I have an incredible story to share with you, one that will hit all your emotions and in the end blow you clean out of the water! I will bring it to you throughout the day as I have time. Please read and enjoy!
Bring it Tim!
I am ready for a good read.
:campfire: :archer:
God bless,Mudd
Me too sounds good.
:coffee:
Always ready for a good read.
Bring on the story.
This sounds good, looking forward to a good read.
Tim,I am here.
OK Tim, we are ready! Shawn
Looking forward too a good read. Thanks
:campfire: :coffee:
Hellllloooooo! Bueller,Bueller,Bueller.Tim it's Tim how bout it.
Let's hear it. All ears.
Great hunting partners and best friends don't come along too often in life and when you have one the hardest thing to do is let go.
Big Fred as I referred to my buddy was just that, my Best Friend and I've had a very tough time watching his bout with cancer slowly take it's toll. I've put together a few photo's for you to enjoy and to pay tribute to the first guy I ever saw at a 3-d shoot with a recurve some 23 years ago.
MORE TO COME>>>>>>>Stay with me...
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-8.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-7.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/209.jpg)
:campfire:
will have to keep checking this for sure. LOVE those pheasants!
I will be watching for sure.
Several folks on this site also shared a friendship with Fred and even though his size was intimidating (6'8 295lbs) he was like a little kid who was crazy over the bow and arrow.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/DSC_0211.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-17.jpg)
Fred was a huge part of our family, one of those guys your kids affectionately call "Uncle"!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-4.jpg) (http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/312.jpg)
We sure dragged "a lot" of deer together over the years and a few other critters.
If you've ever dragged a deer with a guy who was a foot taller than you :thumbsup:
STAY WITH ME FOLKS.........IT GETS BETTER!
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-18.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/33.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_1802.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/image0-15.jpg)
Tim,
Good memories. I'm glad to see them and hear about them.
Martin
:) :campfire: :)
:campfire:
Tim,
What great pictures and a superb way to pay tribute.
Grouse
Moving forward.....
Fred passed away on Saturday, he was 58 years old, a young man in all respects. The past few days have been difficult to say the least. Deer season is still going on here in PA and this is the first time in 23 years I've not walked through the woods with my buddy.
Final services where yesterday and it was 2:30 when we made it back to the house, mentally exhausted. The phone ran not long after and it was Fred's wife asking us to dinner with the family at their home. I told her my wife and daughter would be along but I was headed to the woods.
Isn't it amazing the affect the woods have on us, nothing provides the relaxation and calming affect like sitting on stand.
I got a late start and rather than head to a property just down the street I headed to Kennett, a property Fred took me to the first time we ever hunted together.
Tim my prayers are with Fred's and your family's God Bless.
This is a heart wrencher for sure. My thoughts are with you Tim. I can't imagine how you are feeling right now.
My sincere and deepest condolences.
Paul
Sorry for the loss Tim, hunting buds are a special lot and the life long ones are too few.
TJ
God bless you and Fred's memory.
My own version was a similar story. A "larger than life" character that was my bowhunting mentor, great friend and we lost him far too soon at 60 years of age.
I don't know what heaven holds but I can hope there are sunsets, campfires, meat on the pole and guys like them to share it with. :thumbsup:
My condolences. Its hard to see the good ones go.
:campfire: :coffee: you will always have the memories
Our woods here in eastern PA are covered with a 6 inch blanket of snow. It's still soft and very quiet so I headed up the hill to a small funnel. I have a stand hung in the creek bottom but rather than climb up and sit down I grabbed my climber and opted for a tree Fred had always hunted.
It was darn near 4:00 when I finally got settled in, late but fortunately I didn't bump a single deer and tracks were "everywhere"! :saywhat:
To give you folks a better perspective....I'm hunting a small property, 12 acres tucked in between high end sub-divisions. The wind was steady and cold from my left at 10 mph. I was on a bit of a rise so wind changes are not much of an issue.
Not long after I noticed a small 5 pointer making his way up and past me at about 10 yards. The second he got on my right, he caught my wind and locked up. He was uncomfortable, but kept moving without much incident.
Not long after I caught movement to my right and half a dozen deer were headed in my direction, walking right pass the 5 pointer who just stood there watching. About as down wind of me as you can get. :jumper:
About now I noticed that I had a bachelor group of bucks coming right at me and the second one in line was a dandy!
So tell me....what are the chances of 5 bucks running together in January and walking right at me! :( Kind of eerie, eh???
