On July 1st I lost a good friend. A fellow by the name of Pete, to those who read this blog he was known as "TROUT1"....I met Pete one evening while fishing the Farmington river. Pete was driving by and had to take care of business. He pulled onto a dirt road and noticed a car parked in the trees. Taking care of business he noticed the marker plate which read "BRK TRT"...saying to him self "if that guy is fishing here I know there are trout there". Pete found his way to where I was fishing and we introduced ourselves. We talked for sometime until I had to leave. Pete stayed and probably caught the fish I never did. As I reached the the road I saw his truck. Reaching for my fly box I pulled a couple of "bombers" out and taped them to his window. Well that evening started a friendship that lasted many years. This story was told to the doctor by Pete who along with me were at his bedside in the last days of his life.
Pete was gracious man and always had a story to share. He was one of the most knowledgeable anglers who fished the Farmington river. He was also quite a small stream specialist. He was a master at all forms of fly fishing, and was deadly with a fly known as the "beadhead soft-hackled pheasant tail" he fished that fly any stream,river anytime of year and did is successfully. I will miss him dearly.
Pete fishing the "black hole" as he named it.
One of our annual gatherings on "New Years Day"...Pete was an original member of the "crew"
This was a photo I took of Pete fishing a small stream. The name of the stream was the "family secret"....A couple of months ago I had it framed and I sent it to Pete. As I entered the hospice room where Pete was I noticed that photo right on the window sill next to his bed.
A brook trout Pete caught on that beautiful October day.
A great day...we had fished all together. It was a small stream "two fly" contest.
Opening Day 2018...this was the last day we all fished together...I will always remember the times we tossed a fly in each others company. "Tight lines my friend"
Alan,
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad to hear of the loss of a good friend and fellow fisherman. May his soul find peace and sanctuary on a tranquil blue line somewhere.........
Alistair
Anonymous
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Alistair I'm certain Pete is fishing a small stream and unhooking a brookie. Just wondering what fly.
A fine tribute, Alan. Friends like Pete are few and far between, and losing them is a hard thing. Please accept our condolences.
ReplyDeleteWilliam Shuck
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Your comment is very thoughtful.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and fitting tribute to such a gracious friend! May you and "The Crew" be comforted as well! Alistair said it best in his comment above!
Doug
Dougsden
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Doug Alistair said it well. The "crew" thanks you to.
There are no words, I know the pain.
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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I appreciate your thoughts.
A friend dies and a piece of your life goes with him. Sad to hear. Best wishes, John
ReplyDeleteThe Two Terriers
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John you are so right. We'll keep the memories close.
Alan - Pete was a special guy for sure, knowledgeable and gracious. I had to chuckle at your first picture with Pete holding two rods! That was Pete! The picture at the family secret was a special one to him, always visible whenever I visited. Well will miss him for sure. Take care my friend!
ReplyDeleteMark Wittman
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Mark I had an interesting visit to the Farmington yesterday. What I witnessed in the mist was quite a sight. I'll post the story later.
He did love that picture.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. It is a beautiful tribute to Pete. He had a knack for pulling a fish out of any spot with the BHSHPT. Very patient and thorough covering the water.
Mike Simoni
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Mike his ability to work that fly and get a response most everywhere he fished it was uncanny.
He was an inspiration to many.
Where ever he is, I hope he doesn't catch all the fish before we get there. Didn't know him personally, but knew of him online. Fish on.
ReplyDeleteMark Kautz
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Mark I'll try to get him a message to save us some. You have followed this blog for a long time, and I'm sure you enjoyed Pete's comments.
Sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteUnknown
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I appreciate your kindness.
Those fishing buddies are the best buddies.
ReplyDeleteJosh
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Josh very true.
Beautifully written, Alan.
ReplyDeletemike
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Mike the best for Pete.
Please accept my sincere condolences
ReplyDeleteMichael Capurso
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I appreciate it Mike.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute to a very fine human being. I've thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful stories of deep friendship shared by you of those memorable days on the water with Pete and the crew. My condolences to you and Pete's family.
Unknown
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We all will miss Pete, so many wonderful memories.
Of all I dearly love those cold New Years Day outings.
Pete has crossed that river that someday we all shall. Rest in peace dear brother Pete, rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteJohn Dornik
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John that he has and he's holding a spot along that river for us.
Golden memories
ReplyDeleteBureboyblog
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Memories that will never fade.
Lovely piece & my condolences to all.
ReplyDeleteGeorge
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The thought is appreciated mate.
Alan, obviously you're going to miss your friend Peter, I regret that this happened, when I went through something similar also with a fisherman friend who left some time ago, that's why I understand and accompany you in your grief.
ReplyDeleteArmando Milosevic
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Armando he will be missed. I know we a fishermen will experience this in our lives. It is the compassion of people like you that help us make it through.
Alan, I'm so sorry to hear about Pete. I never met him,but I sure enjoyed his posts. Gentlemen like that are true treasures. Their experience and knowledge are true gifts. I know you will miss him but every time you see a bead head pheasant tail soft hackle you will be reminded of him and the wonderful relationship you had. Wonderful tribute, Alan you are a wonderful friend.
ReplyDeleteBrad Basehore
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Brad it was his experience and knowledge that he gave so freely that made him one in a million. And yes I will fish that BHSHPT in is honor though I won't be as successful as the master.
Alan, well said.... Pete sounds like a great friend and fisherman... I'm sure the crew will miss him, but carry on as he would have wanted. I lost a fishing partner in 2017... and know that he is with God, fishing without pain anytime he wants...
ReplyDeleteThrow a bomber and catch one now and then in his honor, it helps.
Doug Korn
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Doug carry on we will. There is something in the early planning stages for this fall.
I'm sure he is in the comfort of God, and a special bomber fished for him.
Alan, my sincere condolences to you and all of Pete's friends and loved ones. He sounds like a fine man who will be greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteSam
Parachute Adams
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One of the finest anglers and man I've known....miss him.
Alan
ReplyDeleteHard to replace close friends, especially those that are fishing buddies. I know his spirit will be there as you frequent all the streams you guys fish together. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell
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Bill TROUT1 is roaming the streams and rivers....