It began as a solemn service with the Fisherman's Prayer lead by Dee's long time partner. (think his name was Dan, but the PA was hard to hear) A banner hung over the memorial table, where some of Dee's most prized possessions and photos were laid out. I believe there was a early flippin stick as well as several trophies. One after another friends, and fishing buddies related stories of their time with Dee. One interesting fact was that before the punchin craze was let out of the bag, Dee and his partner were flippin 2oz Nichols jigs on 100lb test line into the hyacinth.(Was that the first punchin set up? Betcha it was. What an innovator huh. Stories abound about the rivalry of Bobby Barrack and Dee. It was good to see Pat Young, and Don Lee's secretary Nicole, and Dan Mathisen (whose emergency surgery went well and will be starting physical therapy this week) and his crew (Hey Roger
,and Bill Swearingen ). Several members of Dee's church were in attendance as well as neighbors and friends. I spoke to Dee's next door neighbor and inquired about his early morning adventures. She commented to me that most of the time they slept through it, but "THAT TRUCK" was sometimes hard to ignor.
It was a little disappointing not to see most of the guys who talk about his mentorship, but I get it as I'm sure the family does, that work is work. Make hay while the sunshines so to speak. There were about 50, give or take attendees. Several of the old names popped up in discussions, like Don Lee, Harvey Naslund, Hal Huggins, Larry Newby, Larry Viviano, Chet (sucks getting old forgot Chet's last name), and Ron Crews.
For those of you who couldn't make it, I have a few photos.
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