DarkSkies
06-25-2011, 10:35 AM
Most of the guys who fish a lot already know this, but just in case there are others and they want to express their thoughts to the family....now would be the time to do it.
Some may know that Billy's house burned down in a fire back before the Asbury show in March. He had since then been alternately under the great care provided by Gene Amato (of the Asbury Club)and his wife, and some family members.
It was hoped at the time, that he would eventually get back into his house, and health would stay at the same level.
His health has deteriorated, his niece had him moved to a place near her, and he is now under hospice care. There is not much we can do for Billy now but pray for him and his family.
If there is anyone who knows the family personally, or Geno and his family, now might be a good time to ask them if they need any assistance, (which they probably don't). However, I find it's always good to ask, and try your best to comfort those in the family. They are going through a difficult time.
At one time, Billy was the standard plug builder in the surf community, that a lot of guys copied from. Some have given him recognition, some have taken him for granted. He has not been in the limelight lately because of all these issues.
However, we who fish, all owe a lot to him and the gentlemen of his era. They were all gentlemen, forged in a time when manners were important, respect was paramount, and was earned by spending time out there and earning it a little at a time.
I only met Billy a few times, and regret I botched a chance to interview him at a better time in his life. Nonetheless, he is a true gentleman, and someone who I have never heard an unkind word about.
If you can find it in your hearts, please choose however you can, to try to comfort his family or those close to him, who have helped him in his time of need.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and others. I am wishing them God's benevolence during this difficult time they are all in....http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/images/icons/icon9.png
Situations like this remind me that we should never take the existence of loved ones for granted, especially as they get older. We all say
"Oh yeah, I'm going to visit Uncle _______, or Aunt _____, "
and we all tell ourselves we are busy and will do it as soon as we get around to it.....
Well sometimes life has a funny way of getting in the way of things, and before we know it, those we "meant" to visit are in the hospital or gone.....
Food for thought for all of us....:learn:
Some may know that Billy's house burned down in a fire back before the Asbury show in March. He had since then been alternately under the great care provided by Gene Amato (of the Asbury Club)and his wife, and some family members.
It was hoped at the time, that he would eventually get back into his house, and health would stay at the same level.
His health has deteriorated, his niece had him moved to a place near her, and he is now under hospice care. There is not much we can do for Billy now but pray for him and his family.
If there is anyone who knows the family personally, or Geno and his family, now might be a good time to ask them if they need any assistance, (which they probably don't). However, I find it's always good to ask, and try your best to comfort those in the family. They are going through a difficult time.
At one time, Billy was the standard plug builder in the surf community, that a lot of guys copied from. Some have given him recognition, some have taken him for granted. He has not been in the limelight lately because of all these issues.
However, we who fish, all owe a lot to him and the gentlemen of his era. They were all gentlemen, forged in a time when manners were important, respect was paramount, and was earned by spending time out there and earning it a little at a time.
I only met Billy a few times, and regret I botched a chance to interview him at a better time in his life. Nonetheless, he is a true gentleman, and someone who I have never heard an unkind word about.
If you can find it in your hearts, please choose however you can, to try to comfort his family or those close to him, who have helped him in his time of need.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and others. I am wishing them God's benevolence during this difficult time they are all in....http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/images/icons/icon9.png
Situations like this remind me that we should never take the existence of loved ones for granted, especially as they get older. We all say
"Oh yeah, I'm going to visit Uncle _______, or Aunt _____, "
and we all tell ourselves we are busy and will do it as soon as we get around to it.....
Well sometimes life has a funny way of getting in the way of things, and before we know it, those we "meant" to visit are in the hospital or gone.....
Food for thought for all of us....:learn: