John Leander Gamsby of Vineyard Haven died May 16 at the age of 96.

An avid fisherman and passionate outdoorsman, he was born Dec. 8, 1912, in San Diego, Calif. His family relocated back to the Vineyard when John was just eight months old, and he grew up in his grandfather Capt. Leander Owen’s house in Vineyard Haven across from Owen Park. He graduated from the Tisbury High School. He was a loving grandfather who shared his love for the outdoors with his grandchildren.

John’s love for fishing led him to establish a lure-making business. One of his lures, the Wig-Lit, had great success in the 1948 Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass Derby. Today a collector’s lure, it came in a handsome cardboard box that was printed with the words: “It’s the Action That Brings Satisfaction.”

John also resided for many years in Quincy and Holbrook. He was a longtime member of the Old Colony Rod and Gun Club, the Avon Fish and Game and the Braintree Municipal Golf Course.

He is survived by his beloved partner of 48 years, Rose Keith of Peachtree City, Ga.; five grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

His son, Stanley O. Gamsby, predeceased him in 2002.