Remembering Zooker

[keithdog]

July 2nd marked the one year anniversary of the passing of our dear friend Zooker. I find it very hard to believe it has been a year already since he left us, and even harder to accept. Zooker was such an important part of BassFishin.com and his loss has left a void for all of us who knew and loved the man. Zooker loved to share his knowledge and his quick wit brought me so many belly laughs. Many times listening to him talk, which he did with zest, our conversations would bring smiles to my face. He had a great sense of humor, and a real knack for telling stories. Zooker loved life and lived it fully. From his fishing and hunting, to his gardening and cooking, he loved them all. That guy could grill! I really miss those pics of his grilling exploits he would share with us. I think all of us who knew him would agree that he was a one of a kind. And I hope it stays that way. I kind of like that. Zooker was unique, and very special to all of us who knew him. There will never be another Zooker. This past May at the BF.Com get together at Wheeler Lake in Alabama, I was lying in my bed the second night of my stay, and thinking about Zooker, wishing he was there. How I would have enjoyed sharing a few laughs with him, and perhaps doing a little fishing with him. But then, His mother Mrs. Dickerson was there as was his sister Krystal. And John brought much of his fishing tackle and many of his home made lures to share. And I had the pleasure of seeing the Dickersons fishing with John. Mrs Dickerson caught her first bass which thrilled all of us. And then I started to realize, he was there with us. His spirit was all around us in everything we did that week. From the fellowship, to the fishing and the cookout, it was all Zooker to a T. I may not have been able to see him, but I felt him. And that void that I felt started to fade away. Every fish that was caught, he was there. Every laugh that was shared, he was there. You can't shake off the spirit of someone like that. He stays with you. And thank God that is so. I miss you big guy. But I know you look in on us from time to time. So untill we meet again, just know that your memory lives inside out hearts. God Bless you old friend.