our brother zooker - Page 3

carolina-rig-01 · 07-03-10, 01:47 AM

I was unable to post all day because I was at work (not that I would have known what to say anyways), but I was able to read everything that everybody else has said. Like the rest of you I just don't know what to say, I don't think there are words to express how this feels. Britney and I had the pleasure of meeting the big guy at the Kentucky Lake get together and he was a big part of that get togethers success, more from an entertainment standpoint. Zooker was a great guy who seemed to have a good time no matter what the circumstances. Zooker and I talked often on the phone, and man that guy could talk. But after we finally got of the phone I was always in a great mood, his attitude just had a way of rubbing off on you. May the Good Lord greet our brother Zooker at the gates and escort him to his own private boat dock, where he will have a bench and vise for building jigs and spinnerbaits. And I hope that this dock also has a few good brush piles under it so Zooker and Patrick can sit and talk while catching all the crappie they want.

Rest In Peace Big Buddy, Your worries are over and you are home now.

Don't know what else to say, may try again later.

BassinBandit · 07-03-10, 02:58 AM

I was saddened to hear this today. I would like to thank Bamma for keeping me informed on Zook's condition. My father and I had a wonderful conversation with Zooker in Kentucky which I truly enjoyed. I also remember the first thing he ever said to me. He called me up and said "Is this the Bandit?" I thought who is this. Then he said this is Zooker. I got to know a little about him but not enough. Zooker you will be missed buddy.

1/4 stick · 07-03-10, 05:02 AM

I've been thinking about this all day. I find myself thinking I might be more sad for me really than for Zooker. I'll be missing him, and regreting that I never got to meet him face to face. Especially since he only lived 2 or 3 hours away from me. I was always broke or had other things going on. I always thought there'd be plenty of time, and it never really crossed my mind that this thing might beat him till I spoke to him on the phone a couple nights ago and he sounded so weak.

It still amazes me how much you can grow to love somebody as a brother from phone conversations and chatting on a forum. That's a testament to what kind of person he was.

I prayed for his healing, and he was healed. Not nessicerily in the way I had in mind. But there'll be no more treatments and stays in the hospital, and no disease can ever harm him again. So he was healed and his suffering done.

So I'll take comfort in that. And I'll grab my son today, give him a hug and we'll go fishing. And somehow I know he'll be there beside us.

TN_Bassin · 07-03-10, 06:19 AM

I really don't know what to say except that he is in a much better place now. It may sound cliche, but it is true.

bcklash · 07-03-10, 08:07 AM

The phone would ring and it would be Zooker "hows the Va. farm boys." Where he got the idea that me and Adam were farm boys I'll never know, cause we has much of a chance of running a farm has John has catching a 3lb LM ( he's LOL on that one). He's fishing pain free now in one of those "ugly boats" he fixed up a few weeks ago, taking pictures of the fish towards the water so he won't up his fishing spot, Jeez I miss him terrible already.

RIP BIG GUY

geezer1 · 07-03-10, 10:25 AM

I didn't know you Zooker, like a lot of folks here did. You were a fellow fisherman though, & that's all I needed to know to respect you. May you rest in peace, fellow fisherman. Here's some thoughts to you...God grant that I may live to fish for another shining day, But when my final cast is made I then most humbly pray, When nestled in your landing net as I lay peacefully asleep, You'll smile at me and judge that I'm good enough to keep.

MallenManson · 07-03-10, 02:03 PM

It's taken me till now to get my thoughts in order and wrap my head around this. I was on the lake yesterday when I got the text from John. Didin't even know what I was supposed to do. All I knew was that I'd just lost a great friend.
Unfortunately, I was never able to meet him in person. As someone already said, though, his phone calls were priceless, and I always hung up with a smile on my face.
He'd talk 90 miles an hour until he was done. Always had me crackin up.
Zooker was a rare breed. One of those people who makes you a better person.
We lost a truly great man yesterday.
Fish In Peace Brother!

