This is a sad time for all of us. Galen "Skip" Walters, Sr., also known as River Rat, lost his life on Feb. 08 while fishing on the Susquehanna River. Rat was a valuable contributer here at RS.com and well liked. We have set aside the Roundtable to give you the opportunity to leave your thoughts or comments for Skip and his family. Your messages will become part of a permanent tribute to Skip.

You can read the memorial we have posted for our friend -

In Memory of Galen "Skip" Walters, Sr.

His family appreciates your prayers and thoughts!

RS.com Staff

By Tim Hanford (Trackerpro17) on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 02:22 pm:
This is a new experience for me and I am not sure how to handle it. I exchanged posts with Skip a few times and he always made me laugh. To lose a fellow angler is a hard one to stomach. May Skip receive all of God's glory in heaven. May his rod always be bent. God be with you and your family Skip.

By Marc Hutchison (Hutch) on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 03:09 pm:
Over the last year and a half, RS.com has grown into "one big family". I have had the very fortunate experience of meeting several visitors who frequent the site, unfortunately, I never met Skip in person. I received several emails from him and I enjoyed reading his humorous and helpful posts on the message board.

It will never be the same reading the plethora of posts and not seeing Skip's famous "non-spelling and no punctuation" style on the board anymore.

May the Lord give Skip's family stength and courage during this time.

Goodbye my friend.

Marc Hutchison

By Jim Hester on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 03:19 pm:
I am truly saddened by this loss. Skip and I are about the same age & shared many of the same interests. I had not as yet met him but I really liked the guy, just from his posts. I had hoped to meet him in July at the rodeo. We have all lost a truly great friend, and fellow fisherman. Perhaps the Lord needed a new fishing partner, or just some good humor, my deepest sympathy & prayers go to Skip's family.

By George V on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 04:43 pm: I talked to Skip many times on the river. He will be missed by all. My prayers will be with him and family. God bless all.

George

By Duane Richards DR on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 05:05 pm:
Rivers are as wild as anything on our planet. Man has tried to tame these moving life bringing killers over many centuries. He has lived on their banks and received life in return.

The river fisherman, on almost every trip out, feels the dangers of moving water. It has claimed countless lives over the years, including many I have known.

On February 8, 2001, the Susquehanna River claimed one of our own. Galen "Skip" Walters Sr. was lost overboard. We all will miss his posts on Riversmallies, along with the humor and knowledge he brought to everyone involved. Skip and I had exchanged several emails over the past years. One of these was an invitation to drive up and fish with him in the near future.

On our last email, a week or so back, I had turned his invitation down to the Susquehanna River, due to a 4-hour driving distance between us. I can see now, that was my loss. I may have been with him that day, or not, no one knows.

In the short time I knew Skip, he was a true “River Rat”, that is now lost, doing what he loved most. When my time card comes up, I hope also to be doing what I love best, I can think of no better way to move on to a better world, where the smallies will last forever. May God be with all his friends and family. Skip, we’ll meet again some day, and a glorious day on the river that will be.

Duane Richards (DR)

By mr jig on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 05:06 pm:
Skip and i struck sparks.
Two passionate anglers with strong opinions.
Still, we were members of the same brotherhood and i will miss him. I would have gone into the water for him.... if i had the chance.
We are all diminished by his loss.

mr jig.

By badmisterevil on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 05:11 pm:
Goodbye Skip. Today I am sad in my heart, for your family, and for your fellow anglers. I hope someday we will meet in a better place.

Dan Bolton

By Yakfish on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 07:13 pm:
I'm sorry. Skip- You have taught us all a great deal. I am glad that I got the chance to meet you and fish with you. I will miss you.

Jeff Little

By Brian Hilsabeck (Heff) on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 07:58 pm:
thank you Rat for the few trips we shared on the river...and dont forget about the countless missed emails and phone calls....
To your family..my prayers and thoughts are with you..
I love this river as much as any fishermen...last fall I remember Rat going nuts because we were all out fishing and he was sick...what a couple of weeks that was...
with a loud 'hey heff!' is how I met him for the first time...and that will be with me forever.

