Not sure if this post is going to convey its desired meaning, but here goes...maybe it'll make me feel better in facing a pretty sad event ...

My oldest brother, John (Skip, to those who knew him best), who I shared many of my hunting and fishing experiences with, died this morning, of complications related to a long-term condition. He was the one who got me started steelhead fishing. I still remember the day when I was probably 5 or 6 years old. I heard a knock on the door, and their he was standing on the front porch with the most amazingly beautiful fish I had ever laid eyes on (a 15# chrome hen steely). I was hooked immediately. I went on to share many fishing, deer hunting, and pheasant hunting trips with him.

The last time I saw him, we talked at length about trips past, and future. He was optimistic to the end, though we all knew the end could come at any time. It arrived quicker than anyone could have expected.

Right now I'm feeling the loss of a brother, partner and mentor. I'm happy for the times we shared, and sorry we won't be able to share any more. God, but it seems like only yesterday we were all fishing and hunting like there was no tomorrow...

If there's a message here I guess this is it: savor every moment you have with family, friends, and partners all! We're only here for a little while.


His ashes will be spread at his farm near Centralia, and on the ocean at Westport where he spent the last ten years skippering the charter boat Sidney-B.


In closing, I want to ask all of the fishermen on this board to extend a favor in honor and remembrance. Tonight, tip a glass to a fellow angler who made his last cast much too soon.
Next time you're at Westport, enjoying the ocean and salmon that he loved so dearly, remember his spirit will be there. I hope he's in a place now where all the kings are big, all the pheasants are wild, all the bucks are 4-points, and the ocean is just bumpy enough to "let you know you're at its mercy" as he loved to say.

Thanks for reading.

Gary

Sorry to hear about your brother. I'm lucky to have two brothers myself. My oldest is here on the BB he goes by Bri24.My wife swears every time the phone rings it's him and he's trying to get me too head fishing somewhere . My other brother is kinda lame,he never wants to spend any money or do anything fun. I keep telling him to loosen up and have some fun,lifes way too short to sit at home.

I never need a reason to have another beer,but tonight I'll have one for John.

Hey Gary,

On behalf of the Reda's sorry for the loss to your family. Believe it or not I have met Skip through my dad and "Mike", this is a tremendous loss to the Siegel family he was a great guy and I have mentors in my life to so I understand what you must be going through.

If you would like to e-mail us if there is going to be funeral services please do so.

ar1437@msn.com

once again sorry to here about the loss.

Sorry about your loss

My sincerest condolences for your loss.

To big kings and "bumpy Seas"

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Sounds like you were blessed with a fine brother.

herm

big kings & bumpy seas

Also very sorry to hear about your loss, There is nothing better than sharing great hunting and fishing moments with a brother. I also will have a beer for john tonight.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure thoughts of him will bring a smile to your face on future trips. Give a glance upward whenever you bring a fish to hand, He'll be there with you.

Sorry to hear about your untimely loss. I will raise a beer in your brother's honor.

Ryan

Gary, gonna miss going flying by the Sidney B, when out on the ocean this year, his old diesel was slow, but always made the journy. It would always seem like he was puttering in when I came in from the ocean.
Yes, it is always nice to have a mentor like your brother, I guess mine was my Dad, may they both rest in peace.
And if there is going to be a service, please let me know......and once again, my condolences.

Your buddy, Steve.

Gary,

Thanks for sharing what you needed to say and what we needed to hear. Your love for your brother comes through very clearly and that can never be taken from you. I too am sorry for your loss. May he be with you every cast of the way.

Gary, Sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know your bro but remember all the hunting & fishing pix in your photo albums. All I could say would be to remember all those good times. My brother is my best hunting & fishing partner & I have got both my brothers into their 1st deer, elk, & steelhead. Those are family memories that last forever that started with our dad. I'm sure you are starting great outdoor memories with your kids too. Time will heal the sadness & if you want to go for a drift give me a call. Take care. Roger

He's not really gone-- just in another place. Your love and memories will bring him close.

Many Thanks for the thoughts and kind and wise words. They'll help.

GS

I'm saddened by your loss Gary!

I have a brother with whom I share the same type of relationship. We do alot of fishing and hunting together. We are also partners in business. My brother is my best friend and I don't know what I would do without him.

My heart goes out to you Gary. John sounds like one heck of a role model and HERO! May he rest in peace.

Amen Jerry G, our thoughts are with you and yours gsiegel!!

Our thoughts are with you and family during these hard times. Just remember all the good times spent together. Thanks for sharing

Gary, Very Sorry to hear of your loss, So very sorry!
Craig Harr

God grant that I may live to fish
Until my dying day
And when it comes to my last cast
I then most humbly pray
When in the Lord's safe landing net
And peacefully asleep
That in his mercy I be judged
As good enough to keep.

I'm sure he was......

Very sad, Gary. I'm sorry.