Still can’t believe you left us much too early. One day we were talking and fishing and the next day you were gone.
I know everybody has to leave this earth eventually, but my heart is still shattered into a million pieces. We had so many places to fish and so many fish to catch yet.
Even though I never knew you all my life, I’ll never forget the bond we formed from the very day we met at Wholesale Sports in Edmonton. It was like we were brothers, cut from the same cloth! We love the same music and food and we both had a huge passion for fishing. I will never forget all the memories we created with you and your son on the river, laughing and fishing and eating amazing food. From the three day camp trips, to the one day adventures. My heart absolutely breaks for your daughter, your son, and your wife and all the other people who loved you dearly.
You left a huge mark on the fishing industry here in Alberta, with your love of tying flies and fly fishing, to chucking crankbaits with me in the jet boat. Many people loved you and turned to you for advice in the fishing community, and you helped them all with an open heart and a deep, caring passion.
Not many I’ve ever met had the fire burning for fishing like you did!
I wish I could pick up my phone and call you to catch up, to laugh once more or to plan another epic fishing adventure with you. I wish we could get in the truck, crank the Judas Priest and reminisce about all the concerts we saw. I wish I could have said goodbye, even though I never knew it was your time to go. I wish I could have told you “I love ya bro” once more, even though I know you knew that wholeheartedly. I wish I could hear you yell, “HOLY” as you caught another monsta trout. I wish you were here, even though I know heaven is a “better place”.
I hope you save me a spot on the bank up there, or a place in a boat, so when I get there, we can fish together again like the “good ol’ days”. I hope you watch out for us all, and guide us, and help us into the next fish, like you always did when you were here. I hope there was no pain, and God took you softly, gently into his loving arms.
I know you are with God, as you are/were a good Christian man. I pray for your family, that they may get through this very difficult time. I pray for your safe passage to the other side.
With love,
~Mike.
