NorCal Kayak Anglers
General => General Talk => Topic started by: polepole on September 30, 2013, 12:35:01 AM
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Received the news this evening and am left sad and speechless. Joel is the Godfather of NCKA. He welcomed many of us into this sport of kayak fishing and touched all of our lives in many ways. I will miss you brother ... calm waters.
-Allen
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RIP brother Mooch.
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Best ambassador for NCKA and kayaking and a damn good friend, to boot.
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It will be a somber week for Linda and me. I think many of us second gen NCKAers will agree that It didn't feel official until Joel welcomed you.
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Sad news, RIP Joel.
We will all miss you.
Luis
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Rest in peace brother, I hope you are fishing in heaven...
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RIP Joel.
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RIP Joel, the soul of NCKA. May we all strive to be as caring, generous, open and loving as you always were.
:smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010
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Oh man I was just with him Saturday. We were shark fishing off Eden Landing. He finally got to come out to see our research. Joel, so glad you to have had you as a friend. I won't forget the fun times. Rest in peace my brother.
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Sad sad news...RIP brother Joel.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 2
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The world lost a fantastic fisherman and an even better, way better, person.
Thank you for the good times!
RIP Joel.
:smt010 :smt089 :smt088 :smt059
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What a sad day. You will be missed Mooch :smt010
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Rest in Peace.... Love you brother.....
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Never net a kinder, more welcoming person...will definitely be missed.
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Love you Brother Mooch. Thank you you for the Friendship and the kindness you unconditionally shared with us all. Our world is made better by you.
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R.i.p. Mr Joel. The first and only time I met you, you left a great impression of yourself with me. You were very welcoming and gave information freely . I could tell right off the bat ! You are a good Soul !!! Rest in Peace my Brutha... :smt006 :smt010 :smt010 + :smt059
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Rip Joel, I'm going to miss all the fun times we had. I will see you again.
Tight Lines,
JD
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:smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010
My brother. You touched so many lives. You certainly were the one who steered me into this wonderful community. Your memory, kindness and sense of brotherhood will be with me forever.
R.I.P. my brother. R.I.P.
:smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010
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RIP Joel. Thanks for teaching us so much in so many ways - peace brother.
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I learned to be a better person and kayak fisherman thanks to you. Rest in peace brother. You will be missed
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Tight lines and clam seas. You will never be forgotten, you and your attitude were truly positive, warm, and caring.
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RIP my friend Joel. We know you are in better place now.
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One in a million, thanks for all the life lessons, tips, and fun times, miss you brother, peace.
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God bless you brother Mooch. May your soul forever rest in heaven and may your spirit always be alive on the waters of northern california.
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Words can not say enough! May you rest in peace brother. You will truly be missed..... Thank you for being YOU!
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RIP Hanapaa! Me and Jelly had countless good times in your company. You will be missed.
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Sad, sad news. Joel was loved by so many. He will be missed by our family.
Rest in peace Brother Joel.
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Probably the kindest most gracious man I've ever met. Very sad news. :smt010
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Tears flowing. RIP Mooch.
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Rest in peace brother. Joel was one of the most genuine people I ever had the privilege of knowing and honored to have had him as a friend. You will be missed.
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Oh man. Don't know what to say. Shocked right now and very sad.
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What sad, sad news. Rest in peace, my friend.
Janice aka Big J
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We will miss you Joel! You will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace.
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all chocked up with sadness! Will miss you Joel RIP! :sad11: :sad2: :sad3:
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He is at a better place now. No more suffering and pain. We will miss you..
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Rest in peace, Joel.
Chester
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Good Bye my friend.
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All my condolences to the friends and family. I did not get the privilege to know mooch like some of you, but he always remembered my name the couple times we met. A very genuine man he was. :smt010
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A sad day. Till we meet again.
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Sad news, Joel was a friend to so many.
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I don't think I've ever known anyone with Joel's ability to just instantly form connections with people. He was such an inspiration. So many fond memories... We're gonna miss you bro. Rest in Peace!
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RIP Mooch.
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Awww man, didn't get to meet him in person, but his shadow was cast long on this place.. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.. He will be missed.. :smt010
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Peace. Brother.
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You will finally get the rest you so much deserve Joel. Good bye friend. :smt010
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I learned to be a better person and kayak fisherman thanks to you. Rest in peace brother. You will be missed
X1000
Love you, brother Mooch!!!
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Rest in Peace Joel, he truly touch a lot of lives, and gave inspiration to a lot of us !!!!! My condolences to his Family, they lost a great man, and to all that knew him. Take comfort that he IS in a better place and free from pain. Sad day !!!!!!
