Don                           

Eddie Rief
Eddie taught the first few Sunkhaze Chapter of Trout Unlimited courses that I attended in the mid-70's.  Ed's New Jersey background made him come across as a little harsh at times, but that was Eddie.  One thing about Eddie, he knew his stuff.  As they say, he had been there and done that.  He was talking from experience, not from speculation.  Two things that I remember from those early classes were his uncanny ability to humble the too cocky novice tier and his encouragement to the youthful beginner.  I learned a lot from this seasoned tyer as I set in the back of his class and absorbed as much as possible and tried not to act too cocky.

Fran Montville
I had the good fortune of meeting Fran at one of the mid-70's TU classes.  From the first time I met Fran, it was easy to see what a wealth of knowledge he had.  His quiet demeanor was perfect for his role as instructor.  I always remember his patience for the beginners that "just didn't get it".  He was never in a hurry and always had time for every students.  He always seemed to have an alternate method to help the novice that was having a problem understanding a certain technique.  
I also remember him placing the tips of his fingers in his mouth for a little "fisherman's cement" to help control an out of place hackle.  Though he could tie anything with perfection, he specialty was nymphs.  Those that I remember most were his Pheasant Tail, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Casual Dress, and his favorite, the Picket Pin.  I am very fortunate to have a few of Fran's flies that I have acquired of the years.  Some I purchased at fishing club auctions (Fran donated more flies than he used) and some that he gave to me.  The one I will cherish most is a Picket Pin that he tossed across the table to me at a beginners class as he said "here, give this a try". 

Joe Bertolaccini
Another in the list of experienced TU instructors that has influenced me over the years is a friend by the name of Joe Bertolaccini.  "Papa Joe" was another of the quiet and knowledgeable instructors that had a special ability of sharing his knowledge of fly tying with his students.  He always had an abundance of patience for each and every tier and their multitude of questions.  One thing that has influenced my teaching technique is the importance that Joe placed on learning the basics.  He felt that students needed a strong foundation of the basics on which to build their techniques.  Joe also shared  additional knowledge at class such as what type of water to fish the fly in (fast moving, calm, deep, shallow), what type of line (floating, sinking, sinking tip) to use, and variations of the original pattern that might prove productive.    
I have had the good fortune of not only attending many of his classes as a student but also as a "helper" in later years.  I have been very fortunate to have spent many meaningful hours on the water with Joe.