NorCal Kayak Anglers
General => General Talk => Topic started by: SBD on March 31, 2007, 05:45:53 PM
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Me and PAL were getting concerned late last week as Chef was not returning our calls, which is unusual unless he was getting treated. Even more unsettling his mom wasn't returning our call either.
I finally got through today, and his mom passed on the sad news. Stephen passed last Thursday. There will be a memorial party in Monterey in a few weeks. I will keep everyone in the loop.
Chef was a great friend, and the bravest man I have ever met. The way he dealt with the card that was dealt to him was truly inspirational to me.
I am sure the fishing is good up there Steve, but its gonna suck down here without you.
I'm gonna miss you brother!
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It isn't fair to lose a friend to so many people. He will be missed by all.
-Brian G
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How sad.
The world has lost a gentleman.
Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Tight lines, Jade Pirate. We'll miss ya.
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It's always sad to lose a friend but especially so when they are so young and such a role model in showing others how to live life to its fullest. I regret that I didn't have a chance to meet this special person and feel a great sadness for those of you who were fortunate enough to know him and call him "friend." I'm sure his loss leaves a big void for you. My heartfelt sympathies.
Janice aka "Big J"
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Chef was a great guy and I will sadly miss him. My fondest memory of Stephen was watching him, CHUB, Jdyak and Zilla paddle out for a prefish at last years Elk tourney in some nasty conditions. It was cool looking from the cliff above at the four of them headed out.I am glad CHUB got to do that with him and see someone like that deal with adversity the way he did.
Now Chef is watching all of us from the cliffs above.
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There are no words...
Chef will be missed, but will definitely be remembered as a brave soul with endurance and perserverence without measure.
Tight lines up there buddy... Your NCKA bretheren will always remember you.
EK
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I am so Bummed I will never kayak or fish again without thinking of Chef. Evey fish I catch will be a reminder of his strength and positive attitude. Condolances to Steve's Family and Friends my thoughts will be with you for quite a while. Tomorrow My family will be getting together in remembrance of my Sister who died on 4/1 to young also we will all say a prayer for Chef.
Only the good die young. Michael
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I cant find the words.....
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That's really sad news, sometimes life really doesn't make sense We were just recently wondering about him
scwafish When you talk to his mom if you think it appropriate give her condolences from my wife and me We're complete strangers and I know this is a very private time and already crowded with enough without having to think about other things
Also at some point if you can discreetly get a bead on what her situation is we'll contribute what we can financially if it's helpful
Paul
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If you have Chef pics, please post em!
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Thanks Sean, for sharing the sad news, and more especially, for being such a good friend. And same to you Paul, if you are reading this.
I have a few sunset pix of Chef when he and PAL and I fished Big sur last year with Randy and Pat, I will add to the post later.
I did get to chat with Chef just a couple/few weeks ago. He remained full of pluck despite having exhausted just about all the avenues of treatment for his cancer. We alternately talked serious stuff and laughed together about silly stuff, mostly us.
He was still teasing me about the first time we met, which was at at Moss Landing. We chased salmon all day, ended up about 7 miles offshore in 3000 feet of water. A boon companion indeed.
I will always admire his attitude about death and dying, and hope I can be as "OK" at the end as Chef seemed to be.
I too, would like to send or arrange to get a message to Chef's family expressing condolences and reminding them the high esteem with which I, We, held him.
Enough for now.
Allen
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Doing what he did best... cooking up a storm with ChuckE at Elk last year.
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I will miss you man.
Chef trying to give Mooch a nice ramming.
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Paddle in Peace Steve,we will miss you.You fought the good fight.
Here is a picture from our 2006 Elk launch.
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http://customink.com/cink/r.jsp?E=kayakfishingman%40icqmail.com&F=chefshirt
Who is interested in having a tourney to benefit his mom and future years a donation to a cancer society? I created a tshirt design at the above link. Shirts would be around 10 dollars (plus or minus) depending on the quantity. Trophy would be a plaque carved in to the shape of a chef's hat with brass name tag. Open to suggestions?
-Brian G
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It's hard to find the words.......
My wife is always saying....Our lives are not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.....I know Steve's life was filled with such moments.