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You will be missed by all..........R.I.P brother my thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends......
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I am grateful to have met such an inspiring happy Fisherman who i can proudly call my friend..Joel was simply the Backbone of our community..Many great times and memories were had with our brother Mooch. You are in a better place now brother. I will be strong. Mooch Strong. will miss u buddy.
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A true ambassador of love and friendship. So glad I had the good fortune to meet you. I will think of you when new brothers and sisters join our klan and I will try to follow your example.
And I promise to use the search function.
Blessing upon you and your family.
Smooth sailing brother...
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To me this picture sums up the Joel I knew. He always was ready to share a laugh and wherever he went he was the heart and soul of our group. This picture was taken at the AOTY awards in 2008. If you look closely you'll see his "man van" in the background, and anybody who ever hung out with Joel knows what that apron was all about. :smt003
Since I moved to Idaho I haven't seen Joel in a little over two years, but I'm still sad today knowing he's passed and I won't get to see him the next time I visit the Bay Area.
(https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1379971_4785396532032_163318096_n.jpg)
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Absolutely heartbroken.
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RIP Joel.
I am a better person for having known you.
I will miss you.
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RIP Joel
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May the seas be eternally flay & the breeze lite. :smt010 Fish on Brother .... fish on! :smt010
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Absolutely heartbroken.
This.
I don't even know what to say...
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So Sad..... :smt010
Was thinking of you last night hoping you were going to make the HOW event at San Pablo...
Going to miss you Brother, but will NEVER forget....
The world and the Universe is a better place because of of you...
and I'm sure your on Calm Seas now... :smt004
RIP Mooch...
Does anyone know how to get a sizable " Mooch Strong " Flag made?
It would be nice to have a few made to fly at all HOW events and NCKA functions...
If not, I'll check into it...
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RIP Brother.
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RIP Mooch
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RIP Joel, I am going to miss you Bro. :smt010
Kiel
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RIP Joel "Mooch" You will be missed by many.
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heartbroken and speechless. He was the best.
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RIP Mooch
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Pain past, joy ahead, Goodbye till we catch up to you... Sad day... Happy day... RIP brother...
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Definitely bitter-sweet. RIP Joel.
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there will never be another like Joel.
Aloha, Hana pa'a.
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Brother Mooch, both Jan and I are saddened that we have lost you, but we are also happy that you no longer suffer. A better man I have yet to meet!
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Rest in Peace brother Mooch. It was Mooch's great attitude towards life that made me want to join NCKA.
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Allthough we knew this day was coming doesn't make it any easier :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 Joel was a true friend and mentor to me and my family. We will greatly miss his presense but his spirit will live on forever. My condolences to his Family and all who knew him. Rest in peace my brother...
Ben, Marie, Jacob & Joel
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Joel you are the reason I joined the NCKA family and got into this sport. I can not thank you enough for what you have given me. You will be missed :smt010
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I'm at a loss for words,
My hart aches as I receive this news.
Even though he has moved on to calmer waters, my hart aches for the passing of a great friend/mentor/brother.
I will never forget you my friend.
:'0(
See Ya Soon,
Eric / Yakhopper
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Deeply saddened and speechless, RIP brother Mooch, you will always be remembered.
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You will be missed brother...... no pain ,no worries now....
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RIP Mooch
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RIP Joel
you'll always be in our hearts
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It's not very often you meet someone so influential like this. I feel fortunate to have met such an inspirational person who has touched so many lives, and will continue to do so from the great beyond.
Although hard to process, I am also thankful that Joel was able to get hospice care to alleviate his pain, which allowed those who loved him the chance to say goodbye. I'm glad he was able to see with his eyes the greatness of his own legacy and what would stay in motion afterwards. I hope this brought him peace.
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I'll miss you so much Joel....I love you.
Rest In Peace Brother.
Sincerely,
Jim
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Shocked, saddened, and in awe of my friend's legacy.
I'd like to say he has just 'resumed pure spiritual form." Joel was always a little closer to that than the rest of us. A truly truly special guy.
MOOCH LIVES!
bushy
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My youngest sister called me this morning here at work to share the sad news that Joel had passed. We will all miss you brother Mooch. RIP my friend.
Jedmo
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RIP Joel, We will miss you bro.
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RIP Brother Mooch, you will be missed and remembered by all.
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RIP your legacy will go on. Site won't be the same without you welcoming everyone to the madness.
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Sad sad day. RIP Joel...you will live on in our hearts and memories.
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Just heard the news from jim Sammons. RIP Mooch, thoughts and prayers go out to family from all of us at KFSupplies.
