Soldier Creek in Memory of

[brookie]

Well, I lost one of my two long time fishing buddies Sunday morning. His wife called at 0430 to let us know he had passed during the night. After the diagnosis of stage 4 liver/pancreatic cancer of which they gave him 2 weeks to 6 months to live, he made it exactly 14 days. We had been friends and fishing companions for 42 years. Met him when I married his sister in 1977.
Everyone grieves in their own way. I spent Sunday and Monday consoling my wife, preparing for the services, ordering flowers, visiting with relatives, taking care of essentials, etc. The funeral is tomorrow, so Tuesday was for me in solace. Even with the threat of rain/snow, I headed to SC for a solo to reflect. The wife, I am sure doesn't quite understand, though we have been together for a long time so she knows fishing is my peace.
I arrived at the launch at 0630, not a boat or trailer in sight. Loons and grebes, my only companions. 32* air temp and 43* surface temp with a light wind from the south. Rain threatened, but never appeared. I put out the first downrigger soon after leaving the launch, at 15' and was letting out line for the second pole, when I got the first koke on that surface pole. I brought the first pole up to 7' and 5 minutes later had two in the boat. Turned south toward the hump. Two more koke long releases, 2 fat bows and 2 decent cutts later. I headed back toward the launch, remembering how great it was to fish with my brother-in-law. Back just out in front of the marina, I got a double to fill my limit of kokes. Docked before 0900. Pretty reasonable day for as cold and threatening as it was.
Met the only other fisherman I saw on the ramp as I was retrieving my boat. Pretty great day. I'm sure feeling dissipate with time, but I hope I remember the good times. Greg, this one's for you Pal.
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[mtncat1]

that was a great tribute to a lost friend , thanks for the report and memories . i often think about the loss of my strawberry buddy and my big brother . who i can't fish with again .[fishon]
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[Cowboypirate]

Brookie, you are mistaken. You were not alone. Your long time fishing buddy was sitting right beside ya enjoying one more run on the water. In fact, I have it on good authority that he even out fished you that morning.

Thanks for sharing a touching memory.
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[Kent]

Thanks for sharing. I hope one or more of my fishing buddies go fishing in my honor when the time comes. I would consider it a great tribute.
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[brookie]

Thanks guys for all your kind words. Yes cb pirate, I am sure he was there with me. We just cherish the time we have here with good friends. He probably did out fish me. I netted all the fish so someone must have been reeling them in.
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[Mooseman75]

Sorry for your loss and I would have done the same thing. I hope everyone in my family goes fishing for my tribute. Stay strong brother and keep up the great work
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[PACKFAN]

Sorry for your loss, I lost my Brother in Law a year ago this past April, Fishing and hunting partners since 1967, I know its hard to take, a few people on the site knew him.
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[Bigfishrule]

Condolences on the loss of a fishing buddy and brother in law.

You brought a tear to my eye. As i read your story I was thinking of my Dad who loved Strawberry more than any other. We would fish THE BERRY at least a couple of times a month. He passed thirteen years ago and I still miss those trips.
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[sliverslinger]

Condolences to you and all of your family. I pray the quiet times can help bring you piece.
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[OCF]

brookie - sorry to hear of your loss. It was a very nice tribute to your friend. What a great way to remember your friend by going to SC & then catching the kokes so fast with threatening weather. I want to believe he was there with you also. Good Job!
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[KOKANEE]

So sorry to hear of you and your families loss John. Time is so short. Enjoy every moment with friends and loved ones. Very nice tribute. Thanks for sharing that.
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[dubob]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000][size 3]Condolences and thanks for sharing. A wonderful tribute for your friend. It is very appropriate to celebrate his life and your time together.[/size][/#800000][/font]
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[WET1]

Best wishes to you and your family friend. My dad wants his ashes spread on the water at his favorite salmon fishing area.
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[catchinon]

I know how you feel. When I was 26 and my uncle was 36 he was killed in a freak gun accident. He was one of my hunting mentors and I idolized him. His best friend immediately sold his guns and vowed to never hunt again. I, on the other hand, went hunting right after and have never quit. He loved the outdoors as much as any man who ever lived and I think it is a tribute to carry on fishing and hunting as a memorial to him. I sure think you did the right thing.
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[not-a-purist]

Going fishing in memory of a fishing buddy is the best way to cope with the loss. Have done it a few times. Always makes for sweet memories.
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[SkunkedAgain]

Hey John, sorry to hear of your rapid loss of a great friend and BIL. Sounds like you had a great tribute trip to him and pretty sure he was there with you. Not much better way to say good bye than to spend time in solitude in remembrance of that friendship and preparation to do it again on the other side.. Condolences to you and your family... Jeff
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[Bduck]

My condolences and you couldn't have done anything greater with this tribute. He's smiling down upon you raising a cold mug in THANKS.
I lost my brother exactly 2days before Memorial Day a year ago.
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