Fishmonger Sr

My father, Bill Turner Sr., Fishmonger Sr, passed away on August 21, 2008. He was my best fishing buddy. My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March of this year. He underwent 42 radiation treatments for this cancer, and he beat it. He golfed 2 to 3 times a week while undergoing the treatments, and shot a 92 at Pleasant Valley Golf Club after his 42nd treatment. Two weeks later, he was not feeling well, and had to be checked at the hospital in Johnstown. He ended up being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. Not good, but the doctors were initially optimistic about his chances.
    My dad was born and raised in East Conemaugh, PA. He was a natural athlete, and was a fisherman from a very early age. I fished with my father for nearly 50 of my 52 years. He was the best trout fisherman that I have ever met, always filling out with his bait of choice - threaded Dace minnows. We fished the New York tribs in the 70's and 80's for steelheads and browns. My father had Rheumatoid Arthritis, as does my younger brother. I am blessed , I do not have that dreadful disease. I got my dad into fly tying and fishing the Erie tribs about 7 years ago. He took to it like a duck to water. He and I and our fishing buddy Mike Swarden, from my hometown of Carrolltown, regularly made 15 to 18 overnighters each season. We had a ball.
   Back to my dad. After his diagnosis, we thought that he could beat this cancer, but it was not to be. My dad lasted 51 days, and never got better. All he wanted was "one more fall on the tribs." My dad was an avid Penn State fan, holding the same seats for 41 years. My youngest son is a senior at Penn State this year, and his grandfather was oh so proud of him. He also sang in his church choir for 51 of his 69 oh too short years. We laid my dad out with his fly rod in his casket, and his vest and still muddy waders beside him. I put several of his fly boxes in with him, and every one that came to see him was amazed at his tying prowess. I cleaned out his fly tying room yesterday, one of the hardest chores yet. He wanted me to have his "stuff" I won't have to buy anything for quite a long time. Where did he get it all? I found the journal that he kept for our trips the last couple of years. What memories! I will keep his journal going until I have to pass it to my sons.
    I am dedicating this steelhead season to my father, Fishmonger Sr, and am asking a little request from all of you. When you get a particulary large one to hand, say "This one's for you Bill" and then let it go with a small prayer for my dad. My dad was a great guy, and I am going to miss him for the rest of my fishing days. Thank you for listening.
 
Bill Turner Jr. - Fishmonger

Bill,
 
Your dad will not be far away each time you sit down to tie or cast a fly to a rising trout.  He will be right there for each steelie that strikes and you bring to hand as well as the ones that get away.  Even though he is not physically with you, he lives in your heart.  Where you go, so does he.  Have a great season this year and always.
 
Peace

Bill, Sorry to hear of your loss. Glad to hear you have so many fond memories with him. The journal he kept and his equipment will be a legacy of your times together. Best of luck and wishes on the river and your future. OTH

I'm sorry for your loss.  My father passed away many years back.  We fished together, but not for steelhead.  Perhaps those who still have their father around will take him out this Fall and build (or continue to build) some great memories like we have.  Funny thing about fishing -- it makes us all like children again for a short time.  I was glad I got to see the kid in my Dad while fishing with him.  Your Dad's spirit and memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.  My condolences to you and your family.

Just remember this my friend for everyone steel you land your father will be landing 5  and be right their by your side.  God bless you and your family in the time of need.
 
 
                                                      Pin_drifter

Very sorry to hear of your loss, Just reminds me of how important it is to spend as much time as possible with my father. God bless you and your family.

fishmonger, I am sorry for your loss.  I once spent a day fishing the Walnut project waters with two older gentlemen from Carrolltown.  They had driven up the night before and had fished most of the night.  We had a great time chatting about fishing in Pa and NY and they were fine courteous fellows.  Never got their names or if I did I don't remember them, or even if there were any fish caught, but I do recall the good time we had BSing there on the wall.  You dad perhaps?   

Hey Fish,
Your sharing took me back 30 yrs.to when my Dad used to take the fam. up to Canada for a week or 2.Great times and even better memories,he,s been gone for 16 yrs. now and I still remember the total joy.Have an 8 yr old now that I try to take out as often as possible,my others are in there 20's.I have never kept a log before but think I will now just to be able to pass on that kind of knowledge.I know that the C word holds many bad thoughts for most all of us,and I am very sorry that your dad's fight ended short.Lost mine in 6 mos.But at the same time I have been fighting mine for 3 yrs. now.Never ever give up hope or belief that the BIG guy has some kind of plan.I Hope that this message will help you in some way.Also I've never done steely's before but am planning to try this year and will most definatly say a prayer for your DAD.
Take care God bless And GREAT fishin to ya

My deepest condolences on your loss.  Yet every fly you tie and every fish you catch with those flies will remind you of him.

bill, my dad passed nine years ago and i would do anything to have one more day fishing with him.  you know what, i will.  so will you.  there is so much better beyond this where minds are not troubled and bodies do not get sick.  there will be a day for you and your dad again, with gentle breezes at your back and dimples on a calm water.  have no doubts, it will be there.  in the meantime, grieve for yourself as your dad is in a much better place, probably getting it ready for you.  shoot, he may even be talking to my dad about silk leaders and cane rods.  my condolences guy....you will heal someday but you will never forget.

Fishmonger, with deepest sympathies to you and your family. I know where your at. I lost my father at the age of 68 back in 1998. As much as it seems unfair that our loved ones and friends are taken away from us, especially so untimely, remember to be thankful for all the time you got to spend with him while he was here and for molding you into the person you are today. Your memories will keep him alive in your heart forever. Your Father will continue to live through you. Hang tough and be proud.

Man i hate threads like these.

we search for words to "make it all better"
But there just AIN'T none

thoughts and prayers with you and your family, Fishmonger


..L.T.A.

Thanks for sharing, fishmonger!  Very well said.  It sounds like your Dad
really had a passion for the outdoors.  Memories and pictures some time blend together.
Remember the good times.  Sorry for your loss.

My heart goes out to you.
 
I lost my father on Valentines Day of this year to cancer. He is the one that got me into fishing when I was in 2nd grade on Potato Creek in Smethport. The next season we fished a tiny native stream up there instead of fighting the masses. After he passed I have long since thought about returning to that stream and fishing it with my son. The only thing is it's been 30 plus years and I don't think I could even get in the ballpark