Email from Bruce Johnson tonight that Rusty passed away this evening.
Funeral arrangements to come. Will post when available.
Our sincere sympathy go out to Julie and all Rusty's friends, such a tragic loss.
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Email from Bruce Johnson tonight that Rusty passed away this evening.
Funeral arrangements to come. Will post when available.
Our sincere sympathy go out to Julie and all Rusty's friends, such a tragic loss.
He will be missed greatly. My heart goes out to his family and close friends in this time of grief. May no one forget what he meant to the river, the fishermen, hunters, and outdoorsmen who are lucky enough to enjoy the Ausable river
-Jeff
http://www.midcurrent.com/news/2009/...ates-dies.html
that sucks. he was diagnosed with cancer last winter as I recall. at least he had one last summer on the Au Sable.
Another Season on the AuSable, tougher but with some good memories of a gentle and caring man.
Last night I checked into my email at the last minute before turning in for the night. This was the news I was hoping wouldn't come yet. I am so sorry to hear it.
The Ausable River and the State of Michigan lost a good man. To me, he will always be the "River Keeper". The guardian of the AuSable.
It was the words in his book, "Seasons of the AuSable" and in the weekly fishing reports, that brought me back to my old home waters...this time with a fly rod, instead of a canoe. ( I used to canoe the AuSable and Manistee in my youth). I enjoyed going into the shop and talking with him over a morning coffee, picking up little pieces of wisdom. The river became my "home waters" once again, as she just kept calling me back. (over 9 weeks on river there this year) I will miss, Da Gator, very much.
I also know I can find him again, in spirit, when I'm fishing the "Holy Waters" of the Ausable and the other rivers in Michigan. I'll hear his voice in the splash of a fish, the sound of the river and in the voices of the woods.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Julie and the family and the rest of the "Gates Family", those who came to know Rusty and his tireless work for the rivers of Michigan.
God speed my friend.
Anglers of the AuSable...Remembering Rusty Gates
http://www.ausableanglers.org/i4a/pa...x.cfm?pageid=1
Balled of Rusty Gates:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx_Fst7uCCY
River Of Sand:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URHppoKdeUM
http://www.gateslodge.com/images/20061026%200458.JPG
With this news, I've decided to send my portion of the JC memorial, where it can do the most good, to Anglers of the AuSable in memory of Jim Birkholm.
My notice from Caring Bridge was the first thing I saw when I opened for the day.
While I know Rusty is finally no longer in pain, the pain of those left behind still continues. My love and prayers go out to Julie and their family. We have truly lost a great advocate for the AuSable.
Deb,
If you would have the address of the "Angles of the AuSable" I'd like to have it. A donation will be forthcoming.
Please let me know when & where I can make a donation in Rusty's honor.
it is with my deepest reguards that I wish the familys my sympithys. Have lost those i have loved before during this time of you I know how hard it is. I didnt know the man but I bet I would have liked him. May the creator bless him with rivers overflowing with fish. and his familys with the stranght to go on and live every day knowing he is in their hearts...
Here Ray.
There is no question where Rusty would like you to remember him.
Donations can be made the the Anglers of the AuSable here:
https://www.ausableanglers.org/i4a/f...80&showTitle=1
If I hear of any more ...I'll post it here.
UPDATED as it appears on Anglers of the AuSable web site.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Anglers or Heartland Hospice, 417 W. Houghton Street E, West Branch, MI 48661.
To make a contribution to the Anglers:1. Go to the Anglers website: www.ausableanglers.org
2. At the top menu go to the "Membership" pull down menu
3. The last option is "Make a Donation"
4. There is an option for a memorial gift "In Honor Of"
The second option is to send a check with a notation that this is a memorial gift. Send to: Anglers of the Au Sable, 403 Black Bear Dr., Grayling, MI 49738
Prayers go out to all Rusty's loved ones.
He will be missed.
Mike