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RIP Joel. I'll have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
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Thank you Joel for touching our lives. You will be surely missed. :smt010
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RIP Mooch :smt010 Thank you for always making me smile with your flirtatious ways! I'm glad we got in one more big hug at MBK.
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my heart is heavy with saddness, RIP joel, now all your waters will be calm, and winds light and the fish plenty, you will be missed but never forgotten brother, cameron
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Mooch. You may be physically gone, but your legacy of love and brotherhood is imbeded in NCKA. My heart aches.
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Rest in peace brother Joel. Your greatness will never be forgotten. Much love to you brother on your new journey. (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/01/ynyzanyq.jpg)
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RIP Joel
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Rest in Peace my Brother. You will be missed but never forgotten!
Martin
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Rest up Brudah!! We'll hit it hard & early,,,like we used to. Love you man :smt010
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RIP Joel.
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I think many of us second gen NCKAers will agree that It didn't feel official until Joel welcomed you.
+1 on that.
I am glad that I had that moment to meet Joel and feel welcomed.
RIP buddy.
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So very heartbroken by this news! It is such an honor to have a friend like MOOCH touch my life. Rest in peace Brother!
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RIP Joel. You will be missed by so many and have been a great ambassador to the sport and us all. :smt010
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You are still (and always will be) one of the best human beings I ever met! But I am going to miss you tremendously.
You were a positive influence on everyone who had the fortune to meet you. And you were incredibly generous, kind, and understanding...which is why I'm confident you will forgive me for feeling so selfish...selfish for feeling so sad & angry that you had to leave us.
Yes, I understand you are in a better place. And yes, I understand your suffering is over. But I know you'll forgive me for crying out loud "NOOOOOOO!" Much love, brother Mooch.
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R.I.P. brother Joel, my condolences to family and friends, heaven has a new angel watching over us.... :angel5:
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I am indeed saddened by this news. I thought of him as a true ambassador to our sport and an excellent angler with a huge heart. RIP Joel.
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Rest in peace Joel. You have so many good friends its amazing.
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I believe Joel was a very happy man, in pain but very happy and accomplished. I am glad that we all did show our love to him when he was around. I know he felt and expressed this love.
Rest in peace Joel. Glad to have your acquaintance.
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Proud to say that I was officially Welcomed To The Madness by Mooch.
My condolences to your family and your ncka family.
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Jim, Thank you so much for posting this picture. I believe it exemplifies the true spirit of our beloved Joel.
Just days before his fight with cancer came to an end he was out doing what he loved to do. He wasn't sitting home moping, or even worse; suffering. He was outdoors with a rod in his hands and a smile on his face.
It eases my pain greatly to see this picture.
This is how I will always remember you, Joel. I love you.
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yeah, +1 on that Dustin.
Thanks Jim, for being there to snap a pic of our guy having fun.
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Rest in peace Joel and my condolences to all of his extended family.
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Rest in Peace my brother Joel. My heart is heavy over your loss. Thanks for all the great memories and fun we had. God bless you and prayers to your family.
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Joel lives in everyone who was blessed to have met him.
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That he does Jerry. He ran a great race and touched so many of our lives. He will truly be missed, but he will live in our memories.
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Never met him, but sad to hear the news.RIP.
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Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joel's family, friends and everyone he touched. His impact on me is big and for sharing another time. The result of his contribution to the sport will likely be everlasting.
Too young, too good, too unfair, we're crying a river over here. And sending all our love.
:smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 :smt010
Spike and Michelle
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I am glad that Mooch is now at peace and no longer in pain, but at the same time I am broken. My heart aches knowing that there will no long be a special mooch hug waiting for me at any of the events and for that NCKA will never be the same for me. Even though he will no longer be there physically, I will always have him close in my heart and will think of him often. He always knew how to put a smile on my face.
Love you forever and always Moochie
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No words can express....love you brother, see you on the other side. :smt010
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So sorry to hear of this, rest easy and fish on brother Mooch.
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RIP brother Joel you are the heart and soul of NCKA and the best ambassador any organization could ever hope to have. You brought so many friends together to create a huge family.
You will be missed.
Frank & Bunny.
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Mooch- a true legend indeed. You'll be in our heart.
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Thoughts and prayers to Joel's family and this community.
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RIP Joel
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Rest and Peace Bro. We will all meet again someday in Heaven ! Fishing ...
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Truly a sad day for us all, the sport lost a great ambassador and friend, but I'm sure his spirit will live on with all the great stories and memories from his NCKA family.
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Hard to contemplate the most thoughtful words at a time like this....but I do know he was on Earth for a relatively short period of time, but the things he did in that short time influenced so many others, touched so many people,.....No sum of money, no titles or property can top Joel's accomplishment.
Well done my friend...well done.
