Thanks, for a special day

[SmittyBaits]

A hearty, "Thank You" to all who participated in and organized the special day for my brother, Ron, yesterday. Ron was not about big, extravagant, blow my own horn kind of stuff. He just got things done. The organizers definitely got it done on Sunday. Within a short amount of time they put on a class event that was enjoyed by many. Some came from quite a distance to show their appreciation for a common, good guy. Fishing was tough, congrat's to Troy Linder, doing it alone, on the win. Thanks to the various tours and their help on the bass tournament. Ron's daughter got 4th in the hold'em tournament, the apple does'nt fall far.

A big "Thanks" to Bill, Rob, Jim and Troy for all your efforts in slamming this together, a big success. A lot of behind the scenes stuff went on and the day went off as planned. All the contributions by various groups/organizations/company's made the day free for families to come and enjoy, again, Thanks . The use of the Castaic Sports Park for this community event was a perfect fit.

Our family appreciates the effort by all,
See You next year,
Don

[szuloaga]

Had fun participating was something I have never done before.
Great job to all who made this event possible!

Steve

[Bill Siemantel]

Don,

You are very welcome. I was trying to snap a few shots of the days event and only got a very small part of it.

I would like to thank everyone that came out and participated or helped during the day.

Big Props go to Rob Tomlin, Mike Nemec, Ron Laicari, Jim Rayes, John Barron, Mike and Lynne Peterson, Lori Bennet, Mike Forslund, and the list goes on and on

The day started early at 3:00am


Mike and Lynne getting things ready--Rob just drinking his coffee


Jim Reyes and Lynne Perterson getting ready for sign ups


John gets some big props!!! happy all day long--well kinda-- you will see later?


Future PRO Logan Spere


YA, That's Ron Thompson- hope that's coffee you are drinking


Mike Bohn from Western Outdoors News Paper donated 1 year subscriptions to all the new comers for the event.


Don Smith and Brother-in-Law signing in


YES, I AM TROY LINDNER--hear me roar----meow


The Odd Couple, Ron Laicari, Derrek Stewart, YOZ: Derrek what is growing out of your head?


Thanks for showing up Jerry


Mike Nemec going over the Boat Valet instructions


Kailyn Siemantel pulling the winning ticket for the raffled case of RoboWorms before boat launch


Rob Tomlin with a dedication for Ron Smith

Now I had to put down the camera for a while to help with boat launch and park preparations. Will pick back up for the start of the Poker Tournament. We had over 70 people show up for the event.


Poker put on by DAD's Poker Night


Yolonda Hart taking down a few of the poker fellas






HOLD THE DOORS!!!!!!!!!!! IS THAT MIKE HART?


Mike you need darker glasses This is the slick Poker Two Step--Act like you are taking a drink and eyeball the cards beside you.




Ron's Daughter showing my daughter how to play the game.



Remember when I said John was happy all day long he got seated with non-other than Mike Sterns at one of the tables. Don't they look happy? They both lost within the next few hands LOL. Still better than what I could of done.


I think that another Castaic fisherman trying his hands at Poker. Josh Leogrot


Few hours later we are down to the final 9, and yes that is Ron's daughter taking the big boys chips






Now the story goes that Ron's daughter was eyeballing the 3rd place prize (I-Pod Nano) and had to go full tilt poker mode and started taking people down one by one.

She was able to take down 5 of them but missed that 3rd place spot by one.


the final two players fighting it out.


Places 5th through 9th


Places 1st through 4th


With a kind heart, The son of Mike Landers after hearing that Ron's daughter had her eyes on the I-Pod and that she might not be in the mood of drinking coffee, swapped prize with her and ended the poker tournament on a very high note. diffidently a class act


Thanks to the Lions Club and Team LiftOff for the BBQ


Paul and Logan Spere enjoys the rest of the event after a great day on the water.


Rob Tomlinas the MC for the event


Let's sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of Ron's little girls


Rosland Wayman dedicating the day to the Smith Family.


Day to remember


Santa's Coming


Little Team Daveis in the making--go get them Blake


Thanks to all the uniformed personal helping at the part today,
Sheriff's, Young Marines, and the County Fire department


Ending the day with the Poyinisain dance




Lets get your moves on

Sorry that I do not have more pictures for the event, I was moving pretty fast just to keep up with everything. From 2 story Jumpers, Football, Snow, Santa, Soccer, Face painting, Home Depot and much much more. I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out and enjoying the day.

Bill Siemantel

[propgun]

Bill
I hope you had a chance to put your feet up today. I know that after sunday with all that was going on I was spent. From 4am at the Bass tournament to setting up the park and closeing down the park at 5:30 pm my body was spent . I just want to say Thank you Bill , Rob and everyone who took part in this day. It truely was a Great day.

