MISS YA DAD

[fitzwell22]

It's been 4 months since the passing of my father on October 27 during our annual elk hunting trip to the Rimrock unit.  My father passed away in his sleep surrounded by our hunting family we have built over the last 25 years.  I have struggled daily attempting to post his passing only to delete it time after time.

WELL TODAY IS THE DAY I HONOR YOU AS A FATHER AND MY BEST FREIND

My father was a soft spoken man and carried a big stick, he loved his family and Friends unconditionally without judgment.  He was an avid outdoorsman and a life long supporter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  He would talk all year long about the upcoming season and finally when the season arrived he was like a kid at Christmas.  He passed away loving what he wanted to do and that was HUNTING ELK.  My father raised his kids to be respectful of everybody and to love your family and Friends and to work your ARZ OFF. 

Well dad i can honestly say you have done one hell of a job installing that belief into us because you and mom have 4 kids that have become successful in life and we are raising your grandchildren with those hi standards in which you made us accountable for.  I thank you.

Two years ago while sitting around the camp fire at elk camp my dad told me that hunting is not about getting the animal, its about the experience and the Friends you meet and the memories you make.  I looked at my dad and said to him your crazy its about the hunt and getting the animal.  I myself in my early 40's with many more years of hunting did not understand what my dad meant that night.  Well today i understand dad what you meant that night. It is about the people you meet and the memories you make and sharing it with family and Friends.  The elk is a bonus.

I want to say thank you for all your support over the years.  Your family misses you and we are all OK.  We  honor your memory everday and at elk camp this fall.  I will keep my promise and put you were you belong back into elk country.  We will hunt elk together again.  I LOVE YOU DAD.

[vandeman17]

Very cool post. Your dad sounds like a great man! Sorry for your loss but I am sure that every time you are in the mountains, there will be fond memories and your dad will be looking down on you smiling.

[jackelope]

Sorry for your loss...sounds like a great guy. We lost my dad a year ago yesterday.

[bowhunterforever]

Sorry for your loss and thanks for sharing

[sirmissalot]

As tough as I'm sure it was to lose him in camp, that's a pretty special thing it happened there, and for it to happen peacefully and painlessly in his sleep, I can't imagine he could have asked for anything more.

May he rest in peace, thank you for sharing.

[Eli346]

 Thanks for sharing that. A very nice memorial for a great father and good man. Hopefully I'll find his memorial in the woods some day. I've found a few now and always stop pay my respects.

[jrebel]

Great write up for what sounds like a great man.  Always hard to loose a loved one....especially when it is your dad / hunting partner.   

[bearpaw]

As tough as I'm sure it was to lose him in camp, that's a pretty special thing it happened there, and for it to happen peacefully and painlessly in his sleep, I can't imagine he could have asked for anything more.

May he rest in peace, thank you for sharing.

  

Sorry for his passing and the loss to your family, but that's probably the best way he could have passed, I might want to pass on the same way that he did when I have to go.

[trophyhunt]

 

Very cool post. Your dad sounds like a great man! Sorry for your loss but I am sure that every time you are in the mountains, there will be fond memories and your dad will be looking down on you smiling.

sorry I missed this post, the above statement is well said.