I feel lucky to have known you and to be considered a friend.
Dave
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RIP Mooch
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten!!
Till we meet again,
Naomi
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Sad sad day for all of us.
RIP Bro!
You will be in our hearts and with us on every kayak fishing trip forever!!!!
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Don't really know what to add that hasn't already been said. Can only hope to honor his memory by living life with the kindness and positivity he showed us all.
Rest easy, Joel.
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My family and I echo the same thoughts as others on this site. We are happy that Joel is no longer suffering, but are very sad that he is gone. Rest in Peace brother.
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I never met him but from the responses it's my loss as he sounds like one heck of a guy. Rest in peace and may the waves up there be light.
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My deep condolences to the family that he left behind. A very sad day in NCKA for sure. It was only a few days ago on my way to work that i saw him driving his "man van" towards HmB. I waved, he nodded and that was it. You will forever be missed, Joel. You rest now brother!
Herb
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Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - See more at: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377#sthash.yC2jO4K3.dpuf (http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377#sthash.yC2jO4K3.dpuf)
I think this a great poem that can only sum up slightly a bit of Joel. Even though I knew him little. He definetly had the candle burning bright when you met him and he did what we all would like to do when it is nearing are time. ENJOY WHAT WE LOVE DOING AND THE GREAT COMPANY WE HAVE AROUND US !!!!! :fishing1 :beer3
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I just found out....My heart hurts right now...You'll never be forgotten my friend. You live on in all the people you have touched and inspired in your lifetime.
-deva
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RIP my friend. Donna and I have been blessed by having you in our lives, and we will miss you dearly.
Rich and Donna
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Joel, you are the who brought me into the NCKA. For that I truly thank you!
Through the PIF's in your honor, you turned a group of fishermen into a Brotherhood. You changed an online forum into something special.
You miraculously came back from the brink so you could greet and smile with your brothers. Going beyond with the same style that you lived your life.
You're probably already fishing in heaven where the fish are bigger, stronger and always catchable. Where the launches are always exciting and the landings smooth.
Ride the waves in peace my brother.
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Saw this thread earlier this morning and I have a hard time still believing it.
I would like to echo the same sentiments as the rest of the group. As I sit here with a heavy heart, all I can think about is the impact that Joel has had on me in the short time I've known him. I hope someday I can live up to his standards and be half the person he was.
Joel will be missed but NEVER forgotten!
Thank you Mooch. I hope to meet up with you again on the other side.
Bret
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Joel was an inspiration to so many. Such sad news. He was a good friend to me. See you on the other side my friend. Condolences to the Lotilla family.
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Not much more can be said here. He was a great person who touched upon all of us in some way. I can only feel that he was extremely lucky as we were to have him as a friend. He was able to go out in style having so many friends that were around to help him out through this difficult part of his life. I am still amazed that there are so many great people on this site and continue to do all they can for anyone in need. Mooch strong will be a part of me for the rest of my life!
Jim
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You will be missed brother Mooch RIP
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Kind of shocked more than anything. I saw him just a few weeks ago at MBK. I thought he might battle this out for a while more. DAMN IT! What a loss to all of us!
Joel, you fought long and hard brother. Rest now and know that all of us will think of you every time we gather. You never gave up. MOOCH STRONG, even now.
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Joel passed away with the smell of garlic rice and bistek in the room. My apologies for not being public about his condition over the last few days, but he insisted on not making a big deal about it.
I'm gutted and can barely type, but know he is in a better place now and wanted us to celebrate his life rather than cry.
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My family and I will miss you brother.
I hope you come back as a eagle or a badass dragon.
Love ya
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RIP Joel, gonna mis you bro. You were the first person I met from NCKA. never will forget you dude. I learned alot from you the way you're so friendly with everyone you meet, I'm now and in the future going to live my life like that.
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We love you Joel.Thank you for everything.Moma & tiny
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I am so sorry for the loss of Joel.
My heart breaks for those closest to him
and I pray for your comfort right now and in the days
ahead. He seemed like an amazing spirit loved by
thousands. Please direct me to charity of his choice
so that I can make a donation in his name.
Godspeed.
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Our beloved brother Joel "Mooch" Lotilla set the inviting, fun, caring, and unconditional loving culture early on here at NCKA. He introduced and welcomed many of us to this outstanding community. I've met many of my best friends here at NCKA, and we've shared some of the best times I can remember. I THANK brother Joel for that. He was the glue that held us all together. Please...please let no one disrupt the vibe that the Mooch created here. We owe it to him to keep it alive forever. We're all better people because of Joel. No words can express how much I will miss my brother Joel.