Abbeysdad · 07-03-10, 03:38 PM

There are no words that can really serve us well at a time like this. It was a hell of a good fight. Zooker will be dearly missed. The forum has lost a corner stone.
Rest in peace friend.

66KingFisher · 07-03-10, 03:45 PM

I've been sitting here reading thru this thread, as I continually wipe away tears.......I never know what to say at times like this, but I do know I'll miss him, even though I never got to meet him in person........I did get to share phone conversation with him on a couple of occasions, and it was like I was talking to a buddy i'd grown up with and known all my life.

Last year when a tornado took all my fishing equipment, Zooker was one of the first guys that dipped into their own tackleboxes and sent me a fist full of his crankbaits to help me rebuild my tacklebox and get back fishing again.......I'll never forget that gesture, and I'll think of him everytime I use one of those lures.

RIP brother Zooker.

On a side note, I'll say that i'd love to see some sort of memorial page be added to this website that would allow us to remember our fallen brothers Zooker and Patrick.

WTL · 07-03-10, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 66KingFisher

On a side note, I'll say that i'd love to see some sort of memorial page be added to this website that would allow us to remember our fallen brothers Zooker and Patrick.

We definitely need to do something, I guess it will take a couple days to come up with just what. I guess its sinking in with me a little more now.

I was thinking id reregister before I get to zookers post count of 13,000 something, so that he always has the most posts on this board, but that will be a couple years...

Christopherkeene9 · 07-03-10, 04:52 PM

Really don't know what to say but this was the worst thing I've ever read on here. RIP Buddy, never got to meet you but always enjoyed PMing you.

Chris

Jim80 · 07-03-10, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WTL

We definitely need to do something, I guess it will take a couple days to come up with just what. I guess its sinking in with me a little more now.

I was thinking id reregister before I get to zookers post count of 13,000 something, so that he always has the most posts on this board, but that will be a couple years...

Maybe Kevin could do something so he will always be at the top of the list , and i really like the idea of a memorial page .

Jim

Panthrosan · 07-03-10, 07:49 PM

I too never met or talked to Zooker, but in reading all his responses to even the most trivial of questions I got the impression that this was a good guy. Reading through all 3 pages of this thread however, I underestimated the big fella and he wasn't just a good guy, he was a one of a kind person and am kicking myself for not making it down to meet everyone including Zooker last get together.

Here's to you Zooker, may you now enjoy endless days of nothing but great fishing in the next life, never to be "skunked" again.

bamabassman · 07-04-10, 12:54 AM

ok, gang.listen up. talked to the family today. there will be a memorial at ZOOKER'S mom's house on JULY 24TH. if oyu want to attend let me know and i will get directions for you. if oyu want to send something, i will deliver it for you. pm me and i will make sure it is taken to the family, letters, pictures and thoughts would be greatly appreciated i know. i WILL BE THERE! there will be a bonfire and cookout at his mom's house. don't know if you would need to bring anything for the cookout yet. but if you attend, i think some food would be greatly thanked. if oyu want to send flowers.....don't. send money? yes........i will give it to the family so they can either donate it to a cause (most likely the AML FOUNDATION) OR TO HELP WITH THE EXPENSES HIS MOM HAS. jsut pm me and i will send oyu my address or his mother's address. thanks gang. his mother and the rest of the family has read this thread and are overjoyed at how much we all loved our brother.

AUFred · 07-04-10, 07:52 AM

Rest In Peace Zooker.