Skip could rig up anything you wanted for a boat..for those of you that have been in his boat know...
Rat we shared the same waters.....its not the same river now. there will be a 'rat rigged' tube on my deck for ya..
good bye ya riverrat!

your friend, heff

By James on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 08:04 pm:
Skip will be sorely missed. River Rat was an integral part of what makes this site and family so special. I truely believe that he enjoyed this site more than anyone else. He found a second home here. His posts were always staight-forward and honest, and he was open and free with good advice and humor. It seems I could always see him smiling when reading his advice and opinions. His keyboard skills only added to the charm of his posts. Once he figured out those little smiley faces, he used them as freely as he probably used his own smile. I believe that everyone is brought into our lives for a reason. RR shared his love of fishing with us, made us smile, and taught us all a thing or two in the bargin. Please, let's all heed Skip's greatest lesson to us!

Heaven is richer for our loss.

By Shmang on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 08:38 pm:
I too would like to add a few words. My memories of RR are his humor, knowledge, and passion for Smallmouth angling. He could be trusted to always shoot straight and tell it like he saw it to be. On our private emails he always was pleasant and it seemed as if we had been fishing buddies for years. I like the idea that the Lord needed a new fishing buddy and decided that RR was as good a choice as was out there. Kimberly and I have RR and his family in our prayers. Heaven is indeed richer for our loss.

By bassmat on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 08:39 pm:
I visit this board infrequently and I rarely post a message. Most times I just read them hoping to find some knoweledge or bit of advise. To me it is simple I love to fish.I eat,drink,sleep fishing.When I am at work I am thinking or planning fishing.I didn't know Skip but from what I have read on this board we had alot in common. When I read of his demise I felt deeply sad. I will Pray for him and his family.

I fish the area where his boat was found. Infact was out there superbowl sunday.I was alone and didn't have much luck at my usual spot so I went downstream below the mouth of the codourus creek.I had to cross over the creek to do this and almost slipped in a couple of times.When I got to the other side I noticed that the water had cooled considerably and that the current was realy moving.I will add at this point that i was not wearing a pfd.To tell the truth I have never worn one while waiding.I am usually quite careful to keep one foot planted before moving.I proceeded to enter into this current and made a couple of casts.Then as I looked downstream to the train bridge I thought to myself what if I were to fall in. It gets alot deeper after the riffles.Now that I think about it I was scared.Normally I would have dismissed it and continued fishing.Sometimes my fishing sense and my common sense don't agree and often my fishing sense wins. Not this time though and I cannot tell you why but I packed it in for the day and went home. Again I didn't know Skip personally but he has taught me not to take anything for granted in life least of all the susquhenna river.

By Jitterbug on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 09:06 pm:
I have probably met RiverRat out on the river put didn't know it at the time. I'm sure I tried to hit his boat with a lure if he came too close to where I was wade fishing sometime in the last 6 yrs. I enjoyed his posts and the fact that he answered questions others have posted usually in a humerous way. I'm only a couple yrs older than Skip and have the same fever for fishing that he had. I have a huge respect for this river we call home and try to fish safely at all times. This is just one more reminder to all of us to fish safe and never let the river get the upper hand. I'll miss you Rat. Fish on.

Ron "Jitterbug"

By pete hanford (Hawghunter2001) on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 09:25 pm:
i never got to meet RR, but i did enjoy his post and his humor. his family is in my prayers and i hope that he is catching the big one in the sky. he will be sadly missed.

By Lee on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 09:45 pm:
I don't really know what to say here. I didn't talk to River Rat but a very few posts. I learned of the tragedy by Heff on a chat room. I just wanted to say that I know he will be missed by this board. I offer my condolences to his family and all of you, his friends. While I didn't know him, I feel the loss of a fellow fisherman, especially one that was such a nice guy and a wealth of information. May he enjoys the riches and mercies of God as he looks down on us from Heaven. May God's peace be with all of his friends and family.

By Al A on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 11:09 pm:
We're all one big family here, and the loss of Skip diminishes us all. I too will miss his sage and humorous posts, but more than that we'll all suffer from the loss of an important member of our fraternity of passionate admirers of rivers and brown fish.

I'll always remember an aquaintance who was terminally ill, and who gathered his waning strength for one last fishing trip, for river walleye in midwinter. He caught a 15 pounder, the biggest he'd ever caught, and afterwards he said, "What a way to go out!" You can't equate the loss of Skip with my aquaintance; Skip was taken unexpectedly and before his time. And yet I can't imagine a better place to reach the end than on the river you love.

