Loss of an example

tidefan

tidefan

Joined
Nov 23, 2004
Messages
1,081
I've lost a brother, and now my dad. I was reading the childhood survival knife thread and had so many memories flood my mind and I had no idea that a few days later I would loose the man who taught me what we call bushcraft skills. He called it "seasoning the man". "Don't be a greenhorn boy" has been burned into my memory. I got my very first knife when I was 5 years old. A 1.00 barlow from a flea market called "Trade Day" in Collinsville Alabama. That same day I got a silicon carbide stone and my first lesson. "If you're gonna carry a pocket knife, then learn to hone it as well. I'm too busy to take care of your stuff as well as mine". I learned, and I freehand sharpen every knife I own and I can put an edge on that will pop hair. I was so proud when I bought my first real knife, a Case 11031 at trade day and he said I made a good choice. His approval was all that mattered. I still have that knife, and today, it's riding in my pocket. I learned to fish, hunt, trap, grow a garden, raise cattle, and be a man from him. We would go on camping trips with just a small pack and a pocket knife for several days at a time and never considered it survival, just gittin away from town folk for a spell. Everything I know and everything I am started with my dad. Words will never descride just how empty I feel right now. Sorry to ramble, but wilderness skills seemed to be appropriate as he was my mentor, my friend, and my dad.

So long Pop, Say hello to mom and Randy. I'll be along later...
 
Sorry to here of your loss. Sounds like you two had a good life together. I lost my dad when I was 32. Wished we had spent as much time together as you two.
 
I'm VERY Jealous

My father left the family when I was 12--and was not much of a father before that either.

Consider yourself VERY lucky..

I do

Dr.Bill
 
Tidefan, so sorry for you loss. I lost my dad back in '93 & there is not a day that goes by that I do not miss him. Your relationship sounds very similar to what my dad taught me about the outdoors, hunting, tracking, etc. I grew up on a farm & learned a different way of life than most people.
Keep yourself busy & around others, and always remember the memories and times you & your father shared.
Be safe.
 
Damn, it’s dusty in here.

It is the memories and experiences we share together that we remember. Not the Xbox or the big screen TV. I’m married now and Dad and I are as close as ever. We’re great buds and do a lot of stuff together and still want to do a lot more. My dad worked long, hard hours when I was a kid, but he was never “too busy” to take time for my sister and I. He shaped me in to the man I am and I hope some day I’m half the father he has been.

Thanks for posting OP, if we never share the memories and stories, it’s easier to forget them. Take care.
 
I'm very sorry for your loss, man. If you don't feel like answering, you don't have to, but how did he go?

I lost my father when I was 18 years old. He taught me many things in my time with him. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he died doing something he loved. He was ice fishing on Lake Michigan off the shore of Peninsula State Park in Door County, WI. He fell through, and couldn't make it out.

There is nothing that can replace a man like that. The only thing that can give me peace is living my life in a way that would make him proud.

Here is a little something I wrote up about my dad when I went on a hike on Christmas day in the park that he lived in, died in, and is buried in.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=803041&highlight=jgon

Very sorry for the loss of your bother and father. I wish you the best. My thoughts will be with you and your family.

JGON
 
Sorry to hear of that. The memories and skills he tought you, will be with you forever.
Remember them and smile. Prayers for you for your loss.

Bryan
 
My dad was 89 and died at home, peacefully. He had chickens, dogs, horses, and cattle he tended as well as a garden every year. We used to sit at the dinner table and eat his home grown peppers and see who would say uncle first...Sadly, it was ALWAYS me. He was wide open all the way to the end and that's what I am glad to see. He never had to be waited on and for a country gentleman, that was a very big deal. My brother and I will keep the farm going and get ready to plant the garden. It wont be the same though. No older gentleam in a big straw hat tilling and cussing....


My brother was a FF/EMT and was killed enroute to a fire. He was an amazing guy. We just clicked and always knew what each other had in mind. My favorite story was going to Wills creek and catching snakes. The pet store paid 35.00 per foot for live pit vipers so we waded down the creek and caught cottonmouths all summer. He had no fear. He was actually bitten on his heel and grabbed the snake and beat it's head screaming "Bite me now damn you, bite me now"!

I can't seem to find a place I want to be. I think I want to go to the house and when I get there the need is not met. I think I just want to be with them and no where here will ever fill that void. I just don't know how to say goodbye.

Rambling again, sorry.....
 
angelsad.gif








mqqn
 
tidefan said:
My dad was 89 and died at home, peacefully. He had chickens, dogs, horses, and cattle he tended as well as a garden every year. We used to sit at the dinner table and eat his home grown peppers and see who would say uncle first...Sadly, it was ALWAYS me. He was wide open all the way to the end and that's what I am glad to see. He never had to be waited on and for a country gentleman, that was a very big deal. My brother and I will keep the farm going and get ready to plant the garden. It wont be the same though. No older gentleam in a big straw hat tilling and cussing....