[ROBTOMLIN]

Billy, WHAT AN EVENT TO REMEMBER.
Thanks for doing what you do. I know what a big heart you have. Way to lead by example. I've never felt gratification of that magnitude in my life. Happy birthday, poker and polanesian dancing will never be looked at the same by me, without thinking of 31 flavors, hooded sweatshirts or a last minute rented stages. Two little girls smiled, cried, and started the process of healing their way to a life of great memories. All of my respect to you.
Your Friend
Robby

[Ron T.]

I cant believe Jim did that with ladys present
Guys , all I can say is you all did a fantastic job. Unbelievable turnout . Well done !

[Lynne]

Bill, the photos are worth a thousand words. Great illistration of how the day went.

WOW is what Mike and I have to say about this event.

First we were extremely excited to be invited to help with the bass tournament. Charity or Benefit events are our favorite.

Working with Jim Reyes from Anglers Choice, Mike Nemec from Lake Elsinore Bass Club, John Barron from Top Stick and Ron Cervenka from HBC was awesome. (I should add that Ron just came to watch and said hey if I can do anything….well since he has such a good gift for speaking we gave him the microphone and so it went)

The anglers in the morning were treated to a valet launch…such class Mike Nemec brought up his expertise and valet box to head up this great task. Jim Reyes on the computer, Mike Peterson and Mike Nemec having the anglers truck/trailer in the water for the anglers to pull up on…valet style… Ron Cervanka as the MC, John Barron weighing the bass and me writing the weigh slips. It is how it should be, the organizations working together for a joyous cause, the celebration of Ron Smith’s Life.
.
The joy in everyone’s heart was overwhelming, a feeling that is hard to described. The many lives that Ron must have touched….not even knowing….was amazing. After the bass event we went down to the Castaic Sports Center and it was incredible…the kids, the parents, and the people that were there…well it was amazing. We got there just in time for Rob Tomlin to call ALL the people in attendance to the stage (where the band had just played). He talked about the family, about Ron and then introduced one of the daughters who had just had a birthday. The energy that Ron has on the stage is enough to get the whole crowd involved. EVERYONE sang happy birthday to her. What a feeling for her, what a memory for her…..I was standing next to Paul Spere and was wiping my own eyes and he too was tearing. It was a joyous occasion. Then they gave the family a certificate dedicating the day to Ron…..how great is that! All of a sudden there were sirens getting closer and closer. Leading the pack was a police car followed by a fire truck, ambulance and another police car. SANTA got a police escort to the event! I heard that Santa spent two hours listening to the children’s request for Christmas presents.

BILL SIEMANTEL, ROB TOMLIN who organized this event….YOU BOTH DID A GREAT JOB. Who would have thought that you could have done this is such a short amount of time.

One last thing, many of the anglers who won money donated their winnings to the event. What a gracious gift. Oh and they did not really want the recognition for their act of kindness!

Here are the results for Ron Smith Celebration of Life Event December 20, 2009

1. Troy Lindner/alone 5 bass----3.55 big bass---13.50---$1,145
2. Brandon Ober/Aldo Acevedo---5 bass---4.12 big bass---11.44---$808
3. Don Robidoux/Paul Vogler---5 bass---2.64 big bass---10.77---$450
4. Ron Thompson/Jerry Ballesteros--1 BIG bass---7.84---$328
5. Doug Frasco/Mark Frasco---3 bass---5.15 total weight---$90
6. Mike Robinett/Jim Kaforski---3---4.54 total weight
7. Gary & Mary Robbins 2 bass---3.96--$120
8. Paul & Logan Spere 2 bass ---3.93--$240
9. Brian & Connie Jennings---2 bass 2.93 big bass---3.81 total weight
10. Derrek Stewart/alone---1 bass 2.94 total weight
11. John & Tom Younce---1 bass 2.59
12. Bob Tull/Jason Wilson 1 bass—1,94
13. Brent Buckingham/Steven Zuloga 1 bass—1.88
14. John Fike/Joe Payne—1 bass—1.72
15. Don Smith/Wad Berzas—1 bass 1.40
16. James Thurston Greg Galloway--0
17. Pete Hauber/Mike Waters--0
18. Pat Armany/Ken Boyce--0
19. Mike Rooney/alone--0

Merry Christmas to all
Mike and Lynne Peterson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVQDYnsDdCo

[Ray L.]

Wow Bill what a great event. Wish I could have been there. Work is so busy now though. I even saw Landers and his boys in your pics. How did you drag him out.

[William Pointing]

WOW!!!!!