By Kirby on Sunday, February 11, 2001 - 11:17 pm:
As most of us, I've never met Skip but can see him this minute in the pictures he painted with his posts and reports. Talking to the adventure of shooting a small jet up an unforgiving river in his quest for fish sits in my mind. This man truly loved his hobby, his family and his life. We all relate to him, in that, we feel very close to Skip. Goodbye Skip.

By craig defronzo (Earthworm77) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 12:26 am:
Ratboy, you will be missed. Your humorous and serious posts on the board were always enjoyable to read. My prayers go out to you and your family. Although I never met you face to face, I liked sharing thoughts and sometimes barbs with you. We are deeply saddened by your passing. It isn't a relief to know that you died doing what you loved as no one expects tragedy to occur. I still feel the pit in my stomach that I got when I read the first post about this horrible accident. Goodbye Friend.

By Woodchuck on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 10:21 am:
Sitting here at work it's hard to write this without tears welling up. Writing requires that you think a little harder about things than just speaking. I have fished with Skip we met as strangers and left as friends. We started the day talk'n fish'n and finished talk'n family. I quickly noticed that when speaking to Skip that I was speaking to Skip and not a morph of his personality that he wanted me to see. I think he seen the same in me and by the end of the day we were talking about things that two men do not speak of unless they are long time and trusted friends. I have been looking forward to many more trips together. From my heart I have to say that this just .........

Skip I will pray for your family that you held so dear.
God bless
Brian

By scottydog on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 10:28 am:
I never met Skip but from reading his posts I sincerely believe I would have liked him. His posts were entertaining and informative . His presence will be missed most surely by many people.----- He is in a better place. -----
God Bless Skip and God be with his grieving family.

By Mike Charback (Mcharback) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 10:56 am:
I recall a day, about a year ago, when Rat wrote that he would never again post on RS.com. I was new to RS.com at that time. Someone had said or did something to upset him and he vowed never to post again. Then in RiverSmallie fashion, all of you encouraged him to stay. I wish it could be that simple, to see him post again.

Skip, we've never met, but I will miss you and pray that your family recovers from your loss.

Mike

By flopbelly on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 01:10 pm:
Never met Rat butI can't help feeling the loss to the RS family and the fishing community. This makes me think of all the times that I've fished in cold, swift water with out a PFD...that is gonna change.

My prayers are with the family.

Brian R.

By Al Pugh (Alpugh) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 04:13 pm:
I surely wish I had some words, but I don't think I have much. I feel like I am on empty, there's just not a lot left.

I remember old men who knew and tried to tell us young boys what it was to be in the woods, on the river, in the midst of what could both feed us or...

There is no good way, but somehow, this is better than a car accident on the beltway, or something like that. I wish it hadn't happened at all, I wish we could all just wake up and shake off the nightmare, but that is not to be, I guess.

I am sorry, truly sorry, and very, very, sad.

By The Old Man (Oldman) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 04:43 pm:
I've been off the board for a few days, and just read this shocking news about poor Skip. Never met the man, but I exchanged a few emails with him. I'm just so saddened for his family. God bless you all, just know that Skip has touched many lives in the most positive of ways. He will be dearly dearly missed. I hope and pray for him and his family...

-- Doug Errett (a.k.a. The Old Man)

By Fletcher on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 05:14 pm:
I just dropped in today to read the posts. What I didn't realize is that we lost one of our own. I've read many of River Rats posts and enjoyed all of them. There will forever be a hollow spot on this board without his wit and humor. To his family, God bless.

By Chip Augustine (Chip) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 07:20 pm:
He was a man of the river whose very essence was was the enjoyment of the wilds of the Susky, and the love of his family. His contagious approach to the perpetuation of the Smallmouth Bass, and wild places where they are found marked him as a brother to many he will never know. He will be missed...

By seth on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 07:58 pm:
Been away from the board for a few days. I was really disturbed when i first read about rat. I really really hope that this is all some sick person's idea of a joke. always seemed to me to be a peaceful old feller. kinda got a kick out of the way he couldn't spell worth a flip and never used periods. i for one like to think that the old guy caught some gargantuan beast of a smallie and was on his way home when it happened. hate to think that he was afraid when he died. hopefully god gave him that knowing kind of peace that people get before their time is up. glad i passed his way in my time. sure says a lot for him that so many have posted here. rat if you can read this put in a good word for me.