Sorry for Freds and your familys loss.Hunting buddys are lots more than just good friends.And his name fit him well BIG FRED.Thanks for sharing your good times together.
He was obviously "a giant of a man" in more ways than one.
I am sorry for the loss
Tim,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your good hunting buddy. God bless!
The first buck was a small spike and he locked up for a second at 10 yards. The larger buck was right on his tail and pretty much bumped him out of the way. All I saw was thick, heavy, white antlers and that's all I need as the buck tag in my pocket began to burn my leg! :rolleyes:
The big guy cut off to the right and stopped head down, eyes up locked right on me! I didn't move and darn not breath!
All of a sudden he shook like a dog and walked away! My arrow instantly crashing into his rib cage! Bucks exploded in every directions, little ones and big ones. My yellow fletch burying into the rib cage of one of the fellows.
The shakes set in as I sat down and replayed the scene. The shot was decent, not great but enough. It was pretty much center of the body high to low and right to left. A liver shot most likely. He took off hard and low providing one final glimpse at about 80 yards.
I sat quietly..........
I am getting the shakes now---I know your buddy is watching over you. :archer:
Must have a bad monitor here... it's getting blurry.
Prayers sent for comfort to all of his family and loved ones.
OK im hooked
Man i have to go to work i will check this out latter. :banghead:
BigCountry, we must have the same monitor brand! Condolences to you and Freds family. Your day in the woods sounds just like the healing medicine you needed! Thanks for sharing and look forward to the pics. :thumbsup:
Tim.... I am so very sorry to hear about Fred. I have always enjoyed running into you guys at Baltimore Bowman, Delta, West Caln and Denton Hill. He was a fine gentleman and a pleasure to know. He will be deeply missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Freds and your familys.
John
Tim, sorry for your loss but I have a feeling this has a great ending and memories you'll have forever.
doug77
:campfire: Tim, this is as good as it gets. Take your time and thank you so much for allowing us to tag along on this emotional hunt.
Friends and hunting partners like Fred are hard to come by.............Im sorry for Freds family and your loss.
I've got it together pretty good at this point, emotionally that is but everything was just plain "spooky". The wind, the bachelor group, the stand, the property....I know the buck made me, hell it's late season how often does everything fall into place on a mature buck!
I pulled out my phone and called a friend. He was headed to Lancaster archery and wouldn't be back for a few hours. I agreed to go home and he agreed to meet me and that we'd recover this buck together.
I quietly got down and snuck over to the spot where he stood. No blood but a slight spray of red 15 yards away.
My arrow had buried to the fletch, we had blood and we had tracks in the snow. I couldn't ask for much more.....I headed home giving the buck the time needed.
Tim,sorry for the loss of your friend and hunting buddy,glad you have the memories of time spent together.
Prayers for comfort for you and his family.
Roger
Almost hesitating to read whats coming up, I know I'm going to end up with tears running down my cheeks.
My house was quiet when I got home, I made a few peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and sat with the dog. Some guys love blood trails, I don't. I like seeing them go down, everything else only produces more gray hairs.
Fast forward to 6:30, three hours later, my phone rang. It was my buddy Guy, he was on his way. I told him I'd meet him in route and follow him. I grabbed my stuff and hopped in the truck.
Here's where it get's CREEPY!
NO exagerations at all from here on out, I promise you.
I turned on the truck and my radio pops on. The radio has a big screen that tells you the name of the song....All I saw were the words "HOPE", a song by Jack Johnson. I smiled and pulled out of the driveway.
I sat on the side of the road in the dark waiting for Guy. To my right was a huge property Fred and I would stump shoot every Sunday during the winter, no matter how cold at 3pm we shot, at 5pm we'd run home for dinner. I tried to pump myself up a bit and kept talking out loud...."yeah Big Man we're going to find this buck, yeah brother, let's get it done"! I crank up the radio and look down at the song screen, the name of the song..."Here, I am Here"!
Can you say "CREEPY".......CREEPY!!!! I was honestly freaked out! I turned off the radio and sat quietly.
I am overwhelmed!!
I wish I could explain it but... nope!
I will tell you that I know it's all good!
Thank you for sharing Fred and your hunt with me.
I think I can feel your loss but even more I can feel you exaltation!!
God bless you brother!
His Servant Mudd
Tim,
Lee Viv wrote me of this thread. He said once I saw Fred's pics, I'd remember, and surely I Do!