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Our club just lost it's finest brother. Thanks for the inspiration to be better at fishing & everything else in life. Godspeed Joel.
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i cant beleve this week had a great lunch together a couple weeks ago, joel is the reason i started kayaking or i would still be in a float tube, i will miss you, you were a great friend till the very end.
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Thanks Mooch. Be seeing you on the water, brother.
Mike
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going to miss you JOEL you were one of the funniest guy's I ever met
always fun to talk to and just great to hangout with
rest in peace brother :smt010
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REST EASY BROTHER MOOCH! I WILL NEVER FORGET THE GOOD TIMES WE SHARED.
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Mooch was everybody's best friend.
-deva
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RIP Mooch. Although we only met a couple of times, and as everyone has also stated, your friendliness and kind way being showed through and through.
My condolences to all friends and loved ones.
Damian
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Right behind you Mooch.
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Jim, Thank you so much for posting this picture. I believe it exemplifies the true spirit of our beloved Joel.
Just days before his fight with cancer came to an end he was out doing what he loved to do. He wasn't sitting home moping, or even worse; suffering. He was outdoors with a rod in his hands and a smile on his face.
It eases my pain greatly to see this picture.
This is how I will always remember you, Joel. I love you.
Very true, Dustin.
& Thanks, Jim.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
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not too sure if i met him at the couple of events i have attended, but none the less it looks as though he was a great person, fisherman and friend to many, may he rest in peace and memories live on through friends..
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RIP Joel, you are always with us on and off the water. It was a hard drive home today, but I know that you are in a better place and watching over all of us.
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You will be missed, rest in peace Joel. Tight lines for eternity bro.
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Rip Joel. I am sorry that I never had the opportunity to fish with you. Tight lines in heaven.
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I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the kayak fishing community in Northern California would be quite different than it is, if not for Joel. The imprint he left was that deep.
Tight lines, tranquil seas, and no sea lions within 10 miles...
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Lived his life with such grace right to the end. We will miss him dearly.
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For those that never met Joel or me for that matter, Joel is the sole reason we are here today at NCKA.
A long time ago all the Norcal people (about 20 of us) hung out in a sub forum of a site in SoCal. It had a week of ups and downs and Joel calls me.
"Hey Bill you know computers, you should setup a forum."
"I don't know Joel, politics, bickering, spam, I don't want to deal with all that crap."
"Bill man you have to do it, I will take care of it."
and so with that, NCKA came to be. Joel set off to tell everyone under the sun about NCKA and it just kept growing and growing until it turned into what it is today. Joel is the spirit of NCKA, he is the one that gave it a mellow vibe. Their where times I wanted to delete someone, ban them, drop an F-bomb, Joel was always their to mellow me out. A true pioneer and ambassador of NCKA and kayak fishing.
I will miss your calls at 4am asking me why I was not at the launch yet, your calls to give me a Bean Hollow shark attack report, and your calls to tell me some random minnow size fish is biting someplace 400 miles away in the dead of winter and that we should go try to catch some. Most of all I will miss your smile and never ending energy.
Thanks brother, safe travels.
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I was going through my day today, usual routine, but with a heavy heart. I never met Mooch like most of you, but I can see him in each post, each exchange, and in the "soul" of NCKA.
He will be missed greatly by so many - 'much love to his family and friends.
-Cherie
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Rest in peace Mooch, tight lines and calm waters! You meant a lot to so many, brother kayaker! I'm sure we will all get together again!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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Rip Mooch. I'm glad I was able to see you one last time at the MBK tournament.
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R.I.P. Joel
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Goodbye, Joel. A sad departure but your spirit lives on.
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Rest in peace.
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Sad, sad day....
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RIP Joel, Never met you but heard of your greatness from many.
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RIP Joel. God Bless and Godspeed. You truly were one of the richest men alive. Look at the legacy you left behind and all the people you touched in such a positive way. We can all only hope to be such loving and caring human beings. Until next time!
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RIP Mooch. Although i met u a couple times I really felt that i knew you longer, so funny and warm personality. You will be missed bro. You are an inspiration n the next fish i catch will be for u man!
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:smt010 ....speechless
I'm glad you're in a better place now and free of pain.
I'll never forget the time you spent attending to speak Spanish with my parents for over a hour. You made then feel welcome at Albion several years back and I thank you for that my friend. That's just the kind of guy you were.
I'm a better person and live with a bigger heart because of you and everybody in NCKA. Thank you.
Rest in peace Joel.
Marcos
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Love you Joel. I hope to see you in the next life. You made my life better by being a good friend and mentor.
Paulr
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Joel,
you left the world a better place,
that's a legacy that most of us can only hope for,
Thank you
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Joel had a huge heart. I wish I could have fished with you one more time. Rest in peace brother.