By GW Biggs on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 08:38 pm:
What a truly sad piece of news this is. I haven't been on the board in a few days, and just read of Skip's untimely passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time. Although we never met, I always enjoyed reading his posts. They were filled with knowledge and insight, and always a lot of humor. He will be sorely missed.

GWB

By david martin (Jawbreaker) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 08:47 pm:
May God be with him and his!!! Truly a sad day when something like this happens. I am so sorry and I have no words to express it. To rat: a very seasoned angler, and maybe his memory can always be with us when we are on the water. I will remember him and his family in my prayers..

By Scott Warholic (Scottinva) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 08:59 pm:
I never met Rat, but exchanged several emails with him and also chatted with him online. We had talked about getting together to fish the James in the fall. We never did get together. I feel bad about that. The only thing that makes me feel good is that other than his family, it seemed he loved smallies, the Susky, and his jet. He was so proud of his jet. His last moments were spent with all three. He will be missed by us all greatly, but even more by his family. My prayers are with him and his family.

Scott

By Jim on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 09:24 pm:
I too am saddened by this news.I just want to express my condolences to his friends and family on and off this board.

God Bless

By yotsko on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 09:56 pm:
Even though I don't post much on this board I do check it daily. It won't be the same without Rat's input and commentary. I've learned quite a bit from what Rat said and what he brought out in other people. Although I never met him I'm sure he would be the kind of fisherman that when asked "how are you doing? he wouldn't just mumble and blow you off.

It's a terrible thing for anyone to pass on but if the good Lord would give me a choice of places to die it would probably be fishing on the Susky.

Some good may however come of this tragedy. If only one of us on this board starts to wear a pfd, it would be a fitting legacy for Rat.

My prayers and sympathy go out to Rat and his family.

By Butch Cretsinger (Butch) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 10:43 pm:
I saw the first postings about the Rat on Friday. I kept checking in constantly to see if any thing had changed...It never did. Spent all weekend thinking about a river I've never been to and a man I've never laid eyes on. I have lost a friend. God be with his family, and I hope to fish with him somewhere in the afterlife.

Butch

By Joe B (Joe) on Monday, February 12, 2001 - 10:55 pm:
Riverdog described him as everyone's favorite Uncle. Odd that a man only a few years older than I fit so well into that familiar and welcome kinship. Good bye Skip. I will miss you.

By Greg Phipps (Signman57) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 12:53 am:
Oh what news, what terrible terrible news. I had been away from the board all weekend. Then saw the news of Skip on Sunday. What a shock.

I never met Skip, but I sure enjoyed seeing what he had to say around here. He seemed to be the genuine article.

I waited until now to post becuase I was at a loss for words. And as you can see I still am.

River Rat You're Already Missed By All You Touched.

By Riverdog on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 06:18 am:
Skip's greatest treasure was bringing his back to the basic's, down to earth style, in our sometime's over engineerd world of fishing. My heart goes out to his family and his close friend's. I will miss his "puzzles" and mis-spelling's that made me grin anyway. His ribbing of Barb, Woodchuck, and Heff. But most of all, the picture he painted of the "favorite uncle" to everyone. His spirit will never die on RS.

Ron

By Billy (Redneckshadrap) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 06:42 am:
I've started 4 times answering this post but couldn't finish. I will never understandthe timing of the death angel, but as I have listened to old time baptist preachers always say" Death soon visits us all." As much as we are all convinced that if we would've been there we could've made a difference. The Good Lord called him home and he went simple as that.

I've never felt such a lose over someone I'd never met. From time to time we argue and scrap with each other. Hell maybe we are all seventh graders still at heart when it comes to fishing. This man showed me a different side to this crazed computer world and the outdoors as have so many of you. And as this is Farewell to a dear friend this is also Welcome to all you boneheads. We've got a lot of work to do the keep this site and our friendships going. We must stick together.

So long River Ratt, I'll still meet you at Norris Lake one day

Hillbillyshadrap

By Barbara (Barbara) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 06:50 am:
Like all of you, I have lost a friend; and like some of you, I can't think of this loss yet without tears. I have been having a hard time finding the words to say, so I've been avoiding this roundtable and even avoiding talking to others on the phone about this terrible accident.