I'm not great with names, but better with faces. He was truly a "gentle giant".
As your "creepy" stuff lingers in my mind, I recall a dear friend that lived in Syracuse and I'd not seen in a bit. When I worked in NY, we would hang at his house often.
I'm home in PA working at my desk one evening and WHAM...this "presence" filled the room and my mind. I felt him there... telling me "all was well, buddy". I glanced at my desk clock and the time caught my eye.
2 days later, his wife calls me to tell me that he'd had an injury playing raquettball to his heel and was home with his foot up recuperating on the couch when he toppled over dead onto her.
The day and time was the moment the presence filled my house and mind!
Whatever the rest of your story, I know that Fred's spirit will be with you, just as everyone at Solana felt Chris Surtees in their shared stories throughout that hunt.
Condelences for the loss, but remember that he now is a living part of you and will remain so through out your earthly ramblings.
You do not walk alone.
Peace, bro.
Great story Tim!
Ok....let's finish up.
The blood trail was sparse, 18 degrees crystalizes blood instantly and red on white looks more like light sprinkles on your ice cream cone. We found my arrow 50 yards down the trail soaked full length. Tracks where everywhere like an army of deer had come through, every track looked the same. Red berries littered certain areas giving glimmers of hope that quickly faded.
As we neared the creek we found two deer beds not 10 yards a part and a few hours old. We crossed the stream only to find very little sign. Did I mention I hate blood trails!
We found two more beds all within a 50 yard circle with no ryme or reason. The trailing was now becoming a quiet search with not many words but lot's of internal "hope". Guy moved left and I moved right. "This sucks", I told myself as I began to blame everything from my bow to my arrows to my choice of toothpaste!
The first set of whistles seemed off in the distance, the second set where obviously from my buddy Guy. I quickly moved towards him only to find him standing there with no expression what so ever. He felt the deer had cut back on us and suggested we head back across the creek. I moved forward as he stood in place. As I turned he smiled.....I asked him what was the deal and if he knew something I'd appreciate him sharing it. My buck lay not 10 yards in front of me frozen in the creek.
I can't explain the feeling but you've all been there so there's no need to try. I had come full circle that day and touched on ever emotion imaginable. Fred's family was still at the house as my wife filled them in on the details. They had not known anything but all celebrated before and after I arrived.
Hunting was a huge part of our families, a way of life so many of us talk about. Was the buck a sign or a coincidence, you decide. To me it was a form of closure. I do plan on having him mounted and he will go on the wall with several other bucks that Fred helped me drag over the years. He will be a daily reminder of the incredible friendship we shared.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_0726.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_0730.jpg)
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/IMG_0734.jpg)
Thanks for all your support.
(http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f281/Wyoming1/18.jpg)
Great story and tribute!
Most excellent story. Thanks for taking us along!
Very, very moving. Thank you for taking the time to share this wonderful story.
All my best,
Dusty
Tim,
Sorry for the loss of your friend and Buddy.
This was a most fitting tribute to someone that seems to have touched the lives of many.
What a wonderful tribute to your friend. God Bless.
WOW! What a great story, the big guy was with you for sure Tim!
Congrats!!
Tim very touching story,sorry for your loss,it is our loss as well as a good guy passes.The only thing is to take him with you on your memories on your hunt.We will meet all in the Heaven woods.
To many are lost to soon, thanks for the reminder
Just read the whole story in one sitting.
Wow!!!....that about sums it all up.
Tim, my heart goes out to you and his family.
Tim were truly blessed to have such a friend,sorry for your loss.Larry
Good friends are as rare as 200" bucks!
You were surely blessed to have found a good one!
Thanks for sharing Tim!
Prayer to Fred's family and yours!
that brought back a lot of old memories...thanks for sharing...best wishes to you, yours and his
Tim-
Thank you so much for sharing a truly awesome and inspirational journey. You were very fortunate to have had the opportunity to share incredible memmories in the field with someone so special. "Big Fred" is smiling at the great way you honored your friendship together!
My heart goes out to you, your family, and "Big Fred's" family.
Thanks again!
Travis
Good Friends are hard to find. You definately had the blessing of sharing life with Fred.
Prayers and thoughts are with Fred's Family and yours.
Thanks for sharing.
Brock
Great story, sorry for the loss.
Thanks for sharing, you were very lucky to have someone like Fred in your life.
