NAFTZGER, Ted

NAFTZGER, Roy E. “Ted” (1925-2007), grandson of J. V. Vickers and son of Clara Vickers, who, along with Walter L. Vail purchased Santa Rosa Island in 1902. Ted attended Stanford University, received a degree in history from USC in 1948, and a master’s from USC in 1986. He was president of The Vickers Company, Ltd. until his death on October 29, 2007 at age 82. Ted was a world class sportsfisherman and in 2002 was inducted into the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame. He was a founding member of the Channel Islands Broadbill Tournament. Known for his legendary swordfishing expertise, Naftzger is believed to have caught more broadbill on rod and reel than any other person in the world. He said of his daytime swordfishing — the most difficult time to fish — that it was ‘the only really interesting and sporting way to catch them.’ He added ‘If it were easy I wouldn’t do it.’ He was also a well known and highly respected numismatist for over 60 years.

Ted Naftzger married Pauline Crowe and they had three daughters:

• Natalie Pauline Naftzger [Davis]
• Sandra Naftzger [Dritley]
• Nancy Vickers Naftzger