Rat, I'll miss your sense of humor and camaraderie. I'll miss your knowledge, big heart and sincerity. Heck, I'll even miss your stubbornness, quick temper and lousy typing! Like Yakfish, I am mad at you for not wearing that PFD and hope that others will learn from your unfortunate mistake.

I also hope you are at peace and that soon your family can find peace; perhaps from knowing that at least you died doing something you loved. My heart is with them, and I hope it helps them to know that you had another big family on RiverSmallies that knew and liked you more than they probably ever suspected.

I'm glad to have known you, Skip, and I'll miss you. All of us here will miss you. There are already questions on green pumpkin tubes and jet boats awaiting your answers. There is already a void.

By Frank Cox (Frankinnc) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 07:04 am:
Like the majority here, I never met you face to face river rat but feel like I know you well. We exchanged e-mail and some ideas and talked of fishing together sometime soon. I'll always remember our last discussion of Santee Cooper and "gators" on inside line chat and talk of past trips to Florida. I'll see you some time down the road friend. I'm thinking about your family.

Frank

By Dennis Crumby (Wdcrumby) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 09:22 am:
Just read this sad news. I want to send along my sympathies to Skip's family and friends.

Rat, you'll obviously be missed.

-Dennis-

By Tracy on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 10:20 am:
Like so many of you, I never met Rat face to face, but did share some e-mails and good-natured ribbing from time to time. We were both members of the Angler family. Both smallie Anglers, both RIVER smallie Anglers! That put us at brother-sister, or at least cousins, in my book. We are all members of this family, or we wouldn't have an interest in this site, and we have all lost a brother. I shared this loss with some of the folks I work with. They are members of the Angler family too, but they have never read any of Rat's posts. They shared in the sense of loss, though. The Anglers are a good, caring family. My prayers go out to Rat and to his family.

By Greg Hill on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 10:52 am:
I've been trying for two days now, to find words to express my grief over your leaving us,and they havent come.Someone described you as genuine,and that is so true.I thought about riding to Brunswick last summer to meet you,and your friends on your mini roundup,and I deeply regret that I didnt.I can picture you though,patiently waiting outside that tent,for one of them to wake up.I enjoyed your barbs with your pals as much as they did.Your kindness and enthusiasm was always at the surface,as was your love for your family.I always loved the way you were so willing to poke fun at yourself,one my favorite traits in any person.I'm certain a lot of tears have been shed over this loss,many by people who never saw your face.I know the unique touch you added to our board will forever be missed by those of us who were fortunate to "know" you.

Please wear your PFD when your running the big motor,or when your in cold water.If its too uncomfortable,spend the money on the Sospenders.It the most important piece of fishing equipment you own.

My deepest sympathy to the family you loved so much.I hope the Lord grants you a means of easing the pain and emptyness that you surely feel.

By PDQ on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 11:52 am:
I have been offline for a couple of days and I am truly sorry to hear the news about Skip. I will surely miss his knowlege and humor. May the Spirit in the Sky lead you only to the best smallie holes. Good bye and God Bless.

By jason krause on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 01:05 pm:
Like others, I have been off the board for a few days. This is not how I expected to come back to riversmallies.com. My deepest sympathies go out to the Walters family. An empty spot fills my stomach because of this loss. Rat, we'll miss you!

By Douglas C. Booth (Clayton) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 01:15 pm:
First of all I want to send my prayers and my deepest sympathy to Skip's family. May our Lord hold you and comfort you. I never had the pleasure of meeting Skip. That I truly regret. I certainly enjoyed reading his posts on this forum. I know that his loss is tragic but I hope that in the end it will have more meaning. My hope is that we will all be reminded of the fragility of our lives and our value to our families and friends. I for one am buying a PFD before fishing this spring. I also hope that we are all reminded of and don't forget the value of friendship. I have some old friendships that I have neglected. I vow to change my ways. I also vow to, as soon as possible, actually meet and shake the hands of some of the fine people on this forum.

Doug Booth

By Jim Slaight on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 03:41 pm:
I never fished with or met Skip but got to know and enjoy him through his posts here. I join in those who miss him and offer my sympathy to his family. May God be with Skip and them.

Jim Slaight

By Kevin Hoover (Cctubefan) on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 04:27 pm:
Although I saw the news Sat. morning, this is the first I could emotionally get myself to answer this. I saw the post about Skip, just before I left to go to the funeral of a 7 year old son of a friend, who just lost a battle to brain cancer.