Thank you for a WONDERFUL STORY
Very moving Tim. Thank you for sharing those special memories with us!!
Tim, You are a very lucky man to of had such a friend.
Great Story Tim.
Awesome story and a great buck! Congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very touching story. I am very sorry for your loss.
Thanks so much for sharing this story with us. All to often we suffer loss by our self, and forget that there are others who will gladly lend support. To have a friend to share your life with, like Fred, is incredable. You've been blessed. He and his memory will always be there during your time of need. Thank God for the memories and support. God Bless you and yours and by the way, "Fred's buck" is a dandy.
That was a awesome story and tribute to Fred. He was looking out for you. Great things happen in different ways. Memories will last forever.
Thanks for sharing your tale....
Tim.Sorry for your loss.I got teary eyed reading and seeing the pictures.My prayers go out to you and the family of Fred.All of a sudden it seemed as though I knew him and felt his passion for the sport by just seeing the pics.Hang in there bud.
Danny
I am very sorry for your loss Tim, thanks for sharing with us...
Sorry to hear about the loss of your hunting partner. What a story.......
He'll always be around Tim.
What a beauty of a buck! Thank you for sharing your story of Big Fred and your hunt with us. :thumbsup:
Yep, no doubt about it, HE has a way of making things easier.
The Lord has blessed you.
Tim,
Thank you fro sharing your story. I will be keep Fred's and your family in my prayers. Our time afield with good hunting partner is always to short.
James
Great tribute to a great man! Way to go Tim! :thumbsup:
Tim,
awesome tribute to your buddy and sorry for the loss. Will you and Fred's family in my thoughts.
If half as many kind words are spoken of me upon my passing, my life will have been a good one.
By the way, there are no coincidences in life. What you experienced is exactly what happens when we are open to experiencing living from the heart and listening to the Spirit within.
God bless you.
Tim,
That was great. There are no words for where you are right now or anything that I could say.
Remember, feel, enjoy, think and live.
Your friend,
Martin
excellent story! thanks for sharing and sorry for the lost of your friend
Thanks for sharing such a personal moment.
My condolences Tim. Thanks for sharing this tribute to your friend as well as your story. I've no doubt Big Fred was there with you.
Thats one of those stories that you will forever remember. The picture of you dragging the deer out, makes me chuckle. Judging by the smiles on Fred's face he was a joker and a lot of fun being around. Id be willing to bet he was watching you drag that one out alone and chuckling that you had the heavy end this time. Congrats on the best kind of closure a hunting buddy would want for you.
what a great story. I'm all choked up again!
:campfire:
Amazing story Tim. My prayers are with you tonight.
Great story and condolences.
Thanks for sharing your story about "Big Fred"and your hunt the night of the wake! Thanks for sharing the other memories and photos about Fred. My condolence to you and his families loss.
Life works in mysterious ways. What a great ending, and a beging to chapters in your life. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Tim,
WOW what a story! A very special hunt indeed.
My prayers are with Fred's family and yours through this dificult time.
I lost my best friend and hunting buddy Mike 9 years ago.
I feel his presence often in the woods and especially during the anticipation leading up to deer season.
So sorry for your loss. I'm certain he's in a better place and we'll all hunt together again someday.
Great tribute, story and buck. Sorry for your loss Tim, thanks for sharing.
Whew!
I was not prepared for that.
I`m gonna go get myself a beer, and call some friends that I haven`t spoken with in a while.
Nice buck!
"Big Fred"... what a guy!!! :campfire:
Thanks for sharing tim and sorry for your loss. It sure seems that Fred had a guiding hand in this one. The mount is an excellent idea to treasure the whole expereince.
Please continue on this great sport of ours / you have so much more to give and share, thanks again Jerry.
Tim, sorry for your loss. Prayers sent for your and Fred's families and friends.
Thanks for sharing and sorry you lost your friend.
tim, i am so sorry for your loss. Thank goodness you have such good memories to look back on and share. good luck to you and your friend's family
:campfire:
Great story........sorry for your loss!
Wow! What a dear and what a story Tim, Congrats and sorry for the loss of your buddy. :thumbsup: :pray:
Tracy
Listen to NorthernCaliforniaHunter, Much wisdom there.
Tim, i am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the story with us....such an awesome, powerful story.
Tim,
Thanks a million for sharing this difficult part of your life with all of us. As so many others have already said, the story touches a spot so deep within each of us. I can feel your love for you friend.