Bassboss · 07-04-10, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamabassman

ok, gang.listen up. talked to the family today. there will be a memorial at ZOOKER'S mom's house on JULY 24TH. if oyu want to attend let me know and i will get directions for you. if oyu want to send something, i will deliver it for you. pm me and i will make sure it is taken to the family, letters, pictures and thoughts would be greatly appreciated i know. i WILL BE THERE! there will be a bonfire and cookout at his mom's house. don't know if you would need to bring anything for the cookout yet. but if you attend, i think some food would be greatly thanked. if oyu want to send flowers.....don't. send money? yes........i will give it to the family so they can either donate it to a cause (most likely the AML FOUNDATION) OR TO HELP WITH THE EXPENSES HIS MOM HAS. jsut pm me and i will send oyu my address or his mother's address. thanks gang. his mother and the rest of the family has read this thread and are overjoyed at how much we all loved our brother.

Sounds great John! I'll see what I can do.. we have not gone anywhere this summer, so it may be a possibility.

MallenManson · 07-04-10, 01:38 PM

Sittin in a local bar right now, stealin wifi and lookin at 2 Sam Adams'. One I'm drinkin. the other is for the Big Guy.

woody · 07-04-10, 02:20 PM

Thank you Zooker, for showing us what is meant by "Never Giving Up!"

..So long for now Big Guy.

-Mark

flfireman · 07-04-10, 03:00 PM

Not sure where Im going with this so bear with me. I remember the first call from him, it lasted 7 minutes and I spoke three words including "hello". Since then everytime I fished a tourney I would get a call, some while I was on the lake, had a few while I was driving there. Could never figure out why he would be calling at 0 dark thirty, he would give advice or tell me what the fish were biting on. Never mind I live in Florida, still would get advice on what to use. I would try to call every now and then to return the favor, I would get the "Hey hoseholder Im busy, talk at you later", then an abrupt beep tone. The man loved to fish. This man has 5 gallon buckets of crankbaits in his garage. The phone calls became fewer and farther after he became sick. The few times I was able to talk to him he sounded weak, but you could hear his strength and desire to fight this in his voice. You could also hear the passion he had for getting back on the water and catching some fish. He was gruff, his typing needed some work every now and then, but he always got his point across, and when it was finished with "nuff said", there was really no reason to argue further. He has passed on so much knowledge to young and old fishermen on here. He fought this to the bitter end and now his fight is over. I find myself relieved more than saddened of his passing. He is in a better place and all of us should know that. I am thankful for knowing him, talking and laughing with him. He will be deeply missed by all.

MallenManson · 07-04-10, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flfireman

Not sure where Im going with this so bear with me. I remember the first call from him, it lasted 7 minutes and I spoke three words including "hello". Since then everytime I fished a tourney I would get a call, some while I was on the lake, had a few while I was driving there. Could never figure out why he would be calling at 0 dark thirty, he would give advice or tell me what the fish were biting on. Never mind I live in Florida, still would get advice on what to use. I would try to call every now and then to return the favor, I would get the "Hey hoseholder Im busy, talk at you later", then an abrupt beep tone. The man loved to fish. This man has 5 gallon buckets of crankbaits in his garage. The phone calls became fewer and farther after he became sick. The few times I was able to talk to him he sounded weak, but you could hear his strength and desire to fight this in his voice. You could also hear the passion he had for getting back on the water and catching some fish. He was gruff, his typing needed some work every now and then, but he always got his point across, and when it was finished with "nuff said", there was really no reason to argue further. He has passed on so much knowledge to young and old fishermen on here. He fought this to the bitter end and now his fight is over. I find myself relieved more than saddened of his passing. He is in a better place and all of us should know that. I am thankful for knowing him, talking and laughing with him. He will be deeply missed by all.

Well said all the way around fl. Especially the 3 words part haha. He was blessed with the gift of gab for sure

1/4 stick · 07-04-10, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MallenManson

Well said all the way around fl. Especially the 3 words part haha. He was blessed with the gift of gab for sure

3 words? Ya done good. lol I'm really going to miss those calls.

