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| I don't often post on the boards here, but I'm out here checking them just about every day. I feel like I've known some of you for quite a long time just from reading what goes on out here from the time that Muskyhunter was the only board to now when Muskiefirst has seemed to grab the brass ring as the pre-emminent board.
I'm gonna ramble a bit here, but on monday, my dad passed away. He was my fishing partner, my net man, and my best friend. I'm just 29 years old, and he was with me on every vacation I've ever taken that was longer than a weekend for every one of those 29 years. He taught me so much about fishing and so much about life. He was diagnosed with cancer about a year and a half ago and fought to beat that down like we knew he would, but an infection in his lung and some associated complications ultimately got the best of him. He's in a better place now and isn't experiencing any of the pain or troubles that he was enduring for so long.
He was a fisherman all his life, starting as a little boy when his dad took him on the annual trip to Big Bearskin Lake south of Minocqua. He kept that tradition alive, as we went on an annual fishing trip that gradually turned into an annual muskie fishing trip, that gradually turned into weekend jaunts as often as we could get away. I'll certainly continue that tradition with my kids when that day comes.
We finally bought our first boat about 10 years ago, and I remember him telling me, as we stood out in the driveway looking the 115 evinrude on the back, that he never thought he would own a motor that size. We've since upgraded to a Ranger, and I know that he stood in the driveway just staring at it as he got home from work some days.
I know that he'll be up there with a guiding hand on the net every time I muskie comes to the boat.
Dad, I'm going to miss you a whole lot. Good fishin' up there, buddy.
Brad Banaszak |
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| The loss of a Family member is always tough it may take weeks, months or even years to get back to some type of normalcy. The one thing that can never be lost is the love and memories always keep those close to your heart.
My Prayers and thought are with you and your Family.
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| Brad, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss...
Treasure the memories as I know you will and be thankful for the years God blessed you with...
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family..
Mark |
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| Brad, The loss of your father & best friend is something you will never really get over. But the happy memories and time will make the loss more bearable. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all.
Al Warner |
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| Brad,
I can't imagine the feelings that you are having right now, my father was my first fishing partner, the one who taught me the art of the hunt, the one who made me appreciate all the things that go into a day on the water. Beyond the thrill of hooking a fish, or getting that elusive pig to follow....to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors, to respect others on the water, to treasure the silence and the serenity of a day on a wilderness lake. Some day my father will be gone too, but like you, I'll have the memories that of the times we spent together. But know this, right now there is nothing we can say or do to make things "better", but know that you have friends that care about you, that are thinking of you. Hang in there buddy, we'll talk soon.
Andrew |
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| I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Sincere condolences from the entire Staff at MuskieFIRST.
He will be with you on every fishing trip you take.
I lost my mother and a son; time and faith are healing, a lifetime of fond memories will be with you always. |
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| I will be making the annual first day outing with my dad again this year all things permiting. We don't get out together often enough any more, but still get in the boat together when we can. I slid out of work yesterday to go with him and we had a blast. Not to many fish but the company was the best. Far and away the best 5 hours of this year so far. Keep the memories and the rest of your family close at this tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Catch one for your dad this season and remember he is watching your every move, so don't screw up with the net!
Let 'Em Go So That The Kids Can Catch 'Em.....Mike[:halo:] |
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| Brad, it's times like these that your strengh and fath will be tested, My sympathy to you and your family. Even though he's no longer here, your memorys will last for ever, I lost my father many years ago and there's not a time that goes by that a event or a spoken word that I hear doesn't make me think of him. Take care my friend. |
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| Words can't express the sorrow you are feeling, But knowing you have all of our support and that of close friends and family is very important in coming to terms with the passing of your father.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank God for wonderful fathers!
Cory |
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| Hey Brad,
Thanks for sharing your situation with us. You obviously recognize and appreciate all the quality time you spent with your father and friend.
You know, I wonder if he was looking over your shoulder as you wrote those words? I bet he was, and I bet he's as content as can be that you feel the way you do. I would be.
Now it's your turn with your kids.
Rick |
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| Brad,
Our deepest sympathy is with you. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one, but he is in a better place now.
BrettC |
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| Sorry to hear about your loss. Remember he will live on in everything you do. I lost my dad 5 years ago and its tuff, but keep your head high and always remember he is still there fishing with you.
Jim |
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| Brad,
Sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in our prayers |
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| On behalf of the MuskieFIRST staff...Our prayers will be with you. Just remember the best times you had and cherish them.
[:halo:] |
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| Brad, as w/ the others, my sympathies also. My Dad + I never did alot together growing up but we have grown closer the past few yrs...guess it was a 2 sided deal + I wish we could go back..but we do have now so that must do...let us know if we can do anything for you....Sponge |
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| Brad,
Thank you for your story and god bless you & your family. I just called my father to tell him I loved him. Thanks for reminding me. Seems like your father raised a great son.
