 50 years. When she started
in field trials there were few women handlers and trainers. Eventually,
she owned and campaigned nine field champions and she bred eight Field
and/or Amateur Field Champions and fifteen bench Champions under the Tigathoe
prefix. She was also a past President of the National Amateur Retriever
Club. Though many, Torch's statistics pale in the remembrance of her infectious
laugh and tough competitiveness. Her personality was unique. We will tell
Torch stories for years to come.
The Golden Retriever Club of America dedicated it's 1996
National Specialty to her and has given approval for an annual Award to
be presented at the National Specialty in honor of Torch and her contributions
to the world of Retrievers.
In light of Torch's record as an Owner-Handler and her
belief in the viability of the Amateur in field trials, the trophy will
be awarded annually to the golden that acquires the most all-age points
in AKC licensed Field Trials while handled by the dog's Amateur-Owner or
Co-owner. These points will be tabulated on a year end basis.
