Today I lost my Fishing Partner....

basstamer · Post by **basstamer** » Tue May 29, 2007 9:54 pm

at approximately 0930 this morning my lifelong hunting and fishing partner,my best friend and my hero lost his almost year long battle with Cancer. Dad was there when I shot my first duck,my first pheasant,my first buck-he was not only there to lip my first Bass but he was also there to watch me land what is still my personal best Bass of 9 1/2 lbs.We did it all from little stream trout to deep sea,bass to bream. Those of you that have had your Dads taken away know the pain and lonelyness that I have in my heart...those of you that are lucky enough to still have your Dad call them and tell them you love them and ask them out on the boat for some fishing. We sit up for hours the other night talking....Dad,my brother and I bs'ing....remembering the days out chasing Turkeys or Bass-it was priceless and I am sure will be one of my life's fondest moments. Those of you that still think smoking is no big deal-think again....he smoked his whole life along with being a Firefighter for 33 years so he inhaled way too much of a lot of bad things but it can't be worth the risk guys. If you only knew what he went through this past year you'd be throwing yours cigs away right now! Thanks for letting me ramble.
You'll be missed Dad-I love You...Rest in Peace. Tight Lines Pop.
Scott

biteme · Post by **biteme** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:05 pm

RIP, sorry for your loss.

Timber_Effects · Post by **Timber_Effects** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:11 pm

I sorry for your loss Scott. Your pop will always be in the boat waiting for you.

Tight lines

Sean Graf · Post by **Sean Graf** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:26 pm

Scott,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss, after losing mine nearly 5 years ago, I know exactly what you're going through. Hang in there man, you and the family will be on our prayers.

Sean Graf

froteur · Post by **froteur** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:40 pm

i'm soooo sorry.

-perry-

DAKINE198 · Post by **DAKINE198** » Tue May 29, 2007 10:41 pm

Sorry to hear of your loss, I will pray for you and your family. Cancer is a tough battle, but remember he's in a better place now. No more pain and suffering and the fishing is a whole lot better.

Guy Kelley · Post by **Guy Kelley** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:24 pm

To A Fellow Fishermen & Traveler;

I Hope You Find Peace In Your Heart.

A Smile & Tear In Your Memories.

Strength & Courage In Your Faith.

Comfort & Love In The Arms of Your Family.

May God Bless You and Keep In the Palm Of His Hand Always.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:28 pm

Sorry for your loss Scott. It's got to be tough, and I dread the day I lose one of my parents. The thought crosses my mind all the time as I only get to see them a few times a year!

It's a tough loss I am sure but, you can feel lucky you got to spend all the time you did with him. So many kids/adults grow up without getting to spend the time with their father that it sounds like you did with yours. Cherish the memories and lessons you learned from him... they'll be with you forever!

350V RGR · Post by **350V RGR** » Tue May 29, 2007 11:41 pm

Scott,

I am sorry for your loss, I lost my uncle (father figure) 15 years ago. We did the same kind of things as you and your father did. My uncle is still in my thought's daily and I still follow his standards and fun as much as I can.

Good men will always be with us.

Take care and take your time.

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Wed May 30, 2007 2:18 am

Scott,

My condolences to you and your family. I went through the same thing with my Dad a few years ago after countless hours hunting, fishing and working together. I now hunt and fish with my two young Sons as he did with me. Just remember that he will still be with you throughout your endeavors.
Brian

Fish Chris · Post by **Fish Chris** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:01 am

I am really sorry to hear about this Scott. Nothing I can say could make this much easier right now. But I lost my father many years ago too, and the one thing I can tell you, is that over time, instead of your thoughts of your father being of pain, and loss, these thoughts will gradually change to stuff like, "That was funny when Dad......", That was cool when Dad......", and of course, "Dad was sure right when he said......"

