Chuck, A Good Man

I pray that I may live to fish,

Until my dying day.

And when it comes to my last cast,

I then most humbly pray:

When in the Lord's great landing net,

And peacefully asleep,

That in His mercy I be judged,

Big enough to keep.

On February 20, 2012, Chuck passed away in his home at age 65.  He was the father of my son-in-law so I had only known Chuck since the October 2006 wedding of my daughter, Sarah and his son, Brian.  I knew Chuck had some health issues and some challenges in his health management.  We all thought he would be around many more years though.

I liked Chuck.  He had a great smile and made me feel comfortable around him.  I loved that he loved fly-fishing and growing plants.  We had that in common in addition to our love for Brian and Sarah.  My husband, Keith, and Chuck were getting to know each other better through Skype in recent months.  That began Thanksgiving Day 2011 when Chuck, Brian, and Sarah were in our home for dinner.  Our son, Jacob, joined us through Skype and it was fun and exciting for all to use this technology.  I believe Chuck got set up on his own computer that evening so he could expand his family and social contacts.  It was a very good Thanksgiving Day!

There was talk and tentative plans made for Chuck to join Keith and I fishing the following Spring.  I wish that I had the chance to fish with Chuck.  I had heard so many stories from Brian and wanted to add some new ones.  I am thinking that this Spring when I catch my first trout, I will  dedicate it to Chuck and release it.  I think I may do that once every year in his memory.  I will smile and think of Chuck, a good man, now in the Lord's great landing net.  Peace be with you.

Chuck with sons, Brian (left) and Troy (right)