Monday, September 12, 2011
We have people we call our friends but Gary was the true friend who comes around once in a lifetime. We would talk 3-4 times a week and e-mail everyday. Every week we fished together. We loved our "competition" to see who could out do the other. His rule "if it makes it over the rail it counts". I'd tease him, how could that count, it was only as big as the bait. His answer, "doesn't matter it came over the rail so it counts" He always made me laugh!! My children grew up with Gary always around. He was always planning camping trips, pig roasts and fishing. Gary played a big part in their childhood memories into adulthood. My oldest son and I spent Sunday fishing with Gary and had a wonderful day together, as he beat us up one more time in the fish count. Gary left us way too soon and a big part of my life ended too. We were supposed to be "Grumpy old men" together and we were doing a darn good job of it. I will miss our talks and time together especially the play by play harassment during football season. I could hear his voice next to me all through the Viking/Charger game yesterday. Gary was truly my best friend in the world and I will be lost without him. I am so sorry for the loss to us all and my most sincere sympathy to his family Forever your friend Mark Bridgwater