Thanks for the "reality check" - thanks for the touch.
Tony
Very sorry for your loss.
I heard a speaker at Senator Stevens funeral this fall wish for the family that they would soon get to the day that when they thought of him, their first response would be to smile, not cry.
I can tell that you are well on your way, with so many good times to draw on.
I am sorry for your loss Tim. Thank you for sharing your story and photo's.
Tim-sorry for your loss as your friend Fred sure was a heck of a bow huntin' buddy! this was a very touching story! congratulations on a fine buck!
Kenny
Tim, awesome story. It is amazing sometimes how things work out. You can bet Fred is smiling!
Thanks for sharing your story. The lucky ones among us all have a friend like Fred and we all cherish the days we get to spend afield with them.
No such thing as coincidence. All occurs as it is. Ours is the chance to be open to seeing whats there. Congrats to you for being observant enough to harvest a REAL TROPHY on that hunt.
He loves you brother, as much as you loved him and he wanted you to know.
Be Well
Wow. That is an incredible story you have shared with us. Thank you. I am sorry to hear about you losing such a close friend.
Thanks
Thanks for sharing, prayers to Fred's family as well as you and your family.
Tim, So sorry for the losss of your best friend...Thoughts and Prayers...
It's amazing that another Big 6 has been sent from the heavens...congrats on a great hunt shared with your bud...may he rest in peace
wonderful memories! I'd say Fred was right there in the stand with you. that last picture that you posted is about as peaceful a picture i've ever seen, beautiful...
thanks for sharing such a special friendship with us. You, Fred and your families are in our prayers...
Sorry for your loss, we have all lost a brother Trad. shooter and from what is written about him, a real nice person.
WOW MAN! Sorry for the loss to you and family Tim. I wonder if people who dont share a bond such as hunters do stay in touch with the departed like we sometimes do? I met you briefly in person and in a second it was easy for me to brand you as a good dude, Im sure Big Fred cherished your friendship as you did his.My condolences and a prayer for your bud.
Tim,
If it's any consolation, I can feel your pain, but at the same time I feel what you both had -- each other! He'll be with you on your future hunts I'm sure, and he will be smiling when your arrow takes the critters down! Each drag may be a little tougher for you without him by your side.
Prayers to you for your loss!
Larry
Sorryto hear about your loss. This was a very nice tribute to a fantastic hunting buddy.
Tim,
My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. I know what it's like to lose a best friend... it is heart wrenching. It's apparent that you two were brothers... not by blood but by a bond that is truly something blessed.
Thoughts and prayers go out to Big Fred's family in this time of healing and recovery.
Tim,
I'm so sorry for your loss, as I know he was a special part of your life.
He may have left here, but you have some great pictures, and hunts to look back on, and more importantly, you'll have a lifetime of memories that you were able to share with him.
Thanks for sharing Tim, I am sorry to hear of your loss.
Congrats on a great buck.It sounded like Fred was thier the hole time. :campfire:
Tim, what a tribute to your buddy. I am teary eyed after reading this. My thoughts and prayers go out to Freds and your family for having to let go to a special friend. Like many have said his spirit will be with you...Congrats on Fred's deer...
Thank you Tim..........
Much obliged for the great story of your hunt & friendship. You're a great friend to offer such a fitting memorial. Prayers sent for both families, you, & Fred.
Tim, that was an incredible story bud, I'm sure your friend would agree.
Tim sorry for your loss,thanks for sharing.
Tim, sorry about the loss of your friend!!
there probably wont be a day the rest of your life you wont think of him at least once,congrads on the kill and fred was part of that hunt that you killed a very respectable 6 pointer.
what a story, thanks for sharing!Trad snow buck WOW!!
Your friend is proud I am sure! very nice tribute to him. That last pic seems "just right" for such a tribute. God Speed to him on his journeys.
Jason
Tim, so sorry for your loss. Losing someone that close is tough. May you cherish the memories forever.
David
Tim, thanks for sharing this tribute in honour of your good friend.
What a wonderful tribute, God bless Fred.
Nice buck, even better story. Sorry for your loss Tim.
Prayers up for your friend Tim. What struck me about the buck was the almost bifurcated antlers.....2 into 1. Significant of your friendship? Surely seems so.
I read this yesterday afternoon and couldn't post I was so choked up. True friendships like depicted here are one of life's rare treasures.