Our heartfelt condolences to the family.
Rest in peace my friend.....
Stuart & Family
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Chef has been a wonderful example to us all. I hope to have the courage that Chef had. Peace.
-Allen
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I am in for the tourney and a t shirt....
Although I never got the privilege of padding with the Chef I want to thank him for his inspiration, courage and guidance. From what I have read and heard from those of you who did know him as a friend, I know I would have really enjoyed Steve's kindred spirit, love for life and all it's offerings.
Frank Sacramento and Family
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Its is hard to know what to say. Sounds like Chef had some good friends here and had left a lot of ripples on the water. If you carry him in your heart and your memories and he will always be there. Paddle in peace and my heart felt sympathies to his family and friends.
Kevin
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The passing of a human being is always difficult, especially when that person is as great and full of life as you have all described here. It's an unfortunate thing that I never had the pleasure of meeting him.
While nothing but time will help to get over the pain, I think that his family would be happy to know that he had touched so many of you in such a profound way and that he had such a great group of friends here at NCKA.
My condolences to his family.
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Who is interested in having a tourney to benefit his mom and future years a donation to a cancer society?
me
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I remember the Chef from our first O:Neill Forebay get together. He was a good and brave man.
He now paddles and cast where the water's flow and the fish swim forever free.
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Opening day at the Cellar Door:
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Sorry for your loss guys, I know what it's like to lose a friend.
Sounds like he was one of the rare ones...Wish I could have met him.
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Who is interested in having a tourney
I was thinking the same thing.
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I was on a boat out of touch all weekend. I only learned of Steve’s passing this morning. I’d had a feeling of dark tidings to come when last week’s phone calls were unreturned.
I wish Steve had the chance to fulfill his dream of catching a kayak yellowtail. A lot of plans were in motion to do just that. He would have been so tickled and thrilled and honored by the gesture.
He had a lot of bad news roll his way over the past three years, yet somehow he was always a picture of happiness, strength, and positive energy. In his character, the Chef was a giant of a man.
In the past few months Steve often mentioned to me how much the well wishes and encouragement from his friends in the kayak fishing world buoyed his spirit. It touched his heart.
Steve's dignity and humanity knew no bounds. I miss him already, but I have one solace. Any time I visit his beloved Big Sur, he'll be there, watching over his special place. Good bye for now my friend.
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Big%20Sur%202006%20LR0003.JPG)
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Big%20Sur%202006%20LR0002.JPG)
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Steve0001.JPG)
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Steve0002.JPG)
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Pirate%20Steve%20Bonefish0001.JPG)
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Awesome pics PAL!
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Heartbreaking news. Chef, you'll always be an inspiration...
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I was unfortunate not to have met chef is person while he was fishing on this plane of existance, and that makes my chest hurt. Now I can only hope that my thoughts and prayers can somehow help the pain of those who loved him most. Those who knew and fished with him can find some comfort in that during his time here, he was happiest when he was with you, and that there ARE other realms.
go easy chef
T
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My condolences to Chef's Family. Chef you will be missed. I think its time to change the elk tournament name to the "chef memorial elk tournament" I can't imagine ever fishing there again without thinking of him.
Isa. 55 vs. 8-9.
skyboy
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Chef was a great guy and I will sadly miss him. My fondest memory of Stephen was watching him, CHUB, Jdyak and Zilla paddle out for a prefish at last years Elk tourney in some nasty conditions. It was cool looking from the cliff above at the four of them headed out.I am glad CHUB got to do that with him and see someone like that deal with adversity the way he did.
Now Chef is watching all of us from the cliffs above.
I remember that Day well, the swell was big but Chef was like lets go, We all paddled out to the rock and started fishing. These were the biggest swells, I've fished in. ( so big that I was fishing bow into the swell ) Fishing was slow, but with the company, it was one of the most memorable times on the water. Chef wasn't feeling the greatest, but we stuck it out. We were able to catch a 9.8 pound ling that Chef turned into the best cerviche I've ever had.
I will always remember the first time I met Chef which was at Davenport with alot of the original NCKA members. He was one of those people, you knew you liked him from the first moment you met him.
