We were very sad to hear of the death of Michael (Mike) Heusner earlier this month. Mike had a huge impact on the fly fishing world in Belize and will be sorely missed. Here’s his full obituary from Belize River Lodge.
With great sadness we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Heusner on January 10, 2026. We are grateful for his contributions and the lives he touched.
Michael is predeceased by his parents, John Heusner and Julia Heusner (née Stolf). He is survived by his brother Francis Heusner; sister Patricia Johanna Heusner; beloved wife Marguerite Miles (née Jones); children Karla and Judy Heusner, Trevor Miles, and Misha Miles-Burgard; grandchildren Julia Claire Heusner-Wesche, Emily Rose Heusner, Falen, Mia Paige, and Morgan Miles; and great-granddaughter Lili Heusner Wesche.
He is also lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephew Maya Cano, Kathryn Heusner Kertz, Thania Jones Pedroza, Debbie Jones Burns, Robert Jones, Virginia Jones Johnson, Heather Jones, Krystal Jones, Stephanie Jones Setty, and Zandelee Jones Olson, along with a host of other cherished family members and friends too numerous to mention.
Mike devoted years to protecting Belize’s natural heritage for future generations. He often reminded us that “getting things done often requires both activists and advocates.” His passion and persistence left a lasting mark on the places and people he loved.
Michael Caranci, author of “Poor Man’s Rest: Legacy of Belize’s First Fishing Lodge”, captured many of Mike’s contributions—quotations, notes, and stories that speak to his deep love for Belize and tireless advocacy. From the book, highlights of Mike’s work and dedication:
“When Mike feels like his environment is being threatened, he uses his own loud, and respected, voice to advocate for his home waters, fish and fauna.”
“The balance between economics and advocacy for conservation is both logical and challenging, individuals – and companies – who work in the field of outdoor recreation are constantly walking this tightrope of varying densities; on the one hand, a pristine environment is necessary to drive the economics of natural resource-based tourism, while on the other, the presence and impacts of those tourists often represent a threat to that same environment. Mike’s decades-long efforts to promote tourism in Belize has always been cantered to strive for this balance, based on the concept that Belize tourism would not – and likely could not – exist and thrive if they did not maintain a vibrant and healthy natural environment.”
Rest in peace, Mike — your stewardship and spirit will be remembered by future generations of Belizeans.
A “Celebration of the Life of Mike Heusner” is being planned for June, with further details to be announced at a later date.
The attention of his many friends and fellow advocates and partners in the tourism, environmental, and business communities is respectfully called to this announcement.
Michael John Heusner
Sunrise: December 7, 1939
Sunset: January 10, 2026
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