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No words. RIP brother.
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Quote from: Mooch on June 27, 2011, 12:01:38 PM
Congrats! It only gets better from here on Welcome to the madness!
That was from Joel after my first smallie was caught off my kayak at Chabot. Immediatley he made me feel part of something bigger than I knew was out there, like an extended family I didn't know I would be welcomed into.
I hope I can carry on tradtion that Joel started and always remain as positive, and a fighter as he was, rest in peace and smooth waters always.
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RIP .. with much thanks for all ... calm waters....
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Joel, in your honor I will strive to be as welcoming to all as you were to me and Nathan. If I can be half the man you are, I will be stoked.
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I met Joel back in the day. From the very first, it was obvious that he was the life of the party, an endless well of laughter and good times. There was wisdom too, in his easy-going impulse to bring people together. People as oil and water as Dennis Spike and Jim Sammons. Only Joel could have done it.
It was always a joy for me to connect with Joel, if only for a few minutes every year. He was bright, warm sunshine. This was man with an uncommon gift to touch hearts and bring out our better natures. And then, his great trial which, as far as I can see, he faced with immense dignity and near-superhuman will. Inspiring. Unforgettable.
I'm struck how Joel's love for his kayak fishing brothers and sisters was returned in nearly infinite measure when he needed help. It's something special, something to celebrate, and I hope, something NCKA continues forever. "It gets me all teary eyed. You can only say thank-you so much," he told me the last time we talked. I believe this love and care sustained him.
I started work on a story featuring Joel and his bond with NCKA shortly before he passed. It will appear in a future edition of Kayak Fish. There were plans to shoot portraits. Unfortunately, we didn't anticipate he'd be gone so soon. If you have original photos - they should be pretty big, at least 1MB in file size - please let me know. If you have anecdotes to share or something to say about Joel's role in your life and kayak fishing, I'd very much like to hear it. We will try to do justice to Joel, but I'm not afraid to say it is a daunting prospect. He was and remains a legend among us, but most of all, a friend. The world is a sadder place now that he's moved on.
Paul
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Such sad news. R.I.P Joel.
Anthony
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ETERNAL RIP to a stellar human being. SRJ
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I was never lucky enough to meet Joel but I am thankful for all he did for this community that has been so welcoming to me. Hopefully we get to paddle out together on the other side.
RIP.
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I don't think I've ever known anyone with Joel's ability to just instantly form connections with people. He was such an inspiration. So many fond memories... We're gonna miss you bro. Rest in Peace!
that. so much.
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Hey Joel up in heaven,
Please save me a spot up there and GPS all the honey holes for when I join you later, so we can fish together. Please say Hi to my Korean grandma, she loves fish and hi to my dogs Crystal and Kiki. (They like fish also)
Take care and bless us all with your mojo!
Chaeki
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God Bless Joel, you will be missed my friend.
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Joel will be missed for sure. God bless him and his family.
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Rest in Peace Joel , glad to have met and talked to you on a few occasions . Sorry I did not know you better , feel I missed out on something ( someone ) real special . God Bless you and your family . :smt059
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RIP Mooch, you live on in so many ways.
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RIP and God bless.
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15631 posts....I was blessed to be around for 5535 of them.
My first time meeting Joel was a call to Aquan regarding my first "REAL" fishing yak. He of course offered advice and a great deal.
Last night as I fell asleep thoughts of Joel were in my head. I chuckled at the image of god telling Joel...."You shoot me in the ass with that airsoft one more time.....so help me!"
Love you and miss you!
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..... and I'm sure he's 3' behind an Angel while she totes his yak up a hill.
Gone but far from forgotten!
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Farewell Mooch. Thank you for your welcoming ways when I was a noob. Thank you for forgiving me when I was out of line. Thank you for being such a great person and incredible ambassador to this sport! You will be missed!
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Mooch, you better save a lot of room for the rest of us when we show up. Thanks for creating a great group of people, you will never be forgotten.
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The first time I met Joel was at the Lake Mendo Stripper derby many years ago, we were getting ready at the crack of dawn when he showed me his fish whacker, he said, "This has slayed many fish, would you like to touch it?" So when I reached to touch this special talisman, he snatched it out of my reach with a friendly and mischievous, "Psyche!"
BFF after that, and game on!
It was my first tourney and he helped me greatly, I landed a 10.5 fatty that placed me at #6, right behind him.
Lake Mendo was his favorite place, in my heart his spirit will be there and all bodies of water and I will say hello whenever I go OTW.
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I have no words. Just great sadness that Joel is gone. I am lucky to have know him for so long and to have seen him recently at Del Valle. He was truly a brother to me. He is and will always be an inspiration.