MallenManson · 07-04-10, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1/4 stick

3 words? Ya done good. lol I'm really going to miss those calls.

me too buddy, for sure.

keithdog · 07-04-10, 07:07 PM

Wouldnt it be great to have a framed pic of our departed friend holding up a nice big bucketmouth with a grin from ear to ear with just the words "Nuff Said" at the bottom of the pic.

bcklash · 07-04-10, 07:10 PM

I went back and read some of the old threads and posts that the big man had wrote. He had a lot of knowledge packed in that head. Most of us will never know how smart he really was. Talking about a range of emotions, I'd smile, laugh and cry at the same time.

RIP ZOOKER

Rebbasser · 07-04-10, 08:55 PM

Just found out. dammit.

Tough to type with tears in my eyes. Favorite Zooker story? Not funny, but the kind of guy Zooker...is, was, whatever. I wasn't able to make the get together last year-my mom passed away as it was going on. Well, Zooker found out and when all the guys were sitting around the campfire he called. He had no idea how much talking to him and those I talked to meant to me. But, that was Zooker. I'm going to miss those phone calls, even though I only got to say 3-4 words.

07-03-10, 01:47 AM	#51
carolina-rig-01 BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Webb City, MO Posts: 6,387	I was unable to post all day because I was at work (not that I would have known what to say anyways), but I was able to read everything that everybody else has said. Like the rest of you I just don't know what to say, I don't think there are words to express how this feels. Britney and I had the pleasure of meeting the big guy at the Kentucky Lake get together and he was a big part of that get togethers success, more from an entertainment standpoint. Zooker was a great guy who seemed to have a good time no matter what the circumstances. Zooker and I talked often on the phone, and man that guy could talk. But after we finally got of the phone I was always in a great mood, his attitude just had a way of rubbing off on you. May the Good Lord greet our brother Zooker at the gates and escort him to his own private boat dock, where he will have a bench and vise for building jigs and spinnerbaits. And I hope that this dock also has a few good brush piles under it so Zooker and Patrick can sit and talk while catching all the crappie they want. Rest In Peace Big Buddy, Your worries are over and you are home now. Don't know what else to say, may try again later. __________________ You only live once. But if you do it right, once is enough.

07-03-10, 02:58 AM	#52
BassinBandit BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Elliston, VA Posts: 446	I was saddened to hear this today. I would like to thank Bamma for keeping me informed on Zook's condition. My father and I had a wonderful conversation with Zooker in Kentucky which I truly enjoyed. I also remember the first thing he ever said to me. He called me up and said "Is this the Bandit?" I thought who is this. Then he said this is Zooker. I got to know a little about him but not enough. Zooker you will be missed buddy. __________________ H.G.: No. What I did to those men, after I tracked them down? That's the worst pain you can experience.

07-03-10, 05:02 AM	#53
1/4 stick BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fayetteville, N.C. Posts: 3,529	I've been thinking about this all day. I find myself thinking I might be more sad for me really than for Zooker. I'll be missing him, and regreting that I never got to meet him face to face. Especially since he only lived 2 or 3 hours away from me. I was always broke or had other things going on. I always thought there'd be plenty of time, and it never really crossed my mind that this thing might beat him till I spoke to him on the phone a couple nights ago and he sounded so weak. It still amazes me how much you can grow to love somebody as a brother from phone conversations and chatting on a forum. That's a testament to what kind of person he was. I prayed for his healing, and he was healed. Not nessicerily in the way I had in mind. But there'll be no more treatments and stays in the hospital, and no disease can ever harm him again. So he was healed and his suffering done. So I'll take comfort in that. And I'll grab my son today, give him a hug and we'll go fishing. And somehow I know he'll be there beside us. __________________ Just a redneck having fun. https://www.youtube.com/user/donaldvlogsify

07-03-10, 06:19 AM	#54
TN_Bassin BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bon Aqua,TN Posts: 1,013	I really don't know what to say except that he is in a much better place now. It may sound cliche, but it is true. __________________ Other anglers are tough, but the fish are the real competition.

