Peter Gorinsky, a globally respected authority on tropical fly fishing
His tenacity, generous spirit, and ingenuity, born of a childhood on the South American frontier, knew no bounds. A friend once observed Gorinsky, then 70-years old, restrain a 10-foot boa constrictor with a single jab of his wooden cane. He survived snake bites, boat and car accidents and multiple heart attacks, optimism forever on his side. Gorinsky was a legendary and enchanting storyteller, with a twinkle in his eye as he wove fable and fact to captivate his audience.
His enthusiasm, good cheer and infinite if arcane knowledge inspired the constant flow of visitors to his modest hilltop home in Escazu, overlooking the Costa Rican capital of San Jose and far-off volcanoes. His parrot, Barbara, greeted guests. The ebb and flow of friends and family at his “Inshallah” home marked his life.
A natural teacher, he was always eager to share. In 2015, Gorinsky founded the Costa Rican Association of Fly Fishers, CRAFF, to introduce others to his beloved sport and to conserve the resources he enjoyed so much. His ‘special place’ was along the banks of the Rio Savegre, in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica, where rainbow trout swim beneath rare quetzals, a bird which he would watch in awe as he cast his fly with hallmark grace.
He is survived by sister Marta Ware (Jeff), brothers Luke (Cheryl) and Marc (Caroline), half-brother Caesar (Marie-Louise), several nieces and nephews: he supported the families of many of his helpers as well as his adopted son Carlos Chavarria, of Escazu, who is now an accomplished fly-fishing guide himself—
(David Sherwood of Reuters)