I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend. Although the friend is gone, the friendship remains and you have reaped the benefits of it as evidenced in your hunt and with your reflection of the special bond between you and Fred. That bond is forever. We should all be so fortunate.
Tim, like everyone else, I'm sorry for your loss. What a great buck, and a great story. Thank you very much for sharing. You absolutely have a way of expressing your feelings that tends to cause a few shed tears.
On Christmas Eve I did a search and found your "Shipp Shrew" story from Christmas Day a couple years ago. I re-read the whole thing again and was close to shedding a tear then.
Thanks again, sounds like you and Fred were able to share many fine years together.
Allen
Extraordinary friendship, a powerful day.
One last buck taken with your best friend, and a fitting tribute that magnificent animal was!
My heart goes out to you and Fred's family. I fear not for Fred, he obviously has things well in hand. I believe in signs, it would be churlish to ignore them.
Peace.
Killdeer
Awesome story! Good friends and hunting buddies are very hard to come by, so that's why a fella needs to cherish every moment spent!! Jason
Tim,
I had the pleasure of meeting Fred. He and I shot a round together at the PA Longbow Association shoot at Marsh Hill a few years back. I remember he was a good shot and loved his Wapiti recurve! After that shoot we'd always chat a little bit whenever we ran into eachother at other shoots in PA - STAR, ETAR, and a couple more at Marsh Hill.
A couple summers ago, I had my little girl with me for her first shoot at STAR. She was five and we was getting a bit pooped on the course, so we started passing up other groups on the course on our way back to get something to eat. We came up on Fred's group and talked for a bit and as we started walking away, my daughter said "That guy is BIG!" He really was a gentle giant. I didn't know him all that well, but he was one of those permanent fixtures you'd always see at shoots in PA. He will be missed.
Thank you for this thread.
John
Tim,
Sorry for your loss I am sure every time you walk into the woods, or drag an animal out you will think of your friend. This is a wonderful story and thank you for sharing it with us. God bless your family and friends!!!
That last picure says it all!
Nice tribute.
Sorry for the loss.
I wish somday to have a friend that close.
Tim :notworthy: :notworthy:
Tim I know you very little just a few PM's over the past couple of years. But in one of the PM's we discussed our families and you discussed Fred's illness and told me there was little hope.
We are all busy in life -too busy- but I see you and Fred retired a little every weekened, every chance you got .We all need to do that as we never know!
My eyes are filled with tears , not for me but for your family and Freds family for losing such a great person .
Don't forget the memories for one minute , great story and yes it was errie.
God Bless your extended family
Jack
Your story is moving. Good friends are hard to come by in life and I think he was there for you even after his. Congrats on your buck. :campfire:
Sorry about your loss. But a great story
WOW!Awesome tribute!Very cool pics and glad to hear you'll always have someone with you on your hunts...sorry he was taken from his family and friends so soon.My deepest sympathy...
I was very fortunate and Blessed to be able to call Big Fred a friend.He was a very loving family man. He treated everyone the same with heartfelt kindness. This man's heart was much larger than his staure. It has been very hard and emoitional to watch this horrid disease take our friend. It seems that its always the "Good Guys" that must part there ways to soon. It just seems unfair.
I got the call from Tim last Thursday evening explaining his outting, it was very emoitional. I am glad that Tim now knows and found some closure that Big Fred will still be with his "little buddy" on all of his adventures.
I know I will sure miss the Big Man and will have him in my thoughts forever.
Ed Schlimme
A more than fitting tribute to both your friend and his passing.
Some arrows fly all the straighter when in good company.
Blessings to Fred and those whose knew him.
Thank you for sharing.
B
You are very lucky to have at least had a friend like him. Most guys, including myself have never had such a friend. I'm sure he will be missed greatly.
Really nice 6pt. by the way, I'm sure Big Fred would have been proud! :thumbsup:
God Rest His Soul, and God Bless You and Yours at this Trying Time in Life. Consider just how Lucky You Are To Have Such A Fine Friend!! Prayers to his Family as Well.
Great story and I am sure Fred Knows you got that great buck sorry for your loss!!
Dave
Tim,
How blessed you were to have a friend like Fred, I am so sorry for your loss. What's the old saying.. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened". Easy to say and hear, but hard to apply I know. I lost a close frend last year suddenly and think something about him everyday. God speed to you and all brother, will keep prayers for you. And congrats on the buck, that's one that will stay with you.
Lanier
Thanks for sharing Tim. Grace and Peace to you friend.