Thoughts and prayers go out for you and your family.
Fish Chris

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Wed May 30, 2007 5:07 am

Please accept our condolences. Sounds like you are already on the way to healing, recalling the good times you had together and reliving them. It's wonderful the 3 of you had a chance to share them again. You Dad will live on through you and your brother and I'm betting many orthers who have known him. He sounds like a wonderful man

Pat

Casey · Post by **Casey** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:03 am

Sorry for your loss, I know what your going through as I just lost my mom less than three weeks ago. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.

God Bless you and yours.

Casey

Phil Burgess · Post by **Phil Burgess** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:11 am

scott that really puts things in perspective!!!!!!! sorry to hear about you loss. To many times I have been impatiant or upset with my dad cause he was trying to teach me somthing and I dident want to listen. listening to your story makes me stop and look back on all the fine things he has taught me growing up.. I couldent imagine what you are going through but sometimes courage dosent roar its the silent voice at the end of the day saying i will try again tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Kentuck · Post by **Kentuck** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:45 am

I lost my Dad two years ago. I am sorry for your loss. God Bless.

Skeeterman · Post by **Skeeterman** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:47 am

basstamer, Im sorry for your losing your best freind, your father I lost dad in 1998 so I know how hard this is.I will pray for you and your family basstamer. Just remember do not stop doing what you and your father did because every time you go fishing or hunting I guarantee you your father will right next you. GOD be with you and you family.

Gator · Post by **Gator** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:15 am

Damn Scott - so sorry to hear of your loss. You do have an awesome family around you which who will help you through this difficult time. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Terry Smith · Post by **Terry Smith** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:40 am

Sorry to here of your loss. I lost my Mom to kidney cancer which will be 4 years ago this June 4th. God Bless you and your family.You will always have your memories.

Terry

Kevin Evans - Kap · Post by **Kevin Evans - Kap** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:42 am

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father and best friend.

Kap

mac (Doyle McEwen) · Post by **mac (Doyle McEwen)** » Wed May 30, 2007 7:50 am

No doubt it is a very tough loss..My condolences to you and your family..Your Father's memory will remain as strong as he was in your life..

mac

george · Post by **george** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:06 am

He will be with you from now on everytime you set the hook or pull the trigger my friend. My thoughts are with you. george

StockOption · Post by **StockOption** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:12 am

My sincerest condolences to your entire family Scott.

God bless you and yours.

Kurt

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:15 am

And thank you for offering great advice to everyone else. When my dad died, I experienced the same feelings. To this day, my only regret in life is that I got too busy as an adult to spend a lot of time with dad.

As dad got older, his lifetime of smoking led to a heart attack followed by cancer...it was the cancer that got him. It ate away a once proud man. His life ended in diapers and inability to even feed himself. Towards the last few days, he refused to eat because he couldn't feed himself. Dad's pride and dignity were shattered by the time he closed his eyes for good. His only regret? He told me if he had never smoked he would probably have lived another 10 or 15 years.

My dad was a remarkable man. His passion was top secret aviation. Pioneers of aviation like Chuck Yeager were among his freinds. He helped to design and build the first stealth fighter at a Lockheed facility in Area 51. At the time dad died, the stealth fighter was still a top secret program cloaked in mystery. The planes never flew in daylight to prevent spies from getting any clear pictures. At his memorial service in Palmdale California, the little chapel was filled to overflowing. After the service, I was standing on the lawn out front when I heard the unmistakable roar of low flying aircraft. I looked up the street and a formation of F-117's (Stealth Fighters) came into view. They flew so close to the ground I thought they might hit the tree tops. As they passed over the chapel, one of the fighters peeled off in the traditional salute to a fallen comrade. Dad would have been so proud!

One of the men standing near me said very quietly, "The brass wouldn't give us permission to do that but the pilots and ground crew voted to do it anyway. Somebody's gonna get an *** chewin. S'okay though...your dad would have taken the chewin for any of us!"

God how I miss dad!

Scott, I can only offer you this consolation. As time passes, the pain of your loss will diminish, replaced by fond memories of your times spent with your dad. And never forget, a little bit of your dad lives on in you. You are a walking memorial and tribute to the values your dad taught. Walk proudly and represent him well! It's YOUR duty and privilege to be the man he hoped you'd be.