Steve |
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| i lost my dad 1 1/2 years ago. he was 89. i can still remember my first and last river trips with him. my grandfather was also a river rat. your father will always be with you on those treasured fishing trips. just remember that he's in a better place with bigger fish. my prayers will be sent your way. please let yourself grieve all of it out and then go wet your line with dad. |
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| Brad, aka BTB, Lungin, Driveway;
Cherrish those fond memories of your dad. I will always remember the past 5-6 years of fishing with you your dad. My families thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be there for you and your family, and if you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to ask.
Daryl Roche |
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| This is the truest test of our faith. Selfishly, we don't ever want to lose a loved one. Having lost my best friend to cancer two weeks ago, I can confirm that as a fact.
Cancer takes people one sixty-fourth of an inch at a time. Your Dad, just like my friend, is in a far better place without discomfort of disease or their treatments. You have those awesome memories of the two of you, do ever let them go.
God Bless |
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| My prayers will be with you too. I lost my dad 15 years ago and still wish he was here, just remember the good times.
Roger |
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| I'm sorry to hear of your loss.
The only thing that I can think of to say is that whenever you are on the water.....he will always be there with you.
I pray for everybody on this board every night. Tonight I'll be asking for Gods comfort for you and your family.
He'll be there to help you.
God bless,
Beav |
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| Hi Brad,
Me again. If you have a chance, listen to the Grateful Dead song "Box of Rain" from the American Beauty album. Phil Lesh (bass player) wrote it for his dad as his dad was passing away from a terminal illness. Phil spent many, many hours at his dad's bedside in those last days, and I understand he wrote the song to help himself cope with the pain and mystery of losing his dad. It's a very sweet song and I think you'll like it.
My thoughts are with you,
Rick
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| Brad,
My heart goes out to you and your family. You will be added to my prayers at this tough time in your life. Thank God for all the fond memories you have to look back on and in time they will bring a smile and a sense of warmth to you. I also lost my Dad in '93 and my biggest regret is I didn't take up fishing before then. My Dad loved to fish ( altho not for muskies but I would have straightened him out! ) but at the time he was still with us I had no idea how much I would love this sport also. I regret not being able to fish with him but I know he looks down at me casting all day and not catching a thing and smiles. Your Dad will always be with you. I know my Dad is.
Also, Steve I am so very sorry to hear about your friend. You and his family will be added to my prayers. True friends are a rare find and to lose one is very hard. Again we thank God for cherished memories that can never be taken away from us.
Cindi [:)] |
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| I am sorry for the loss. You have my prayers. |
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| Sorry to hear about your loss Brad.
You will feel his presence often, especially when you are on the water.
My condolences to you and your family. |
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| Brad,
Sounds like you had many, many wonderful years with your dad. He sounds like a wonderful man, you should be VERY PROUD.
Net a pig for him this year!
Our best to you.
Paul Clyne
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| Brad,
Family is a very special thing. Especially that bond between a father and his son. You have lost your father, but most importantly, you have gained an Angel. One that will watch over you for the rest of your life until you meet him again.
My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family during this time of loss.
Chris |
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| Brad,
Very well said. Your dad was not only my uncle and Godfather, but he was a great friend as well. The memories of our Minnesota trips in the summers growing up will forever be cherished, and a big reason for that is your dad. Your dad trying to teach you how to row a boat when we were kids could be one of the funniest experiences of my life! Not to mention the funniest home video I have ever seen.
You mentioned how your dad spent a lot of time in the driveway looking at the 2 boats you guys have owned, fixing or tweeking anything he could get his hands on. If I ever saw your dad in the driveway around the boat as I drove home from work, I would always stop and have a beer with him, and of course with you, who was always at his side. The conversation would always revolve around our passion...FISHING!
Uncle Tom will be greatly missed, especially by me. Many of my friends didn't have the opportunity to meet Uncle Tom, but they certainly knew who he was from the stories I have told. His spirit will forever be with us, and we will be reminded of him thru everything we do in our lives.
Brad, your dad will ALWAYS be at your side. We had some wonderful memories with him. Let's cherish those memories. I can't wait to tell the stories, look at the pictures, and watch the videos of your dad with my children someday.
We all love you and miss you, Uncle Tom!
Jimmy |
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| Dude, he's got some great company: my dad and Mauser's dad have probably got all the hot fishing spots staked out and just waiting for him. Blessings on you and your family as you struggle thru this time. That feeling you've got right now, sorry to tell you but it never goes away, you'll always feel like there's something missing (and there is). Find faith to endure it in the loved ones that remain, they become all the more precious. m |
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| Know what your going through as I lost my dad 7 years ago. I am sure he will always be in the boat with you as mine is with me. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don Pfeiffer |
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