Lost a mentor today :(

[Neighbor_guy]

I lost my mentor today. A man who I looked up to. He taught me how to hunt and trap coyotes and fox. He was an older member of the sportmans club I once belonged to and took a young 17year old kid under his wing. He was the guy who convinced me to become a bowhunter and encouraged my transition to traditional equipment. Strange to think that was 20-years ago....

Over time as people grow older and i became an adult I began hunting on my own or with other people and eventually the goose I didn't see him as much. But we always tried to get together for a coffee from time to time to reminisce. Or even do some evening calling. This year it didn't work out for a hunt, and we won't get that coffee. 

I will never forget the things he taught me. Not only about hunting but also about life. I will do my part to pass his knowledge on to my kid or others who I take out in the outdoors.  

Rest in Peace my friend. There is no cancer in paradise. I will think about you every time I am in the fur shed, duck blind, calling turkeys, or holding my longbow. 

[RebelSS]

I'm sorry for your loss. I hope he lives on in your heart, and your memories...and in that way is with you always.

Edited February 22, 2016 by RebelSS

[leechlake]

nice he made such an impact on you.  Nobody can take away the great memories you have of him.  

[mwal]

Sorry for your Loss. Hopefully you will be as good a mentor as he was and pass on his message and knowledge to another generation.

 

Mwal

[ANYFISH2]

Sorry for your loss.

We can only hope to impact others as he impacted you!  May he rest in peace.

[Neighbor_guy]

I have a feeling he was a mentor to a lot more people than just me. He was just that kind of guy. The type we can all hope to be some day. 

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Sad news.

Lost a few mentors like your friend also in my life. Hard to deal with at first but as time goes by you smile every time you are doing something that they had a hand in teaching you! Can bring a tear to the eyes at times also!

Cliff

[Dotch]

Sorry to hear of your loss. Have lost several of the mentor types myself and while it's part of getting older, it doesn't mean one has to like it. Can never take away those great memories though and I like the idea of passing that spirit on to another generation.

[certified jumbo]

Neighbor, it was a tough day in our outdoors community.  He taught me so much about trapping and calling.  In fact, he taught me basically everything I know about it.  To me, there is not a better hand caller for predators out there.

After I got the word he passed.  I jumped in the truck to check the traps and clear the mind.  First set I got to had a nice yote.  This one's for you!!  RIP

[Neighbor_guy]

I pulled on the wools a couple times last week after work. Hand calls in my pocket and shotgun across my lap same as I was taught years ago. In all the times we hunted I don't think a rifle ever left the case. Bring the shot gun and get them close was the name of the game. Caught a glimpse of a grey fox tip toeing the opposite edge of the lake and remembered what he told me the very first time I sat in a deadfall tree with him. "Red fox will come in and try to circle us and find that rabbit and should give us a shot. Grey Fox will run up this tree, and try to take it out of your lap" 

[Scoot]

Sorry for your loss.  Definitely tough to lose someone who has had such a strong and positive impact on your life, no doubt.  I've lost a few people like this and it's sure a rough thing to deal with.  I'll include you and his family in my prayers. 

[pikestabber]

On ‎2‎/‎22‎/‎2016 at 4:35 PM, Neighbor_guy said:

I will never forget the things he taught me. Not only about hunting but also about life. I will do my part to pass his knowledge on to my kid or others who I take out in the outdoors.

And that is the finest tribute a man could ask for. If someone says that very thing about me some day, I'll have lived a meaningful life.

Condolences, Neighbor Guy.