Joel "Mooch" Lotilla

Upon Joel’s request I post this with a heavy heart.  As most of you know our Dear Friend has been battling his illness for the past few years.  Joel has decided to discontinue the cancer treatments and is now under the care of Hospice.

During our last visit, Joel expressed his concerns putting another financial burden on his family.  So, after much discussion we turn to our wonderful NCKA family in hopes to lessen the upcoming financial burden to Joel’s family.

Joel wants to be cremated and we are reaching out and asking for help with absorbing at least some of the cost. Joel wishes are he keeps no further bank accounts and hopes that any contribution are made in cash from anyone wishing to help out.

Joel expressed his gratitude over how much his NCKA family has contributed thus far.  He wants to talk to each and everyone who has called however his health prevents him from even talking to all you wonderful friends.  To you all, Joel wishes to express his  thanks and gratitude for all you have done with all the events, well wishes and your concerns.  He is now on a regiment of oxygen, we have kept our visits short and poignant.

This journey reminds me of Jona’s travels with the whale.  Life will present its direction, sometimes where the whale takes us isn’t our choice, but as in life we all have the same destination. I have meet some of the greatest fisherman in my travels but never have I meet a finer one in our friend Joel.

Those of you who coordinate fishing/kayaking events, please forward any inquires to me via PM.  I have been asked to help organize this great act of kindness.  Having personally hooked a whale I know that it wasn’t to be landed but rather held in awe.

Mail Donations to:

Rachel Lotilla
c/o Joel Lotilla
1 Appian Way, #715-4
South San Francisco, CA  94080
(Please make check out to "Rachel Lotilla")

Saddened to the core.
Mooch has had a tremendous impact on my life.
I will never forget you Joel.
Much love forever my brother.

Tote

Sorry to hear the news... Very sad indeed. The Lawson family will be sending out lots of love and prayers to Joel. We love you Joel.

Al


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I only met Joel once, but I will always remember that he was the first one there to come up and introduce himself and make me feel welcome.  Best wishes to all who love and cherish "Mooch".

Never met Joel but this saddens me tremendously. Many years ago before I even joined this forum I used to read about the crazy thought of fishing from a kayak. The idea always came and went and every time I decided to go looking for this forum I would do an internet search for the "Mooch" kayak guy to find it. Joel was this forum as far as I was concerned especially in its infancy.

Sad sad news. My thoughts are with you and your family Mooch.

We in this community have been honored with time spent and experiences shared with Joel.  To watch as he battled his illness with such a tremendous attitude of positivity and determination has had a major effect on my own life.  Thank you, Mooch, for being the kind of guy that you are.  We are all better for knowing you.  Much love, Brother, and peace to you.   

I've never got the pleasure of meeting Joel, but by seeing the genuine love and concern here for are fellow members, this group is truly just one big extended family, and I would be more than happy to help in any way I can.   

This news hits deep.
Joel got me into this sport back in 05 and helped me through the madness with many long days fishing with him.
Bro I will miss you like a brother.
my Daughter talks of THE MOOCH often and tells everyone how he stole her candy at the last crab opener. And how he let her paddle his green ok p15. My daughter has special connection with green prowlers now. So he got another in my familly hooked.
anything i can do to help this tuff time im in.
cant really type to well right now im all choked up.

My heart aches to hear this news. 

I love you brother Joel!  Peace to you.

Words can't explain the emotions I have right now. Joel has been the biggest inspiration the kayak angling world has ever known.
He is the stuff legends are made of.
 I will always remember the times we talked and laughed.
I love you buddy,
Peace

Your friend forever,
Eric / Yakhopper

Joel, I would like you to know I enjoyed every moment we spent together. Your fellow ship is one that everybody can learn from. Its very difficult to type right now so Ill just say God bless you and I thank the lord for bring you into my life.

Love you and thinking of you

Kevin   

Joel,

My family and I will always remember what a great soul you are, youve helped me finally start to deal with the loss of my dad to cancer, hearing this bring up a whole bunch of confusing emotions for me personally, its quite overwhelming to read and feel all the emotions that come with it.

Your ability to care for others in need is what inspired Pay it Forward to happen in the first place. Be proud of that!

Raquel, Hailey and I still love our Airplants in Abalone shells, and I feel blessed to have recieved them. There a great representation of you. Hailey still waters her Tea Cup airplant you made special for her!

Hang in there! The Pass Family will always love you! Even after going through this for years with my dad, This is very hard to understand right now.

My prayers go out to The Mooch and his family during what must be a very hard time.

I know NCKA will always remember him.

Tight Lines man, your memories will live on for ever.

Ryan

I love you Joel, peace be with you and your famiy.  You are an inspiration.

So saddened but will be vigil in my prayers for him and family.
Is it still possible to visit him in person even for a short time?