Lauren E. Schaaf was just 44 years old when he lost a long and painful battle with cancer in March 1995. In his short lifetime, the former director of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife had come to be highly respected as one of North America’s outstanding conversationalists.

Lauren, a 1969 graduate of St. Mary’s held a master’s degree in biology from Eastern Kentucky University. He joined the state and wildlife department in 1976, became the assistant director in 1982 and was named the director just four years later. He was a leader in several species restoration efforts and was widely recognized for his ardent work toward reestablishing ruffed grouse, giant Canadian geese and wild turkey populations.

To say that Lauren loved the great outdoors would be a gross understatement. He was an avid hunter and an excellent wing-shooter. He was the quintessential sportsman.

"To Schaaf, the hunt wasn’t about bagging game" a close friend and colleague once said. "His delight was in hunting with his friends. It was about the camaraderie and the good times. Hunting was sharing the outdoor experiences with the people he cared about.

The Nebraska native was especially proud of the North American Waterfowl management Plan, an innovative management approach to improving the plight of ducks and geese, which he helped develop and implement. Since its inception and much to Lauren’s credit, the North American Waterfowl Management Plan has pumped literally millions of dollars into wetland habitat development projects, including the million dollar grant which helped make the Obion Creek Wildlife Management Area acquisitions possible.

Lauren recognized the importance of the Obion Creek system and identified the area a "key" to Kentucky’s waterfowl conservation efforts. And so it was in his honor that on November 6, 1998 the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources renamed the Obion Creek tract the Lauren E. Schaaf Tract.

Those who had the privilege of working with Lauren, came to know a man who was brilliant, dedicated and caring, yet genuinely humble and unselfish. He was a team player and led by example. With Lauren, it was always "we" or "us", never "I" or "me".

This article was taken from the dedication service held in honor of Lauren on November 6, 1998. Lauren’s classmates of 1969 from St. Mary’s have set up a scholarship fund in his name. Anyone wishing to donate to this fund can contact Tom Earley, Nola Cole or St. Mary’s High School.