Tight lines my friend.
John
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A couple more:
Steve in front of Jasper Caves
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Steve20001.jpg)
Jade gaff:
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/Steve20002.JPG)
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I just got the heartbreaking news from Freddie. I was planning to visit him in La Jolla next week. I don't know what to say.
Chef was such a good friend. I'll never forget him. He's NCKA's first member to pass away.
Here are a couple pics from our epic Big Sur trip in May 2005.
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We were headed down on the 12th...a few days late. I am so bummed. Love all of the pics.
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A great thread here for chef. says a lot about both him and his friends here on the board.
J
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A few pictures from September 2004 when BobN and I met Chef at Limekiln in Big Sur -- one of his favorite places to fish and find jade.
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I will miss you man.
Chef trying to give Mooch a nice ramming.
This pic was the first time I met Chef.....and as you can see, it didn't take long for me to like this guy :smt002 By the end of the day, he was ready to ram me into the water :smt003
I remember paddling right next to him as we were trolling for stripers in the Forebay. I managed to catch a couple while trolling next to Chef. He was in a mission to catch at least one keeper. He told me it was his plan to cook the striper (his favorite fish to cook) for his "anniversary dinner" with his girlfriend (at the time). At the end, he come up empty handed. I gave him one of mine and he was thankfull. I simply told me that he owed me a guided halibut trip to Monterey....he smiled and said "you got it" :smt001 I will miss him....
God bless you Steve Blackwell......you are in a better place :smt008
note: this pic was taken before he had his FIRST bout with cancer....
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Chef with the "Year-end Big fish winner of 2005"
24 Pound Halibut from Monterey.
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Chef at Fort Ross....
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Chef at Limeklin....
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One of thee most nicest people I have ever met. Thank you Steve for everything.
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Steve you sure could FISH!!!!!!!! I'm sorry we only shared water's once. You'll be remembered the way a good yak fisher should be.
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Words cannot express the sadness. Chef will be missed and always remain an inspiration.
Jason
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That is really sad to hear. I got to meet Chef at Elk last year. We are both from San Diego and talked about home. He will be missed...........
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Sorry to hear such bad news. I would like to send my condolence to the family. Be at peace brother.
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Damn, with Steve's positive attitude this didn't even seem possible. I remember that day at limekiln, it was the first time alot of us had been there and Chef was like our tour guide. He was also there on my first paddle out of Moss, we were way offshore and I was nervous as hell but it didn't phase him at all. He won't be forgotten.
It would be cool if we could organize a paddle out ceremony in his honor.
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It would be cool if we could organize a paddle out ceremony in his honor
That would be nice! Just like how surfers honor a lost friend....paddle out and form a circle, hold hands and say a prayer. Let's do this! We owe it to Chef. It will be our special way of saying "goodbye for now" to a comrad.
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It would be cool if we could organize a paddle out ceremony in his honor.
Great idea!
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I'm pissed I never got to chat or fish with you in person Chef. I was really looking forward to it after getting to know you on this board. I'll be looking for ya up there someday and hope you can show me all the sweet fishing spots and give me some fish cooking tips.
It would be cool if we could organize a paddle out ceremony in his honor.
Awesome idea! Since I'm in Seattle I can only be there in spirit, but I will BE THERE!!!
Z
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Wow. Although I never got to know Chef personally, this is not what I thought I would see here this morning.
I had hoped to meet him this year in Elk.
What I do see here though is that he left quite a legacy, without even meaning to.
Farewell, Jade Pirate. There are no MPA's or poor sea conditions for you now. Fish hard.
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Very sorry to hear about chef I never got to meet him
But he looked like someone I would like to hangout with
I hope he is in a better place.
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So Sorry to hear this... I met Chef @ Elk last year just for a moment complementing him on a outstanding dish I have never tasted called " Cheviche " :fat
He immediately struck me as specail person and again I was reminded of what a specail group of people this is.
I really felt in my soul that he would be fishing with us @ Elk again.
Now I know he fishes with us all everytime..........
