I have been lucky I guess that I was born into a bowhunting family. I can't even remember "before having a bow". Dad always made sure we had a bow and and room to roam and shoot from the time we could walk.
But there was another person who I considered my mentor, Charlie "old timer" Martin. One of my Dads hunting buddies and close freinds who took me under his wing as a little guy and taught me tons of archery and woods lore. Whitetails, turkeys, and small game I owe alot of my success over the years to paying attention to what he had taught me.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l87/adeeden/002.jpg)
Thats Charlie closest in the picture, and me to the left and my hunting buddy Tim behind Charlie, this picture was taken on the way to elk camp quite a few years ago (1998).
Charlie was the type of guy that was always keeping me with trasures as a youngster. A couple times a year from the time I was 5 or 6 until I was a teenager he would bring me a five gallon bucket of his old arrows. These were like gold to me back then, I would spend hours cutting shafts down, refletching, and adding nocks and such making shootable arrows out of his damaged ones to keep me going! I had no clue about spine or arrow weight back then all I knew was that those things could shoot! Lots of small game, empty cans, and stumps were harrassed by those arrows, and I bet a guy with a metal detector could still find some now back behind my parents old house! Tree stands, old camo, I still have and use alot of the gear he has passed along to me over the years.
Charlie, Dad and me got to do a lot of deer hunting back in the day, When I shot my first deer it was his house I stopped at first on the way home! He was as proud as I was! Same thing with my first turkey and strangely enough charlie had killed a turkey within 50 yards from the spot I shot my first just the day before.
We spent time In Colorado chasing elk and mule deer and just enjoying being away from it all. I have no idea how many hunts we have shared in the last 30 plus years but it has been a bunch!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l87/adeeden/0507002151.jpg)
Here is Charlie on the right and Dad on the left being silly acting like they were scared of a drop off in the high country.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l87/adeeden/0507002152.jpg)
Thats me and charlie up high glassing for Elk on a long past hunt.
Well, I guess this post is as much for me today as it is to share how great a man he was, you see Charlie passed away a few hours ago after a long battle with cancer. I guess I just needed a place to vent and remember...........
Best Wishes sir, Thanks for sharing
Damn good man. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for your loss...sounds like he will live on for years to come in the good memories you have..I bet he is hunting the best of all hunting grounds tonight with the ultimate guide!
Sorry for your loss, but happy you had such a friend. You will always have the memories to bring a smile to your face when you remember him and all the hunts.
Thank you Dennis for sharin' about the good memories of Charlie!
May his legacy live on - through you - as you share with others!
God bless, David Camp
You do your mentor great honor. Sounds like you were blessed to know each other. Thanks for sharing.
Take care - Charlie Schweikert
A very fine and fitting tribute, Dennis!
I pray for God's comfort for you and his family.
Daryl
I am so sorry to hear that Charlie past away! A long time ago I had a mentor too. He passed away much to soon. I am still gratefull for all the memories. They bring a smile on my face every now and then. Thanks for sharing.
A good mentor and a good Man
sorry for your loss
I am sorry for your loss, he will be next to you on your hunts,thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your memories, & I'm sorry to hear about the loss but know that he is waiting for that next Elk in GODs land now.
Obviously Charlie will live on in memories for a long time to come. Very nice tribute to a fine man!
As long as we remember no one is truly lost to us. Glad you have some fine memories.
Sounds like a great man. Sorry for the loss but, Keep the great memories you have of him.
Had a neighbor who was there for me growing up as my second father. Took me hunting and bow shooting. Passed away with cancer also.
We need to get that cancer taken care of so we are not losing the great guys to it.
Tim
Sorry to hear!
Cancer is a terrible disease. Sorry for you losing such a valuable friend.
I offer my sincere condolences. Sounds like a wonderful person.
It is also a prime example of how the size of a man's heart leaves a legacy that far surpasses the size of his game.
Sorry for loss bud.Fine tribute to your friend.
Wow how fortunate you were to have such a awesome mentor, great memories.
Sorry for your loss.
May the memories of good times always outweigh the pain of such a loss. I too had a mentor like Charlie. While you had many more years of mentoring than I, my good friend Bob passed away a little over a year ago. I learned a lot about turkey hunting, and tradtional archery from Bob.
a couple morning ago, I was working a hot tom, had him gobbling his head off, and called him in to 25 yds. He never offered me a clear shot, but I could feel Bob's hand on my shoulder when my leg got to shaking.
I think of him often, as you will too. He may be gone from here, but will always live on in memories of good times, and when you use the skills he taught you.
Goddam cancer.
I will not forget your good friend. The pics show a generous man who loved the outdoors and a good laugh.
You are so fortunate to have known him so well.
Killdeer
Some people leave more behind than others.
His footsteps continue through yours.
Be brave. Sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear. My sympathy goes out to his friends and family.