07-03-10, 08:07 AM	#55
bcklash BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Elliston, Va. Posts: 4,372	The phone would ring and it would be Zooker "hows the Va. farm boys." Where he got the idea that me and Adam were farm boys I'll never know, cause we has much of a chance of running a farm has John has catching a 3lb LM ( he's LOL on that one). He's fishing pain free now in one of those "ugly boats" he fixed up a few weeks ago, taking pictures of the fish towards the water so he won't up his fishing spot, Jeez I miss him terrible already. RIP BIG GUY __________________ The soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box. keep us free:

07-03-10, 10:25 AM	#56
geezer1 BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Lakehills, Tx Posts: 185	I didn't know you Zooker, like a lot of folks here did. You were a fellow fisherman though, & that's all I needed to know to respect you. May you rest in peace, fellow fisherman. Here's some thoughts to you...God grant that I may live to fish for another shining day, But when my final cast is made I then most humbly pray, When nestled in your landing net as I lay peacefully asleep, You'll smile at me and judge that I'm good enough to keep.

07-03-10, 02:03 PM	#57
MallenManson BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beulah, Michigan Posts: 6,431	It's taken me till now to get my thoughts in order and wrap my head around this. I was on the lake yesterday when I got the text from John. Didin't even know what I was supposed to do. All I knew was that I'd just lost a great friend. Unfortunately, I was never able to meet him in person. As someone already said, though, his phone calls were priceless, and I always hung up with a smile on my face. He'd talk 90 miles an hour until he was done. Always had me crackin up. Zooker was a rare breed. One of those people who makes you a better person. We lost a truly great man yesterday. Fish In Peace Brother! __________________ Bass fear me. Women pepperspray me.....

07-03-10, 03:38 PM	#58
Abbeysdad BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Central NY - Finger Lakes Posts: 1,307	There are no words that can really serve us well at a time like this. It was a hell of a good fight. Zooker will be dearly missed. The forum has lost a corner stone. Rest in peace friend. __________________ Fish now, work later

07-03-10, 03:45 PM	#59
66KingFisher BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 1,327	I've been sitting here reading thru this thread, as I continually wipe away tears.......I never know what to say at times like this, but I do know I'll miss him, even though I never got to meet him in person........I did get to share phone conversation with him on a couple of occasions, and it was like I was talking to a buddy i'd grown up with and known all my life. Last year when a tornado took all my fishing equipment, Zooker was one of the first guys that dipped into their own tackleboxes and sent me a fist full of his crankbaits to help me rebuild my tacklebox and get back fishing again.......I'll never forget that gesture, and I'll think of him everytime I use one of those lures. RIP brother Zooker. On a side note, I'll say that i'd love to see some sort of memorial page be added to this website that would allow us to remember our fallen brothers Zooker and Patrick.

07-03-10, 04:52 PM	#61
Christopherkeene9 BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Oviedo, Fla Posts: 2,270	Really don't know what to say but this was the worst thing I've ever read on here. RIP Buddy, never got to meet you but always enjoyed PMing you. Chris

07-03-10, 07:49 PM	#63
Panthrosan BassFishin.Com Active Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rockville, Maryland Posts: 106	I too never met or talked to Zooker, but in reading all his responses to even the most trivial of questions I got the impression that this was a good guy. Reading through all 3 pages of this thread however, I underestimated the big fella and he wasn't just a good guy, he was a one of a kind person and am kicking myself for not making it down to meet everyone including Zooker last get together. Here's to you Zooker, may you now enjoy endless days of nothing but great fishing in the next life, never to be "skunked" again.