Take care Brother and Thanks for your Spirit that will be with us all...Always :smt004
Grateful for a moment we had..................Danglin
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Sunday Feb 25 was a special day. Chef felt well enough to go fishing. He joined Andy "Iceman" Allen of La Jolla fame for a morning hunting bass at Otay Lakes. I was busy, but dropped everything to meet Steve at the lake.
He came driving up to the launch ramp, wearing a huge smile, his face a picture of contented anticipation. It was a bit chilly out, but soon enough the SoCal sun warmed the air to springtime temperatures and we floated along under a blue sky.
Steve didn't get any bites - none of us did - but anyone could see how thrilled he was to be out on the water.
(http://home.san.rr.com/fishpen/SteveOtayLR0001.jpg)
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My condolences to Chef's family. I had the honor of meeting Chef at last year's Elk Tourny and was fortunate enough to win one of his beautiful jade necklaces in the raffle.
Rest in Peace Jade Pirate Steve.
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The last time Chef was in my thoughts was when I attended the last Steve Moyer Memorial tournement. I was amazed by the camaraderie down there and the number of kayak fisherman. They even held a separate drawing for Chef which was nice and I wondered how he was doing...
It was during this time we conceived our Son, who'll be arriving on May 28th via C section and so the circle of life continues...
I'll probably miss out on the "Un-Fin-ished tour" plan, but I hope it becomes a yearly memorial that I can join and see you guys next year.
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Just saw this thread and I am shocked to hear of Chef's passing.
RIP Chef. Lots of people on this board considered you their friend and will miss you dearly.
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jdyak called me this morning and informed me of the sad news. I was extremely fortunate to have been able to meet and fish with steve. it was last year at elk. We prefished on Friday,the bite was not really happening but the swell and the wind were. The swells were big enough to loose site of each other in the next trough.Chef was not wearing a pfd and I asked him why? He told me the events that had happened to him over the past few years. He said if he drowned fishing off his kayak, oh well, if thats how I go , :angel4:it would be doing something I love to do, not this f#%&ing cancer. Right then I knew I had met a very special friend,one who was humbled to the far extremes of humility,one who was insanely courageous,one who would ultimately fight to the death. Steve,I know now that you are fishing with all of us, all of the time. I will miss you. :smt010
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Chef and i met at the quentin windsurfer launch a couple of years back....we paddled all over quentin area for nothing. I mentioned that a few days prior ChuckE and i had caught fish over by paradise...he looked, said, let's go...
my body was never so sore from yakking as that day - and we even caught a few fish.
I'll remember that day for the rest of my life....
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steve was a great person, a great angler, i will miss him at elk this year, and all the years from now until...
i am honored to own 2 items crafted by steve, a gaff and a necklace.
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:smt010
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this was one of my last times fishing with the dude down at limekiln.he was badass and taught me alot about rockfishing and how to fish big sur.im gonna miss him.
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So sad to lose a guy like Chef. He was oh so helpful when I was privileged to meet him down at Big Sur. You will be missed!
Remember to live life to the fullest.
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I was crushed upon my return this weekend to have a message from Chuck regarding the sad news. Chef was so much fun, so courageous and such an inspiration to us all. My first launch at Limekiln was with Chef and Chuck. He headed off to his favorite spot off Lucia leaving the two rookies in the dust. Before we caught up, he was yelling with joy having caught the first of his two really nice ling for the day. Keepers were 30" then. My greatest hope was for the day I could once again see him on the water doing what he loved most. He will be truely missed. I will always think of him when at Big Sur where his heart and soul resides.
Life is good but life is short. None of us know just how short.
Do what you like while you can. We will forever miss you Chef.
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Chef was a great man... One of the strongest and most courageous out there... and in so many ways an inspiration to me on my path and journey back to wellness. He will be missed dearly, and as I write this, I'm thinking fondly of the friendship that developed between us , from adventures down to the southcoast of Big Sur, smokin a phatty up on the top of the Garrapata overlook, and the mutual support that developed between us as we both went through our health trials. As some of you know, I was tagged by a lightning bolt in the Sierras last summer, and since then developed a gnarly health condition. My westerns docs said it would take 3 years for me to get better. I didn't take this for an answer, and started taking the alternative routs back to health and wellness, embracing a holistic lifestyle, doing lots of yoga, and getting accupuncture twice a week. Anyhow, chef and I provided a mutual support system for each other at times, offering kind words and general brotherly support on our individual paths. I will always remember him for the kind and adventurous man that he was, and will think of him each time I fish Lucia Bay or walk the beaches off the southcoast if Big Sur looking for jade.
