The family of Jose Wejebe has announced a 'Celebration of Life' to be held this weekend at the IGFA Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
From the 'Spanish Fly' Facebook page:
"From the family of Jose Wejebe and Spanish Fly, we are deeply saddened by the tragic event and loss of a father, son, friend, and bro.
"We would like to invite all family and friends to a Celebration of Life in honor of Jose Wejebe, Sunday April 15, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the International Game Fish Association Museum (IGFA) in Dania Beach, Florida. All those who were touched by Jose are welcome to attend."
Wejebe was killed Friday evening when his single-engine kit plane crashed soon after takeoff in Everglades City, Florida. He was the popular host of the long-running 'Spanish Fly' fishing show.
Many of Wejebe's colleagues in the fishing industry have already come forward to offer condolences.
"Everything Jose did, he did well," said John Brownlee, editor-in-chief of Salt Water Sportsman, "whether guiding, or starring in his award-winning TV show. He touched a lot of people's lives and elevated our sport far beyond where it was only a few years past. He will be missed by a great many people, for a great many different reasons."
"Too many 'big names' subsequently suffer the big-ego syndrome, but for all his success, Jose was always laid-back and personable, coming across as just another guy," added Doug Olander, editor-in-chief of Sport Fishing.
Mercury Marine, with whom Wejebe worked for more than a decade, has announced plans to establish a memorial fund, with the details to be announced.
"Jose's death obviously comes as a terrible shock and will create a huge gap not only in the world of fishing, but also in everyone who knew Jose or benefited from his kind generosity and remarkable perspective," said Mercury Marine president Mark Schwabero. "He was a great friend of this company and a wonderful person. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family."
Plano Molding Co. announced a tribute for Wejebe on their Facebook page, and are encouraging fans to share memories and condolences there.
"Jose's Plano family is deeply saddened by this loss," said Bryan Emrich, the company's vice president of marketing. "Jose was an amazing guy, and someone that just made you feel good about life every time you talked to him. Jose will be deeply missed both as a friend and professional colleague."