To those of you who haven't lost your dads, call them today while you still have a chance to build more memories. And, heed Scott's advice about smoking. It won't kill you now but the day will come when you wish you had quit....it's too late then!

.....NaCl

basstamer · Post by **basstamer** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:51 am

to me this is what this ite is all about-friends.Even though I have not yet met some of you I still consider you all me firends and posts like this remind us just how similar and close we all really are. Dean Thank you most of all-everything in your post is so similar to our situation. My dad too was a proud,proud man. He was a Captain in the Fire Department and when we called a dear friend that was his driver at the time he retired yesterday within 3 minutes he called back and told my brother the department was giving him a full blown funeral....that is a huge honor to my dad and to us. I hold the memories of us afeild as my dearest and thats what will get me through-I will miss him everyday for the rest of my life but you guys are right I do believe he will be right there beside me everyday. thanks again guys-you truly have no idea how much this all means to me.
Scott

rexford · Post by **rexford** » Wed May 30, 2007 8:51 am

That is terrible. Scott, you and your family are in our thoughts.
May you feel comfort in all the wonderful times you shared
together. As mentioned above you are your fathers best
gift to the world. I am sure you have exceeded his highest
expectations.

Our sympathies,
Mike

Fishin' Dave · Post by **Fishin' Dave** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:42 am

I am sorry for your loss.

Enjoy everyday you have with friends and family.

NaCl · Post by **NaCl** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:43 am

I know what you mean bassbones...I have my dad's flight jacket from the Stealth Fighter project. I also have love letters he wrote to my mother telling her how excited he was to have a baby on the way. That baby was me and dad was serving our country in the Navy. He was onlny 19. When I left for Nam at age 19, I thought I hated my dad. As far as I was concerned, he was pig headed, tough and demanding. But, the first thing I did after I got out of a hospital over there was call that mean-*** SOB for advice. I told him there was something very wrong with this so-called "police action". I said my fellow GI's were being wasted in a war of "attrition" instead of taking the fight to Hanoi like we should. I wasn't sure if I could keep supporting the war. Dad said, "Son, I've always admired your integrity and intelligence. You do whatever you feel is right and I will back you 100% no matter what you decide!"

In that moment, dad became my best friend. I suddenly knew why he had always been so tough on me...he expected a lot. It was his way of giving me respect. I didn't understand that until I was faced with real life circumstances. Just knowing dad was behind me got me through some really tough times. Thanks again dad!

And, bassbones, thanks for stimulating the memories.

.....NaCl

Chad L. Dwyer · Post by **Chad L. Dwyer** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:46 am

November of this year will be 5 years for me. I went through the same thing you are going thru, almost exactly.

My Dad is my best friend, fishing partner, business partner, we just flat out did everything together. His life on Earth was lost to Cancer just as your Dad. I truly feel your pain and my heart goes out to you, more than you can possibly imagine.

I can remember back to the day I lost him, I can't even describe in words how it felt. I just wanted the whole world to stop and tell me that it was gonna be okay, tell me this hadn't happened.

Remember this, he's not gone, he just won't be physically with you for a short time. You have the opportunity to share eternity with him in a place where there is no pain.

If there is ever a time when you need to talk to someone that has been down this road, you can call on me 24/7.

God Bless,

Chad L. Dwyer
916.803.0708

R. Duzac · Post by **R. Duzac** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:34 am

Scott,
Really sorry to here of your loss.
My dad also got me into fishing as a kid as well, but now it's hard for me to get him away from the house and the computer.

Your loss is a reminder to me as you said to call him and to try to get him out again. It normally means on the water around 8 or 9 am on a warm, but not too hot day.

When that day comes for me I hope I can say as you have how you enjoyed each others time till he couldn't do it anymore.

