Discussion on a memorial for our friend Terry Yocum

Just put this up as a separate post to discuss what we want to do for a memorial to Terry. A lot has been brought up before on his other post.

Chris,
    Glad you are taking charge.   I'll send up $40.00 for a capstone on the wall @ Walnut if that is the way we go.  Drop me an e-mail.   Also if there is going to be any naming of a section of the creek send me a petition sheet and I'll sign it, and get some of the KY crowd to sign it too.   There is no reason we can't have both a capstone and an access naming petition.  We have to buy one, and the other is bestowed by the PF&BC.  We can get to work on the stone, and then petition the Fish Commission to name a section of the stream after Terry.

count me in - keep us posted. thanks, Dave

I am in too Chris.  Also, talk with CR500.  He has some ideas as well.  I think a capstone at Walnut is great, as well as a bench, or whatever.  I also think doing something for his family is a good idea as well.

Loopy,
 
I've been silent to this point.  What Terry and I had will probably never happen again in my lifetime.  I listened about problems with other members, burnt bridges, and other issues.  Through it all he always managed to push me and inspire me to be a better me.  He had a way of being a hinderance...pulling me down with issues that I only wish I could give him answers to.  He also had a way of pushing me past the plateaus I had reached in life.  He made me better myself.  He always had a spark that burned into me.
 
I'm not perfect, God knows, and what I am going to propose is very difficult for all.  However, I feel it is something he would be proud of.  I think we should do something to raise money every year that we donate AS A GROUP to a charitable organization.  A golf outing would be a huge task, but something along those lines is what I was thinking. 
 
Just the thoughts of a guy that doesn't know what to say at this point....just trying to carry on what he would've of done.  BE UNSELFISH..................
 
 
 
 
MO

Chris,
Count me in for whatever the group decides, but for what it is worth, I do like the idea of having an access named after him.  I am hard pressed to think of a better memorial.  Just the same, everyone has some wonderful ideas, let me know what I can do to help!

kyler16,
      A fishing tourney is a good idea; but, there arises the problem of who is going to organize it, when & where will it be held, and who is going to be responsible for the money, and the decisions regarding the tourney.   I, myself, would love to see a tourney but the practicality of a permanent tourney is just not there as I see it.  I'm all for the capstone and the naming of a section for Terry.   These are do-able and self sustaining. Don't want to rain on your idea.  Sorry.  There are enough people here on the board that remember Terry and want to contribute that all it needs is one person, preferably from the Erie area, to take charge, (I think someone may already have), and this thing would "take off".  I'm also in favor of any excess monies being given to his family.

i have dogs but they are bunny dogs

I think any attempt at honoring Terry is good.  My initial thoughts of an access named in his honor were based on a desire to honor him in his beloved "Chrome Dome".  Other events/places/objects done on his behalf could very well happen if people put their minds to it.  Annual events would be difficult, I think, though not out of the question.  Maybe it would be more possible to piggy-back with an existing event like the Big Run Banquet(a favorite of Terry's).  Obviously, that would have to go through the PSA, as that is their fundraiser.  If the end-result were improved access to the fish, I can't see why they would refuse.

I have been contacted off-board about several ideas.  It sounds like naming a stretch of stream and possibly improving it to allow greater access for the disabled fisherperson is a very "do-able" thing.  There possibly is money already availabe to start towards this goal.  Memorial stones can be done as well.  Educational field experiences for youths should be another "do-able" idea.  He was an avid photographer, as well, so there is another avenue to pursue.  I just made my first trip to Pymatuning(sp?), and saw the bald eagle sight-seeing area.  If anyone has an idea of a similar location down-state that would be suitable as a memorial, by all means, speak up.  Share ideas and share energy.  It's all good.

I vote for a memorial stone now, and for planning to be done for larger endeavors.

Gentlemen,
      I am bringing this back to the top to voice a concern.   When Terry passed, a whole lot of people jumped on the bandwagon and wanted to do something in his memory.  And yet, as far as I know, no one has taken the lead and started the process.   HAS ANYBODY? ?  If there is a project going on could we have updates?  Now, some people may see this as "copping out" but I would do it, however I live 500 miles away and do not have access to Walnut or any PF&BC office to facilitate the transactions.  Is it possible that We have forgotton Terry this quick?  I hope not.  Sorry for what appears to be an angry thread, but isn't there anybody from the Erie area who is taking charge?  If you are taking charge, then I'm sorry, just let me know what you need, and I'll try to provide it.

I have picked up a brochure for the memorial wall.

Our fathers family was from that area, but that is a different Yocum clan, you must have been up near the spillway of the Lake, terry and I fished the spillway quite a bit. we would put the boat in at Corbins Island. Nice fishing year around

Bump!
To our Northern brothers; chasinrainbows and chrisrowboat thank you for your legwork on getting something started for Terry.  This could be something that unites all FOT.
 I'm down here in Westmoreland Co. and if I can help in any way please let me know.
indsguiz, I agree w/ you. Please let's not forget Terry. I'm sure there are many others who feel the same. 

I'm sure there are persons exploring the options and will inform us along the way. There are very dedicated people who frequent this site and can be counted on to further a good project like this one as long as it doesn't get too complicated. I for one live pretty far away but not too far to send $ support once something gets finalized. The easiest would be the stone marker on the wall at the marina. I know it's been said the projects and manchester were not Terrys favorite spots but it's a start. A lot of good ideas, some do-able others I don't know. I'll watch this thread to see what comes and if I can help, my E-mail is on my profile.   Dave

Bump!
Ditto to what elephanthead said.