Tim what an incredible tribute to your friend! I lost my dad early last year and I often look back at the pictures from our hunting trips together and experience the same type of emotion you so eloquently described in this thread. I am just overwhelmed by this thread. I regret that I never met Big Fred. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
FANTASTIC! I am sorry for the loss of your friend, but am confident that he was with you all the way through the recovery. Prayers up for you and everyone who's life he was a part of.
Congrats on a fine buck!
Bisch
Thanks for sharing. Great friend. Great story. My condolences to you, your family, and his family. God Bless.
Tim,
That is one of the most powerful stories I've ever read...it is simply amazing! If you can get some time I'd write the whole thing up and start submitting it for publication! Just a special moment in time that will always be with you.
I had a similar experience when my grandfather passed in 2004. He passed in October so it was hunting season, after the funeral I decided to go hunting and that night I took a decent 8 point with my wheelie bow but it was a very special day. I remember it was nice to be in the woods and just smell the outdoors and get away from it all.
You mentioned that you were going to get the deer mounted and it will be nice to look at it every chance you get. I hope it puts a smile on your face when you do!
Sorry for your loss and I hope the deer will remind you of the friend you had and will always be with you when you're afield.
Josh
fred would be proud
Just nice! Well done, Tim.
Some things are hard too understand but it all happens for a reason. He sounds like a wonderful person....Sorry for your loss Tim
Thanks for sharing your story and better yet thanks for sharing your friend
As we go through life, we have many acquaintances but very few true friends. It seems that you had a truly wonderful friendship that blessed your life in a special way. His memory will continue to be a blessing to you and all those who loved him. Thank you for sharing this story. We all pray that God will comfort his family and those who knew and respected him during this difficult time. Again, thank you for sharing him with all of us.
amazing how things happen ...huh, awesome six pointer.. :thumbsup:
Tim,
Our condolences to you on the loss of your friend and to Fred's family.
I, like others here, didn't know Fred personally, but as soon as I saw the photos of him, recognized him immediately from Denton. How could you miss that man.....I know he towered over me.
Your story about him touched my soul.
Godspeed Fred.
Tim, sorry for your loss Brother. It must have been hard to share this with us but I bet it felt good when it was done. One of the best stories I have ever read on the Gang. Got me a little teary eyed. Fred sounds like an awesome friend and man. My condolences to your family and Freds. And thanks for sharing with us. It's not everyone that gets to have a friend like Fred in there lives.
Tim I feel lucky that you brought me into Fred's life, he was a good man and he will truly be missed. I always looked forward to seeing him at the various shoots that we went to. Jerry
Heart felt sympathies! Sounds like Fred was a beautiful person with a loving, playful spirit! You were most definitely blessed to have him as a true friend! But...let us not forget....Fred was also blessed to have you as a true friend!! I will keep you and Freds family in prayer! :campfire: :archer:
Tim, when I heard that Big Fred passed,it made me very sad.He was big in stature and even bigger in His heart and soft spoken ways.We always had great times at the 3d's and huntin bunnies.I'll keep him and his family in my prayers.He is great loss to all who knew him.
Tim,
Forever * For Always * And No Matter What * Fred will be with you in Spirit and Thank You for sharing the friendship with us all...God Bless and be with you and Freds family... Keefer's <><
That is just one of the coolest stories I have ever read around here Tim! What a treasure of a memory you have with that one. Can't imagine that you will ever take an animal that will have more meaning than that one.
Wow!!
Sorry for your loss. Glad you got closure!
Super buck and late season to boot. Your buddy was still in the woods with you. God bless.
My Condolences. GREAT Buck,good friends,memories, Forever.Thanks.
Tim, i know how you feel brother i lost my Grandfather figure aboout 2 months ago. Its hard to let the most dearly loved go. Your buddy must be with Jesus, as he seemed to be with you the whole way. Keep your head up brother, it will get easier i promise. I will pray for you and your family as well as Big Freds. Its important to remember that even when things get rough, GOD is always in control. If you need anyone to talk to shoot me a pm, i dont know you but would be glad to talk to you. God Bless,
Dalton
Well done Tim. Thanks for sharing. We should all be so lucky to have a true friend. Sorry for your loss.
what a great story. Thank you for sharing you memories and stories of times shared with a great friend.
I keep being drawn back to this thread.
Partly because of my respect for Tim as one of the finest people I've ever met...and that goes for his entire family.