My brother was a FF/EMT and was killed enroute to a fire. He was an amazing guy. We just clicked and always knew what each other had in mind. My favorite story was going to Wills creek and catching snakes. The pet store paid 35.00 per foot for live pit vipers so we waded down the creek and caught cottonmouths all summer. He had no fear. He was actually bitten on his heel and grabbed the snake and beat it's head screaming "Bite me now damn you, bite me now"!

I can't seem to find a place I want to be. I think I want to go to the house and when I get there the need is not met. I think I just want to be with them and no where here will ever fill that void. I just don't know how to say goodbye.

Rambling again, sorry.....
Click to expand...

It gets better Tidefan... really it does. Recently lost my Mother just before Christmas, my Dad back in '89. It takes a while for the smiles to return when you think of them, but it will happen. My condolences.
 
Sorry to hear of your loss.
but like other have said you're very lucky man to have a mentor like that in your life.

I never had that sort of figure to look up too or someone to learn from as you did but I am a father and I am doing things different
 
Wow brother,I am very sorry for your loss.
As others have said,relish in that quality time
you had together.
My family and I will keep you in our prayers.

tidefan said:
I just don't know how to say goodbye.
Click to expand...

I dont think you need to,
as you stated in your original post,

"So long Pop, Say hello to mom and Randy. I'll be along later... "

that kinda sums it up right there
"see ya later Pop"
 
Very sorry for your loss, Tidefan. Fond memories are a comfort, and I'm glad you have them. I lost my dad, who was also a Tide fan, about a year ago, and I'm glad I have fond memories of him to make me smile.
 
Tidefan,

So sorry for your loss. Nothing can replace your loved ones. It's something you learn to live with. I'm so glad you have those good memories. God be with you and yours in these times and always.

God bless,
Adam
 
tidefan said:
I've lost a brother, and now my dad. I was reading the childhood survival knife thread and had so many memories flood my mind and I had no idea that a few days later I would loose the man who taught me what we call bushcraft skills. He called it "seasoning the man". "Don't be a greenhorn boy" has been burned into my memory. I got my very first knife when I was 5 years old. A 1.00 barlow from a flea market called "Trade Day" in Collinsville Alabama. That same day I got a silicon carbide stone and my first lesson. "If you're gonna carry a pocket knife, then learn to hone it as well. I'm too busy to take care of your stuff as well as mine". I learned, and I freehand sharpen every knife I own and I can put an edge on that will pop hair. I was so proud when I bought my first real knife, a Case 11031 at trade day and he said I made a good choice. His approval was all that mattered. I still have that knife, and today, it's riding in my pocket. I learned to fish, hunt, trap, grow a garden, raise cattle, and be a man from him. We would go on camping trips with just a small pack and a pocket knife for several days at a time and never considered it survival, just gittin away from town folk for a spell. Everything I know and everything I am started with my dad. Words will never descride just how empty I feel right now. Sorry to ramble, but wilderness skills seemed to be appropriate as he was my mentor, my friend, and my dad.

So long Pop, Say hello to mom and Randy. I'll be along later...
Click to expand...

tidefan, Im very sorry for your loss mate, I know how it feels to lose mentors and great people in your life and reading your post has taken me on a trip down memory lane. I know words are not going to make you feel better, but I can honestly say your heart will heal with time.

Your father sounds like he had a great life doing the things he loved and death as bitter as it can be is a natural part of life, Im sure he will be at peace knowing his legacy lives on through you.

If you can focus on remembering the great times and keep the memories alive, keep the legacy alive by passing on the skills you learnt to your kids someday.

Your brother sounds like a hero to me mate, its people like him that make this world a better safer place for us and I really believe regardless of the branch of service they are all hero's.

I went through a stage of being very bitter after the loss of two great men in my life, I drunk every night, I would start fights and generally be reckless and violent. I just couldnt say good bye, It was my best friend who said to me after one morning of a particularly vicious hangover "is this what neil and roy would have wanted? look at the state of you" and I realized no as sad as I was they would want me to be happy and do well in life. To say good buy I would go up to the cemetary with a box of beers and literally talk to them and tell them stories about hunting and life in general.

Now im the one rambling sorry mate, just know that talking to people can help when your ready, hang in there and it will get easier to bare as time goes on.

regards,

Stew
 
I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Your post made me think, and I thank you for that. May your dad rest in peace.
 
nothing can replace a good parent, i learned everything from friends since my folks had little interest in the outdoors--never look back just keep going forward & try to help others whom do'nt have anyone to teach them.---dennis
 
It's dusty in here. Sorry for your loss. I have been blessed with a great father as well. I have spent every day with him working since 1990 and we have had good and bad days. We are business partners by day, and he is my father and friend after hours.

We both took yesterday off and went to the Harrisburg Sportshow, something we both look forward to.

As time marches on the hardest part is watching age win. Steps get taken shorter and slower, memory shortens, and comfort can only be found by sitting.

Tell your parents you love them, thank them for doing great things, tell them you are proud of them. One day you won't be able to.
 
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