Carrying on the Surtees Tradition

Whip · August 07, 2011, 07:35:00 PM

I had a really special treat this weekend. Most of you know of our loss of freind Chris Surtees last December. His youngest son Justin is now living here in Wisconsin with his mother Kelly.

A few weeks ago Grandpa Larry was up for a visit and brought Justin and Kelly over to my home for a nice afternoon visit. We also put the finishing touches on some Twister blades that afternoon.

Before they left that day I told them about the upcoming Wisconsin Traditional Archers state shoot scheduled for this weekend not far from their home. Plans were made to meet and take Justin out for a day of shooting.

Justin had a new MadDog longbow, but needed some arrows, so Larry had me pick up some materials at Denton Hill and I had a new dozen ready for Justin on Saturday morning.

Wayne Hoffman (Smiley) joined us for a round of 3D's, and Kelly walked along for encouragement. We had a fine time, and Justin shot really well.

It was an honor to be able to share the day J! Thanks for bringing him up Kelly. Sorry I didn't get any pictures with you in it - guess you'll have to shoot a bow next time!

Whip · August 07, 2011, 07:38:00 PM

Kelly called me after they got home to let me know that they had made a stop at Gander Mountain on the way home and picked up a 3D deer target. Justin will now be able to shoot in his garage at home to get ready for the next 3D shoot

Cyclic-Rivers · August 07, 2011, 07:41:00 PM

Good stuff Joe, I wish I could have been there. Its hard being in 2 places at once.

Someday I will be back to WI for good.

Good shooting Justin.

jcar315 · August 07, 2011, 07:42:00 PM

Way to go Whip! Justin looks like a fine young man and a pretty good shot too!

Guru · August 07, 2011, 07:46:00 PM

That's awesome!

Joe, This just proves again what I've always thought of you...one of the kindest men I've ever met

I had the very humbling expereince to look at a bunch of old photos, both hunting and military, of Chris with Larry at Solana earlier this year....Justin sure looks like his Dad when he was younger.

Just another reason to believe that Chris is still with us here everyday

rastaman · August 07, 2011, 07:57:00 PM

Good stuff! Thanks for sharing the pictures with us Joe!

August 07, 2011, 08:00:00 PM

Nice going, Whip!

Bisch

2treks · August 07, 2011, 08:00:00 PM

Good job Whip. The boy looks like he had a good time. Who held the shoot? Ojibwa?

P.J. Petiniot · August 07, 2011, 08:04:00 PM

Nice story Joe----I am glad you guys had a great day--

GRINCH · August 07, 2011, 08:05:00 PM

Mudd · August 07, 2011, 08:06:00 PM

Larry Surtees · August 07, 2011, 09:50:00 PM

Joe,

Thank you so much for bringing "a great day of joy" to Justin. As you know, Kelly kept me informed on Justin's progress as ya'll made your way through the course. This is one day that Justin will hold on to for years to come.

As Curt (Guru) mentioned in his post above, you are truly one the trad greats!

Thanks again and give Irene my best!

Larry

NoCams · August 07, 2011, 09:51:00 PM

Great pics and story. Good on ya Whip for giving back to the sport. Justin is lucky to have a mentor and arrowsmith like you around.

Justin, your form looks awesome bud ! Just remember to bend at the waist on those elevated shots and don't drop your bow arm or you will shoot high like the rest of us do when we do not bend at the waist.

Smiley...... we are countin on ya bud this fall when you go for elk ! Make us proud !

magnus · August 07, 2011, 09:56:00 PM

Benjy · August 07, 2011, 10:15:00 PM

That is very very COOL!!!!

You guys are AWESOME!!!!

Benjy

ron w · August 07, 2011, 10:33:00 PM

A day well spent!!

tippit · August 07, 2011, 10:41:00 PM

Doesn't get much better than a threesome of Joe, Justin, and Smily

Doc

Gatekeeper · August 07, 2011, 10:45:00 PM

Ragin Bull · August 07, 2011, 11:03:00 PM

Thats what it's all about.

Good job Joe and Smiley

Good for all of you.

mwosborn · August 07, 2011, 11:08:00 PM

Love these types of posts!