John Sherburne “Moose” Bellows, 63, of Chester, died suddenly July 29.

John was a stone mason and created beautiful stone walls and patios for his clients in the lower Connecticut river valley since starting his own business in 1986. He was an avid gardener, photographer and outdoorsman.

He had a lifelong passion for fly fishing and was an outstanding fly tier. He was a past president of the Housatonic Fly Fisherman’s Association, and President of the North Eastern Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers, where for many years he served as Vice President of Membership on the National Board. He was also a past president of the Chester Land Trust and a founding member of the Chester Cigar Club, as well as an avid Yankees, Giants and UConn Huskies fan.

Before his death, John enjoyed several years of retirement, and he traveled the country fishing and photographing the beauty of its National Parks. He will be fondly remembered by his many friends both in the United States and internationally for his devotion to fly fishing, his fun-loving personality and the quality of friendships he made and maintained.

John is survived by his loving wife and best friend Jeanne -Marie Bellows of Chester; his younger brother Henry Bellows and his wife Claudia, and his nephew Benjamin and niece Daniela, all of Chester. He was predeceased by his younger brother Benjamin Bellows.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Chester Meeting House. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Chester Land Trust, P.O. Box 82 Chester, CT. To share a memory of John or send a condolence to his family, visit www.rwwfh.com. The Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook, is in charge of arrangements.