Well, after a long and very full life, a mentor of mine has passed.  'Granpa" or "capt. Bill" is my ex g/f Michelles grandad.  I've known him now for 20 yrs.,  hard to believe.

Capt. Bill is the one person who really, really taught me the saltwater game.  known and respected by all his peers, he is not only responsible for putting a fly rod in my hand for the first time (with his son Bob), but for turning many other people on to that next level.

Grandpa suffered from stage 4 bone cancer for the last 3 months, it's nice to know he is now at peace.  I'm sure he's at the helm of a 54' bertram, looking down and smiling.

RIP Capt. Bill and thank you so much for the quality you added to my life.

looks like his legacy already shows

Believe me, it would have taken up the whole page if they listed everything he had a finger in.  Grandpa was fortunate to live a very full, rewarding life.

LBH,

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.

Big T

Sorry for your loss my friend, but I agree with you.  It sounds like his life was full and rewarding.  

My condolences Russ, guys like that sure are missed in the world when they go.

Very sorry to hear about your loss. People like that are very special to have in this world but like you said he is in a better place now.

Sorry for your,Michelle's and your whole communities loss Russ. Remember you will carry him always with you and you are already passing his legacy on

Sounds like a pretty cool guy, I wish I could have known him.  My sympathies to you and the family.

He was a typical salty dog.  A captain among captains.  Ornery, demanding and it ALWAYS had to be done his way (which was usually the right way but no one would ever admit it )

Man, we miss him already  

My condolences to you, and all involved.

I'd like to able to say that we all have had a person like that in our lives. But I'm pretty sure that not everybody has had such an experience. Take heart in the fact that you are one of the fortunate ones to have had such a man in your life. I'd tell you to pass it along, but you already do that better than most.

One of these days, hopefully a long, long time from now, there will be someone who will honor you, like you've honored this man.

Gary

Sorry for your loss and the communities loss.  It good to be remembered in such a positive light, make you think to help out a newbie on a board or on the water to make there experience with this sport a lot more enjoyable even if it takes some of your time.

Forgot to mention.  This is the guy that GAVE me my first saltwater boat  This was the boat we were using when the name "Lowe Budget Hookers" was born.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, but your tibute to the man is admirable.

I know you made the man proud.

Let me take you back.  The year, 1989.  

Place: American Fish Culture, Carolina, RI (same place where now have the CAST for kids Alumni gathering) This is back when it was a private fly fishing club.  I was dating Bill's granddaughter Michelle and he learned I love fishing.  After Bill and Michelles dad Bob (from the striper video) each took turns taking me as a guest a few times, Bill got me my own membership-don't ask how, there was a waiting list.   For the next few years I got to experience the art of fishing.

On this particular day, the ice was going to be here soon.  With frozen fingers, Bob and I had been working fish all morning.  Soon, we see Granpa's Jeep coming around the corner. (Sideways, as usual,lol)   Granpa came out on the dock with 3 steaming hot bowls of Beef stew, 3 coffees and some homemade Bread.  We ate, we warmed, and I learned for the first time that I was just tricked into eating Venison! lol

Been eating it and tricking people the same way, ever since

Sorry to hear of your loss Russ, Sounds like you loved and respected the man alot.  I love the venison story ;D

I'm very sorry for your loss.  You and all his family will be in my prayers.