The phone call we didn’t want to receive came today. Al is back in the hospital. They are keeping him as comfortable as they can. His mom and dad are there. Elliot will keep us informed on any changes.
Our sincere thanks to all who wrote, Al really appeciated the cards and notes - you all added greatly to his quality of life. He is ready to leave us now, and as hard as it is, we have to wish him well on his journey.
God Bless and Keep you Al.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
I know we must do what we must do, but, I am not sure I can let Al go. This will be very hard on me. I communicated with him last week by e-mail and I will always remember his reply. This is really going to be hard to accept but I know God makes no mistakes and needed Al for another project. One big lost for us.
Warren
Thanks for keeping us informed on Al’s condition. LF-it must be hard for you to say the least. I never met Al, I don’t know what it is, but this news just feels like a safe sitting on my chest and it is harder to breath. I can count on one hand the times I have felt like that. He must be a great man.
Bob Scheidt
Dear LF,
It saddens me to hear this.
There is no right and proper way to remember a person before their passing, at least none that I know.
I am thankful for the knowledge that Al has shared with members of the fly fishing community. He was greatly appreciated, and he will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May they all find some comfort in this difficult time.
Regards,
Tim Murphy
My heart is indeed saddened by this news. May God bless him and his family.
James
people who believe that internet relationship cannot be intimate are wrong. Peace to you Al. Peace and thank you.
" Gazzing in a pond,
with no water at my shadow.
Wishing there was glass,
to reflect my state of mind!"
Jeffrey Kramer
Having never met the man,it’s hard to say I know him. But if someone were to ask, I’d surley say I did.
I knew him like I know a cloud, a tree, a trout, a feather. You look and cherish while you can that short, short time together.
Respectfully…Jeff
[This message has been edited by flyme (edited 06 March 2005).]
I guess we knew this was the eventuality. I know I’m not the only one feeling sadness. I got back from a five day trip out east and opened FAOL this afternoon with the fear of reading this update. Our prayers continue. JGW
…I can’t respond. Al, may the Lord take you close, and hold you there for all eternity. My heart weeps.
Lotech Joe
[This message has been edited by LotechJoe (edited 06 March 2005).]
He is a good man-we will go on here -but there will be an empty place-a place on this board that will never be filled.
B.C.Nick
Al,
You made me feel important for just a little while.
Thanks,
Lotech Joe
He was led beside the water, his soul was restored, and though he walks in the valley of the shadow of death, he does not fear, for the Lord is with him.
God bless you Al.
Bob
While our hearts ache, Al will finally be at peace and feel no more pain. Walk on in His Glory Al and may peace finally be with you and your family.
Mike
It is a hard thing to hear, even harder to accept. Although I never met Al in person, I feel as though I know him personally through his writings here.
Peace Al, and Grace be with your loved ones.
Jim
LF, Thank you for keeping us abreast of a man?s man. He has a heart that is filled with gold, with a life that will not grow old. His hours of sacrifice for all on this board will be treasures for years for all to horde. Al?s touch of an angel will be greeted by other greats gone bye.
The reflections of greats past and present are the true treasures of this great weekly production. It is the true gift from the heart.
With a heavy heart
Philip
Having never met the man,it’s hard to say I know him. But if someone were to ask, I’d surley say I did.
I knew him like I know a cloud, a tree, a trout, a feather. You look and cherish while you can that short, short time together.
Jeff, these are some great words.
This is a thread I knew I would read, but sure was not looking forward to it… God speed, Al.
Tight Lines,
Andrew
ps- and in thinking about this sad event I can’t help but think of all of the things Al has done for us, as a whole and individually. I remember when I was trying to figure out what colors of yarn to order for a too simple baetis nymph. I kept emailing Al and he was always telling me to experiment and take the leap of faith on ordering some colors and see what works. Its funny, he just seemed to know that if I was willing to go out and figure something out on my own, it would improve the quality of the experience and give me the joy and satisfaction of doing it on my own. Al knew that feeling and wanted me, heck- wanted all of us, to know that in our fishing and in our life. In honor of Al, go live go try something new go fish go explore because even if you don’t catch anything you will most likely learn something. It is in the learning that you will come to understand, and in understanding you will know that feeling of accomplishment from solving the puzzle. That is a good feeling indeed…
Bless you AL
From a distance, without more knowledge, its hard to know how this will play out.
If this is the downward spiral into eternity, Al,Godspeed and a peaceful voyage.
Al I have never met you, but I have learned an awful lot from you. The world is loosing a great and generous man. You will be deeply missed. Heaven is your reward, and you are a reward for heaven. You will always be in our thoughts. May God continue to bless you and your family and friends. I salute you for all you have done for everyone. Good bye Al. John
I wish you everlasting flies and tight lines.
I believe this quote came from a friend on this board some time ago; it is relevant today:
" A man’s departure from his familiar world may be inevitable, but his spirit lives on, in the deeds and actions of those who remain, in the memories of those left behind, his family and friends, whose lives may reflect the lessons they have learned from him, and that shall become his truest legacy."
Al will be missed.