I met Fred a few times, and the term Gentle Giant seems to fit. He made me feel "small" at only 6'2". :)
REading through the remaining pages, I wonder how many of us think that we'd be immortalized as Fred has been through the Brotherly Love shared with Tim?
I'm afraid I don't know I've had that sort of impact on others...
Tim, may time heal your wounds and allow the pleasant memories to remain. Many have said it: What you and Fred shared is unique, even amoung us outdoorsman. Cherish those memories, bro!
To Dave and Everyone,
Thank you so much for all of your support. Fred's family has followed this link over the past several days and it does help provide strength to the family and friends. We've all said it before, Trad Gang is a special place and in times like this, the friendships are very comforting.
Each thread no matter how small shows that there is someone out there who cares enough to write, that my friends is amazing. As one friend said, we all will go through this at some point in time. For those of you who have crossed this road before know, it's not easy but it's life and something we must deal with.
The buck I was shot was a sign and signs do help us move forward. Each response from the folks here on Trad Gang was a sign to Fred's wife and two boys. It helps them with closure and for that I thank each of you.
I do have one more "coincidence" that will only reinforce that there are great powers around us. I took the buck to the taxidermist on Saturday evening. The taxidermist has a property in Delaware not far from where I shot this buck in PA. He places cameras throughout his property during late season and captures some amazing critters on film. One of those critters was my buck. Yes, he had my buck on video that was taken the day before I shot him. The property where the video was taken is a good 3 miles away. This brief video was created as tribute. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF8AQBDa4P8
Tim
Tim, Just awesome. You had one helluva friend in Big Fred, but so did he. Thanks for sharing.
Shick
Awesome video! Your tribute to Big Fred is very moving.
Great story, thank you for sharing. My sympathies to Fred's family and yours.
Tim,
I don't know what to say other than the whole story, the buck being on video is simply amazing.
It was meant to be my brother, and I have no doubt that Fred was sitting up there smiling, watching it all unfold.
My prayers go out to Big Freds family and friends. Tim, that was an awesome tribute to a friend and a good man. Well done.
Bill
You've added another wonderful piece to your tribute to Big Fred with the awesome video.
You did Big Fred and yourself proud.
Thank you for sharing everything with us.
God bless,Mudd :archer:
Tim ,I am sure Fred is smiling!!
John 14
1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. 2 My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going."
Tim,
My goodness brother... "That's Good Medicine". Very well done !!
Lanier
My goodness indeed!!!
Friendship like this makes god smile big.
Tim I'm sure Fred is smiling down upon you,very nice tribute.
Wow that video all most takes your breath away.
Sorry for your loss Tim.
doug77
Fred also was my best friend, We shared going to and calling each other during the Phillies baseball season, going out to dinner with our spouses, going to 3D shoots, vacations and some hunting. One thing I don't miss is the pain that Fred had to go through. No human should have to go through what Fred went through. He will be missed in our family.
My wife and I were there at Freds house the night Tim called his wife Cathy that he had shot the buck. Cathy didn't tell us about Tim shooting the buck. She made up another story why Tim wasn't coming over and we bought it. Later on Cathy gets a Phone call that Tim shot the buck and had found the buck. You should have seen how excited Cathy was for Tim. I've never seen someone so excited. Fred's wife Kathy and his sons Kevin, Eric, their family, friends, my wife and I and Tim's wife Cathy all stayed until Tim came back with his buck. It was an emotional time for everyone.
Little Buddy (Tim) and Big Fred came through that night.
Tim thanks for this Tribute to our best friend Fred.
Love you guys, Craig
Thank you for the story Tim!!!!!
Rusty
Tim~
Excellent tribute to a rare, rare , hunting partner. Guys like Fred are hard to come by...he was smiling when the arrow struck deep into that buck's side...
Great ending with a wicked buck..sorry for your loss Brother..
What a awesome story to share thanks Tim, sorry for your loss man!!
They never leave us. there always there to guide us..Tim that was increadable..Thanks for sharing..God Bless one and all..
Tim,
Incredible story Thank You for sharing.You guys were blessed to have each others as friends and all the Good Time memories you have of the "Big Fellow" will always keep you SMILING when you think of him.
Tim, WOW!! Every time i read this thread it brings a tear to my eye. Awesome video!
Tim, I haven't been paying enough attention lately. What a great video and tribute to your friend. I will carry that bow with great pride this year.
Take care,
Allen