-Brian G
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You will always be in my heart, Joel. I will stay Mooch Strong in loving memory of you forever.
Farewell friend, I will see you in the deep waters again some day.
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Farewell Joel. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you my brother.
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Good Bye for now Brother Joel. Fostering safe kayak fishing and promoting great friendships was your gift!
Joel's insistence about "Getting Checked" is the single most important thing we can all do... in His Honor.
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I am deeply saddened by the loss of you Joel. I just found out now. My condolences go out to your family and your tribe of friends in NCKA and non-NCKA. You have truly blessed our lives. I will miss you dearly and never forget you.
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RIP and Smooth Sailing brother Mooch. You will be missed.
Freddie
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http://youtu.be/8pzHHIVkbv4
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With Deep Sadness we say Farewell, but there will always be a happy place in my heart remembering Brother Joel. RIP my Friend.
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Thanks Bill (Administrator) for that brief introduction to Mooch for us new members. It sounds like we missed a great man. My heart goes out to all who were close to him. May he live on through this site.
NotaSeal
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:smt010
Hard to type at the moment, I just now found the thread about Joel. I will miss him.
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RIP brother. Thank you, it was always a pleasure, joy and honor to have known you.
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A long life is not necessarily a good one. But a life lived well is always long enough.
RIP Brother Joel.
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Had a great time at the AR hook up today & thinking about you, Brother Mooch...
Thank you so much for this brotherhood!!!
I know he used to like to be called Hana Pa'a
remind me of this song...
http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k (http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k)
Miss you, brother & until we will meet again...
Naoaki
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Very sad. A good man, the only man to put me at ease with our familys loss.. Ill never forget you or your family..
Brent, Raquel, Hailey
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RIP Joel. You were a true Ambassador to the club and the sport. You were always willing to spend time to chat and always welcoming to those you have just met. I am blessed to have met you several times and you were a true luminary. We are all better humans because of your fine example of kindness.
Luis
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Have been looking at these posts some years now and got a kayak 3 years ago. Before I had it, kept my eyes glued to this site. When I first got my Kayak and caught the first fish I really knew what "Welcome to the Madness" meant. Paid attention to the regulars, they seemed to come up with new things and what struck me most is the love showed to Mooch. His posts were completely sincere in his want to always help. Been to quite a few events and finally met Joel at the MBK tournament. Was happy to see he looked good so I was shocked to hear of his passing. Lost 2 close friends to cancer and am reminded that life is fleeting, to never take anything or anyone for granted. RIP Mooch. I hope to carry the spirit of your generosity towards others in my actions and in my heart.
Marco
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unfortunately I never had the pleasure of meeting Joel, but I have been inspired by his posts of knowledge. His influence in the kayak community and his friendship will be truly missed.
jan
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I had the pleasure to meet Joel recently. I wish I had a chance to fish with him. I can see He has touched so many lives and for that it makes me want to be a better man. My Prayers and sympathy go out to his family as well as all the ones he has unfortunately left behind. May your transition to the other side be a swift one
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I was thinking, if he didn't get sick, he would have been a legend in Alaska by now. Sucks.
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Had a great time at the AR hook up today & thinking about you, Brother Mooch...
Thank you so much for this brotherhood!!!
I know he used to like to be called Hana Pa'a
remind me of this song...
http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k (http://youtu.be/w_DKWlrA24k)
Miss you, brother & until we will meet again...
Naoaki
Naoaki,
What a great choice of songs. All too true!
~Bill :smt010
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Just read this sad news. I was floored.... Joel was such a genuine person. Never afraid to be himself. He was the first one to make me feel truely welcome to the NCKA family. I know he did that for so many others. He will be truely missed by our family. Wow, a man I was proud to call my friend. We'll miss you bud.
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I was thinking, if he didn't get sick, he would have been a legend in Alaska by now. Sucks.
so true.
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I was thinking, if he didn't get sick, he would have been a legend in Alaska by now. Sucks.
so true.
+2, the Alaska economy would had an uplift with the amount of us going up there to fish with him...
the best we could do to honor him, " Is to live the life we want..."
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I do not know what to add to this thread. i have been looking at it for a week. I will miss joel, I have been missing him for years actually, in the early daze before ncka we would show up at the same spots with the "rumored" hot bite. then ncka, linda mar and the bean, cabs and salmon...Monterey salmon too! op halibut..elk camping. HIS APRON OMG, THAT WAS FUNNY! the time i hid a banana in his tackle box at mendo...
I will not be here sunday, on my way to Baja to fish for a week "to live the life I want to live". i will honor his memory when i fish the pacific on Monday.