07-04-10, 12:54 AM	#64
bamabassman BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: cedar bluff, alabama Posts: 15,292	ok, gang.listen up. talked to the family today. there will be a memorial at ZOOKER'S mom's house on JULY 24TH. if oyu want to attend let me know and i will get directions for you. if oyu want to send something, i will deliver it for you. pm me and i will make sure it is taken to the family, letters, pictures and thoughts would be greatly appreciated i know. i WILL BE THERE! there will be a bonfire and cookout at his mom's house. don't know if you would need to bring anything for the cookout yet. but if you attend, i think some food would be greatly thanked. if oyu want to send flowers.....don't. send money? yes........i will give it to the family so they can either donate it to a cause (most likely the AML FOUNDATION) OR TO HELP WITH THE EXPENSES HIS MOM HAS. jsut pm me and i will send oyu my address or his mother's address. thanks gang. his mother and the rest of the family has read this thread and are overjoyed at how much we all loved our brother. __________________ so many lures, so little time.

07-04-10, 07:52 AM	#65
AUFred BassFishin.Com Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Prattville, Alabama Posts: 803	Rest In Peace Zooker.

07-04-10, 01:38 PM	#67
MallenManson BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Beulah, Michigan Posts: 6,431	Sittin in a local bar right now, stealin wifi and lookin at 2 Sam Adams'. One I'm drinkin. the other is for the Big Guy. __________________ Bass fear me. Women pepperspray me.....

07-04-10, 02:20 PM	#68
woody BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Jonesville, Indiana Posts: 3,597	Thank you Zooker, for showing us what is meant by "Never Giving Up!" ..So long for now Big Guy. -Mark

07-04-10, 03:00 PM	#69
flfireman BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Palm Bay, Fl Posts: 2,751	Not sure where Im going with this so bear with me. I remember the first call from him, it lasted 7 minutes and I spoke three words including "hello". Since then everytime I fished a tourney I would get a call, some while I was on the lake, had a few while I was driving there. Could never figure out why he would be calling at 0 dark thirty, he would give advice or tell me what the fish were biting on. Never mind I live in Florida, still would get advice on what to use. I would try to call every now and then to return the favor, I would get the "Hey hoseholder Im busy, talk at you later", then an abrupt beep tone. The man loved to fish. This man has 5 gallon buckets of crankbaits in his garage. The phone calls became fewer and farther after he became sick. The few times I was able to talk to him he sounded weak, but you could hear his strength and desire to fight this in his voice. You could also hear the passion he had for getting back on the water and catching some fish. He was gruff, his typing needed some work every now and then, but he always got his point across, and when it was finished with "nuff said", there was really no reason to argue further. He has passed on so much knowledge to young and old fishermen on here. He fought this to the bitter end and now his fight is over. I find myself relieved more than saddened of his passing. He is in a better place and all of us should know that. I am thankful for knowing him, talking and laughing with him. He will be deeply missed by all. __________________ In the Lord all things are possible.

07-04-10, 07:07 PM	#73
keithdog BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IN Posts: 8,308	Wouldnt it be great to have a framed pic of our departed friend holding up a nice big bucketmouth with a grin from ear to ear with just the words "Nuff Said" at the bottom of the pic.

07-04-10, 07:10 PM	#74
bcklash BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Elliston, Va. Posts: 4,372	I went back and read some of the old threads and posts that the big man had wrote. He had a lot of knowledge packed in that head. Most of us will never know how smart he really was. Talking about a range of emotions, I'd smile, laugh and cry at the same time. RIP ZOOKER __________________ The soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box. keep us free:

07-04-10, 08:55 PM	#75
Rebbasser BassFishin.Com Premier Elite Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 10,142	Just found out. dammit. Tough to type with tears in my eyes. Favorite Zooker story? Not funny, but the kind of guy Zooker...is, was, whatever. I wasn't able to make the get together last year-my mom passed away as it was going on. Well, Zooker found out and when all the guys were sitting around the campfire he called. He had no idea how much talking to him and those I talked to meant to me. But, that was Zooker. I'm going to miss those phone calls, even though I only got to say 3-4 words. __________________ It's happened to the best of them: John 21:3 Last edited by Rebbasser; 07-04-10 at 09:19 PM.

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