Take care Scott,
Rene Duzac

912nitro · Post by **912nitro** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:39 am

Your story & mine are so similar.
My dad worked construction, so we moved a lot.
I remember when i was 3 . I had been very sick, i remember the fever.
I remember dad coming to the hospital with a rod & reel. probabally 1 of the smallest he could find at that time ( around 1952 ).
We are from East Texas, & when Sam Rayburn resivior was almost half full we started fishing there.
Probabally more than 2 weekends a month average we were on that lake.
Because of him i was able to fish some of the best fishing places in Texas, Washington Oregon & California.
He put me on the stright & narrow, & even tho i got off & fell off of it occasionally, he wouldnt let me stay off.
He put in me what it takes to be a Man, ( husband, father, grandfather, you know. all the rolls we have to fulfil ).
He also was a smoker.
In the 50,s people didnt really know how harmful tobacco products are.
He tried to stop smoking, but tobacco is to strong .
Dad died in 1993, at the young age of 63.
Mom is still alive & well & still manages the home & still drives.
He would have been 78 this year.
Last year several people who use this forum started an stop smoking campaign.
I PM'd most of them & related this story, & how much i hated tobacco for what it does to families.
Mostly i got negative feedback, like it was none of my business.
Maybe it is & maybe it isnt, but i just dont want others to know the pain of losing a loved 1 sooner than they have to.
Now, i have7 grandchildren & 5 of them who will never know their grandfather .
They can neve go & ** drown a worm ** in the fishing hole like i did with my grandfathers.
He hated tobacco & told me so, even as he was holding a cigarette in his hand.
But, i am Blssed & thankful for what he did for me, & i thank him for it a coup[le of times a month.
Like when i catch a 6 lbr, i think that if he hadnt taken me fishing i wouldnt haver been capable of doing that.
Of if he hadnt instill the love of fishing in me i couldnt be living on the Delta now, next to some bonifide Delta Rats.
Others do understand what you have lost.
You have our Prayers & compassion.
One thing for sure. never forget what he gave you./ never give up on the principles of rightness .
I dont know where Chowchila is, but if your ever going to be on Bethel Island, or In Oakley PM , we have so much in common i`m sure we can waste a few minutes on fishing & hunting Or ??? stories.
God Bless you & you family in this time of need.
Joe

L Dub · Post by **L Dub** » Wed May 30, 2007 10:41 am

My condolences to you and your family Basstamer.

Jeff Jewell · Post by **Jeff Jewell** » Wed May 30, 2007 11:05 am

Sorry for your loss, cherish your memories.........

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:20 pm

Scott,

I feel your pain as well, and offer my condolences and assurance that the pain will be replaced with realization that the man you called Dad spent his life making your future as bright as possible. Several months ago I lost my dear dad as well, and since then I have also lost two close fishing partners (one my tournament partner for years) and my father-in-law.

As depressing as it is to lose those you love, rest assured that you were fortunate to have known people you can love, and that love will get you through the tough times. Nobody can ever take that away from you.

Honor those you have loved and lost by loving others.

g-man · Post by **g-man** » Wed May 30, 2007 3:43 pm

Sad, I'm sorry for you, and your family. He will always be with you in your heart. Memories will alway be there to remind yourself of what a wonderful father he was.

bassenvy · Post by **bassenvy** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:34 pm

the thought of losing my father has crossed my mind a few times since he is in his 60's now...I think about it periodically cause I only get to see him once or twice a year since moving to California in '98 like a few here.

It sounds like you've got some great memories! my condolensces go out to you and your family.

Jeff Huth · Post by **Jeff Huth** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:34 pm

You would be shocked how many of us anglers have lost fathers and mothers just like you have.I think that a lot of outdoor people have close relationships with their parents because of the time they spent together fishing ,hunting etc..I myself have four close friends that also lost parents in the last 5 years to cancer.14 months ago I lost my Dad to a brain tumor, and I still have problems with it, but it is getting better.I watched my dad who was a proud WWII marine who survived Iwo Jima,Gwadacanal,and Guam, came home and raised four sons by himself through the 60's and watched some of his boys go through the hell of Viet Nam,only to end up the last 6 months of his life getting his *** kicked by that horrible disease.The only compaint my father had was that he couldn't finish the construction projects he still had on the books!He passed at 82years.I know our parents where a whole lot tougher than we are ,but we all gotta buck up to set a example for the next generation.
My prayers are with you,
Jeff

R watts · Post by **R watts** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:44 pm

God bless you and your family through this difficult time!!!

