Gone for 20 years now, a photo story

[Glaciers]

We lost our Son Cole in Thompson Pass outside of Valdez on August 8, 2000. Here are some photos.




Catching his first Coho


Cutting up clients halibut catch.


Ferry boat to Prince Rupert, Canada with our old camper for a all summer trip across Canada, then across the northern states on the return. I'm holding Cole.



New born Cole, old brother Talon & me with a leg cast from foot to hip.


.


San Juan Bay southwestern end of Montague Island. Cole is on the left.

 

[Spindrift]

Oh, man. I’m so sorry for your loss. Nice photos, he obviously had a good life- even if it was much too short.

 

[Loren]

I can not even begin to image the ache in your heart for the loss of your son even after 20 years.

For Cole

 

[JWFilips]

John,
I can almost Imagine your sorrow.... my shooting buddy , Ed, endured his son's 2nd Anniversary of his son's passing yesterday!
It has changed him for life! Wish I could have my old shooting buddy back like he used to be but I see where you both have to endure the pain! And that changes a person for life!
Very sorry for you and your family!
Jim

 

[Glaciers]

Thanks you Jim. It does change you.
The pain of Losing a child is like being stabbed with a sharp knife. As time goes on the knife dulls up a bit, but it's still a knife, and it still cuts.
He's been gone longer then he was with us, but, I remember his words that night when he left. They were good words.

Always just want folks to know just how wonderful of a Son he was. Nothing else.

 

[Ole_270]

Feel for you man.
Played in a Memorial Golf Tournament for a former coworkers son who died about 4 years ago. Flying kites with his toddler son and got it caught up in the electric line. Tried to get it down himself. Former coworker has gone pretty much the down hill in those 4 years. Pretty sad to see.

 

[Joshua]

I just got home from an overnight trip. I took my 13 year old boy up to see his Grandpa “Captain Jim”. We hadn’t seen Grampa since before this Covid-19 mess started.

I struggle to wrap my brain around your loss. My condolences.

Josh

 

[Hawk]

He would have been a fine man.
Hang in there. He would want you strong for the rest of your family.
I've lost a lot of family. Father, brother, grand parents, but I can't even fathom losing a child.

 

[RBHarter]

I resisted writing here .

I cannot imagine the actual event . I have however spent most of 3 years holding my breath every time the phone rang with a 202 area code or a black and tint GI plated car was seen . Every time there was a flight crew lost anywhere near the quadrant of ops ........ Service Dad with 2 sons having been in active combat theaters ........... I have an idea . The oldest boy is staying in and I hope staying stateside . It's hard to look at the youngest boy , he's 31 , and not want to let go knowing that at one point to manage my own stress that I had to shut down and disconnect everything in order manage it .

It's not a thing you can deal with when you have time to deal with it .
It might be a smile one second and gut heaving physical pain the next .

I didn't lose one but during the youngest boys second tour I struggled a lot knowing what he was like going back and how many ways I looked at how I would manage the postumus hero .

I would imagine that there is nothing you can do to be prepared much less deal with the eventuality .
You have my deepest heartfelt sympathies for you loss .
You also have my respect for having the strength to share this brief memory and memorial of your son .

 

[Ian]

It's pretty obvious from the third photo down why you had great kids. The world needs a lot more of that, everywhere.

 

[Rick]

I too avoided posting here. My son died 3 years ago June 30th. He went to an emergency room complaining of chest pains, they sent him home at 1:30 AM, nothing wrong they said. Early the next morning he called an ambulance and died of a heart attack entering the hospital. He was 48 years old.

 

[Glaciers]

I am very great full for the kind words and thoughts post here, from people I have grown to respect. I also know that others have suffered tragedy and loss as well. I thought about not posting about Cole, because for people who have had a loss, a posting like mine can just bring it all home again for that individual.
For that I'm sorry.
But I felt at the 20 year mark talking about, reminiscing about Cole was a tough choice. Our loss is a very private thing for me, usually, but, I just wanted to share what a wonderful person he was through pictures.
I am a very happy optimistic person and out going as well which collides with being reclusive at the same time. I appreciate the opportunity to post my feelings here. I would not do a posting of this kind on any other forum, so thanks again.

 

[Kevin Stenberg]

I am here if you want to talk. Telephone # on request.

 

[Glaciers]

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate the offer.
Karyn and I have reconciled the loss as much as we can. We except changes we can not alter whether we like it or not. We just regret the loss of someone just starting out.

 

[CWLONGSHOT]

Very sorry to read. He is with you always.

May god bless

CW