Jade pyrates of the southcoast forever!!!
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It is such a shame to loose such a positive person. I would like to pass on my condolences to the family
Jim
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Fish in peace...
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I have been out of the country and just read this sad news, our condolences go out to Steve's family and friends. I had not had the chance to meet Steve, though we had talked and exchanged emails about plans of getting on the water together. I am sorry we will not have the chance.
Peace be with you my brother.
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I feel fortunate to be associated with a group of people who not only appreciate the goodness of others, but who celebrate it - alot! How does love touch your life outside of your immediate family? Too many people scoff at a question like this - some would laugh it off as absurd! So many people here have an M.O. of love, kindness, sharing, positive feelings... I am sorry that I won't get to fish with Chef, but I'm stoked to be fortunate enough to hang with like-minded folks, and it's far beyond apparent that Steve Blackwell was a love-leader among us.
Rest in peace, Steve. Keep smiling. :smt001
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Well said Abking and a smile is present or better yet the present....
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Steve, I'm going to miss you.... so many great times at ft. ross!!! rest easy buddy.
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I just noticed the sad news. I never met the man but I can tell from the quantity and quality of his friends on this board that he was a great fisher, friend, and man.
"When the character of a man is not clear to you, look at his friends."
Japanese Proverb
"When a resolute young fellow steps up to the great bully, the world, and takes him boldly by the beard, he is often surprised to find it comes off in his hand, and that it was only tied on to scare away the timid adventurers."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm."
Winston Churchill
"Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world's grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it."
The Talmud
"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world."
Helen Keller
Rest in Peace Steve.
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We will miss you friend!
Now for a moment of silent...prayer
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Chef - Wish you fishing at peace. Sadly, we don't see you. Last time I saw you was you at Elk cooked for us. You are great, we definitely miss you this season and beyond!
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I only met chef once, at my first norcal function.
I don't have the words to express the sadness,
Craigh
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:smt010
I just saw this thread today. Sucks I missed it when it came out and I am tremendously saddened.
I can only hope that the little I contributed to Chef helped him in some way and I anguish over never having met him in person.
Grim evening for me.
MolBasser
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Sorry to hear the loss of a loved one in your group and of course for his family. I am new to the site. If I can be of any help? My wife is a director for the american cancer society in salinas. She may be able to help with sugestions .
Alex (Bulldog)
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Thanks Bulldog. I want to do an event to benefit the ACS sometime soon. Can your wife help with the details on what I need to do to set this up?
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:smt006. Most definetly Bill. I will speak to her this evening and will post you tonight or first thing in the morning. I hope she can be of assistance. I think we all know someone who we love dearly that has been affected by cancer. I went to the "relay for life" for the first time here in salinas. Sponsored by The american Cancer Society. It is very heart warming and uplifting!! Bulldog
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Hi all.
I'm a lurker that is new to this site and Yak fishing.
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Maybe you could post an address that we could send a card. I didn't know your friend but I can sense the loss of a true companion and mentor.
I do know that his loved ones would appreciate a card, even if they don't know the sender.
Go with God's Blessings.
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Man... I only started at this site this spring and for some reason I was putting off reading this thread because I knew it would be a bummer. But you know, he lives on in all of you who knew him, and I feel a little Chef even rubbed off on me now, thru assosiation with you all and what you've passed onto us newbies. Those are big shoes to fill, and it gives us new guys something to aspire to.
The taco sause is the bomb.
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Found some old pics of Steve "Chef" (in yellow)
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Thanks Mooch...
A Great Reminder to Live Life....
The best memorial we could do for Chef....
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Choked me up all over again. Like I said a few years ago... I have no words.
Awesome memorial mooch.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk because I'm one of the cool kids.
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Thanks Mooch...
A Great Reminder to Live Life....
The best memorial we could do for Chef....
Agreed. Brought a tear to my eye.