Mike · Post by **Mike** » Wed May 30, 2007 6:59 pm

I know this is a rough time for you and your family. You have my condolensces. Be very thankful for all of those years you got to spend with your father. Those memories are priceless! My dad passed when I was only 19, so the memories fade each year that I live on. But some will never fade, and that is all of the good times! Now that I am older and have kids of my own, I try to make those good memories for my boys. They never got to meet their Grandpa, but I plan on being there for their kids. Please know that he is in a better place now and everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it just takes awhile to find out the reasons.

God bless, Mike

Marty · Post by **Marty** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:47 pm

Iâ€™m sorry to hear of your lost and I will pray that God welcomed your father into his eternal home and granted him peace within our Lord's embrace; that God prepared a special place for him and has given him a new heavenly life; that all of his family and friends who preceded him into heaven were there to welcome him; that God will comfort you and your family whom mourn his passing and will wipe away your tears and will lessen your sense of loss.

I have read your account of your father and the other angler memories of their fathers. All I can say hold those memories close because I donâ€™t have those memories and am very envious of yours. My father die when he was 56 years old of alcoholism in some alleyway in Oakland while I was overseas protecting our country. My father did like to fish but not once did he take me â€“ the reason I donâ€™t know. We never went camping or build anything together. I spent the first part of my life trying to prove something to my father but it never happen. Getting my Master degree â€“ I just became a smart *** to him, becoming an officer in the Army â€“ I was just call a kiss ***! There was nothing I did to make my dad say he loved me! Please understand I still love my father and in his way just maybe. My father never did lay a hand on me or my sisters â€“ I give him that!

But I did use the lessons he give me and raised my kids the opposite way. I took my kids hunting and fishing and told them that I love them. I donâ€™t know why Iâ€™m telling you guys this â€“ the only person I have talked about this is my wife. It must be to show you how lucky your are even in the passing of your father.

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Wed May 30, 2007 9:48 pm

I am so sorry for your loss Scott but always remember it is also Gods gain.
As I sit here and read all these storys you can really tell how much people do care.I never had a father around at anytime I was growing up so my mom was my best friend.My wife tells me it has been 4.5 years since we lost her,it seems like yesterday to me but what do I know.We grew up very poor in the inner city of Portland but some how my mom figured out a way to get me down to the local slough to teach me to fish.She was so fuuny watching this little women of all of 85lbs trying to land a big old carp and other fish.She loved to fish so much.
Your pain will turn to joy Scott,this I am sure of.The memories that you have are priceless and some times at of know where you will start to smile and wonder why?Then it will hit you that it was something you and your father had done or something.
Peace and Love through Christ Jesus....Jim

L.Hackney · Post by **L.Hackney** » Thu May 31, 2007 12:04 am

Scott,
sorry to here about your father... I lost my mom a couple years ago to that dreadful disease and know what you are going through. I think it is apparent by all the resonses that all of us out here care deeply for your feelings and the trials you are facing right now.

Please dont hesitate to let us know if there is anything, and I Mean, ANYTHING we can do to help...

Our prayers are with you,

*Lowell*

Thad O. · Post by **Thad O.** » Thu May 31, 2007 4:19 am

Scott-
So sorry to hear the news. Your father will always be with you in your thoughts and memories. Sounds like your father lived a great life. May he rest in peace. Thad O.

BassTraveler · Post by **BassTraveler** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:17 am

Dear Scott,
My condolences to you and your family.
Your friend,
Sieg

Biff · Post by **Biff** » Thu May 31, 2007 5:25 am

scott, I do not know you, but that don't matter I am truely sorry for your lose,your story really hit me. my prayers are with you and your family. stay strong and GOD bless. sincerly Ron H.

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