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joel was wicked funny yet kind. effervescent but sober...
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See ya tomorrow buddy. Hardest prep I've ever had to do.
Sent from my EVO using Tapatalk 4
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My daughter Valentina chose Joel for her 2nd grade Dia De Los Muertos Project...
For those that don't speak Spanish, this is what she wrote:
"I want to remember Joel "Mooch" Lotilla.
He was a good friend of my Dad's.
Something that I remember about this person is that in his last months he was in a wheelchair.
One thing that I learned from this person during his life was to live a simple life and to always enjoy it.
He is also my friend."
Very proud of her...
Miss you Mooch!
Sincerely,
Jim
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+1
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that is great Jim.
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:smt010
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Very sweet, touching.
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very cool Jim! kids are the best! Valentina is a great kid!
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:smt010
+1
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That's beautiful Jim. Thanks for sharing.
Al
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Muchas Gracias Valentina. Tu corazon es muy grande. Vaya con dios chica. Tu es mi amiga.
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My daughter Valentina chose Joel for her 2nd grade Dia De Los Muertos Project...
For those that don't speak Spanish, this is what she wrote:
"I want to remember Joel "Mooch" Lotilla.
He was a good friend of my Dad's.
Something that I remember about this person is that in his last months he was in a wheelchair.
One thing that I learned from this person during his life was to live a simple life and to always enjoy it.
He is also my friend."
Very proud of her...
Miss you Mooch!
Sincerely,
Jim
Amazing and well said..
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:smt010
+1
+2 Holy cow!!! :smt010 :smt010 :smt010 Choked back some serious tears there.
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Trip from the past....
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Hi Yakers:
A real class act and I wish him Peace in the Arms of the Angles.
Regards
Erni
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Happy Birthday Bro! You know we miss you; but we hope you are having a great time!!!
See if soon...
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That was a nice little piece that Valentina wrote. She is such a sweetheart. Miss you Joel...
-FF
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Oh man I was just with him Saturday. We were shark fishing off Eden Landing. He finally got to come out to see our research. Joel, so glad you to have had you as a friend. I won't forget the fun times. Rest in peace my brother.
I didn't know him but seems he made an impact on those he knew. RIP
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RIP. Enjoy your new fishing mate the good lord.
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Oh man I was just with him Saturday. We were shark fishing off Eden Landing. He finally got to come out to see our research. Joel, so glad you to have had you as a friend. I won't forget the fun times. Rest in peace my brother.
I didn't know him but seems he made an impact on those he knew. RIP
You have no idea. Best man I ever knew
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Joel, Marvin, and Antonio.
They had a lot in common.
Each of them had a positive impact on my life.
And I will always remember them.
But I’m still pissed they are gone.
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Joel, Marvin, and Antonio.
They had a lot in common.
Each of them had a positive impact on my life.
And I will always remember them.
But I’m still pissed they are gone.
Yes they did Pat. I still miss Mooch, his humor and how much he helped me get into this sport. They days spent with him were short, but knowing him was a gift. Only met Marv a few times and he too was an inspiration.
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:smt006 We will get to see them again. They're just scoping out the good fishing spots for us. :smt007
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Joel, Marvin, and Antonio.
They had a lot in common.
Each of them had a positive impact on my life.
And I will always remember them.
But I’m still pissed they are gone.
Absolutely on the same page. Think about and reminded of each of them often.
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Pinky bump!
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Mooch was the reason I got into kayak fishing. I remember his warmth and willingness to help me get into the sport.
RIP brother.
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Pinky bump!
dats some OG sh*t right there. Glad to see the first piece I made for NCKA still looking good and in good company.
I can still remember taking those to the Fred Hall show at the Cow palace. We were all captivated by the Russian archery contortionist's performance :smt003
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Missing this guy. I felt like Mooch was with me yesterday in Santa Cruz. The crew couldn't even scratch up decent rockfish. After all these years he is still right, there are no fish in Santa Cruz!
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8 years ago you passed away, my friend. I miss you.
-Allen
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Love ya, Mooch! :smt008
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Damnit. I knew I shouldn't have went back and read this whole thread. :smt010
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Only had the privilege to run into him personally a few times, but he was a good friend to Marv and like an "older brother".
Speedos and hairy feet :salut:
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Damnit. I knew I shouldn't have went back and read this whole thread. :smt010
I did the same thing Rock Hopper, with the same outcome. Guys at work asking "you ok man" It did bring back some good old memories seeing names we haven't seen in a while. We have sure lost a few Great people, and they are truly missed.
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Miss and love you every day Joel :smt010
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Never forgotten!
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Truly a great man. Miss him.