Walt Bebout, who initiated and was in the process of guiding the development of this Club, was killed on September 11, 2009 in a traffic accident en route to judge Best in Show that day at the Wheatland Cluster in Salina, KS. Walt was also scheduled to judge the Frenchies at the Sunday show on that weekend. He had extensive experience in several breeds besides Frenchies (notably Siberians and Bullmastiffs) as a breeder, exhibitor, judge, club president, show chairman, AKC delegate, and AKC Conformation Field Representative. From 2006 to 2008 he worked as AKC Director of Canine Legislation, where he was responsible for all AKC legislative initiatives on the local and state level, and worked closely with the AKC Federal Government Relations Consultant on all federal issues involving dogs. After retiring from the AKC in Nov. 2008 he moved back to Kansas City where he was working toward a doctoral degree at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in Political Science, in which he held BA and MA degrees. It was because of his drive, enthusiasm, and knowledge that our club began and has developed so well so fast. His loss is deeply felt by all, and our task for the future is to carry on and fulfill the vision that he had for us.
Walt championed pure bred dogs inside and outside the show ring for many years, and his tragic death will be felt not just by our breed and our club, but by the fancy as a whole.
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