One of the last times I addressed him on this site, I called him Skip, instead of addressing him as Rat, as normal. He promptly let me know that Rat was just fine with him.

He had a great sense of humor, and the ability to put things into perspective for all of us. Like many, I never met him, and like many, we talked about getting together this spring. To the point, he accused me of trying to bribe him when I said I'd bring the tubes. I laughed often reading his posts and learned much.

I can't tell you how much this news saddened me, and I don't think I'll ever think of the Susky without remembering him. He will be sorely missed by many of us.

But I do promise all of you that I will be more dilligent about PFD for everyone in my boat.

By Tom Reisdorf on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 05:15 pm:
Like alot of other folks I'd been away from the site for a few days and James Noel told me yesterday about RR. I was...and still am floored. I also never met Skip and didn't even get into posts much with him but it's still family and the loss is just as great to me. I know God is holding him in the palm of his hand.

By DWHarris on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 06:18 pm:
My deepest sympathy to his family. I din'nt know him personally but am confident he was a quality man. He only gave me helpful and always friendly advice. I'm sure he would want everyone to remember him, just for the sake of being as careful as possible in the future, so our family's won't have to endure what his is today.

By MikeS on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 09:12 pm:
It is amazing that someone I have never met made such an imprint on my life. Since I heard the news on Saturday, Glen has been in my thoughts and prayers. I learned so much from Glen's expertise....he gave me simple, wonderful tips that have been very helpful. He had such a love of fishing and I always looked forward to reading Glen's responses to questions about jet drives and boats on our Board! We had a great deal in common....he never used any punctuation, he mis-spelled many words in his messages and we both loved to fish smallies! Regardless of his typing abilities, he always got the right advice across to all of us and I miss him. This is a great loss for of all of us and we should take one last bit of advice from the River Rat....wear those PFD's! He would want us to. God Bless Glen and his family.

By Ad in Lancaster on Tuesday, February 13, 2001 - 10:47 pm:
Like many of you, I never met River Rat, and have been only an occasional lurker on this board. But I could not help but be infected with his enthusiasm for his passion for the river, its fish and life in general. And now by the shared loss of so many of you. These posts above tell of a man deeply admired by many people he never met. Even in death, he has moved us. I vowed to my wife this week to buy my first PFD and wear it no matter how shallow the river. Skip, I hope wherever your soul is now that you have good water.

By Rob Nicolai (Crawfish) on Wednesday, February 14, 2001 - 12:26 am:
I never met him in person. But, I've been talking about him with family, friends, and co-workers like he lived next door. In a selfish way, I am kind of glad that I didn't know him personally - Because of the kind of guy he seemed to be, I can only imagine how hard it is on those who WERE close to him. Nonetheless, I still feel the void on this board created by his absence. But most of all, I feel sad for his family. I keep reading the 1st post that Brian quoted in Rat's memorial - I don't even have words...

By Todd Swartz (Todd) on Wednesday, February 14, 2001 - 05:52 pm:
I,am new on RiverSmallies.com. When I read about what happened to riverrat and how his accident affected the people on this web site I was greatly moved.He must have been a very special person.My prayers go out to his family and friends.My wife never takes her PFD off and gives me heck for not keeping mine on.Does anybody know if Glens body has been recovered yet.

By Lou Fries on Wednesday, February 14, 2001 - 08:19 pm:
ON FEB.8, 2001: The Susquehanna suddenly and swiftly claimed the life of Skip (River Rat). A loving & caring husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His thoughtful, kind, and generous ways will not go unforgotton. Many heartful thanks to everyone involved with the Memorial to Skip. Though the burden of his sudden demise, has been a hard and trying time for his family. The memorial and kind letters that so many took the time and effort to write. Has made this time of grieving much easier to bear. the one thing I regret is allowing my job to interfere with going fishing with my son and his Grandfather. Although I am in no position to consder myself a fisher or river person. The time that I did spend on the shore or on the river this weekend gave me a new appreciation of the beauty and kindness of the river and the people who frequent it's area. Many thanks to the many volunteers who risked themselves to find and bring Skip home alive.

Many thanks also to the fishermen and women who helped the family such after the authorities called the search off. Also to the jeep club who helped search, it would have taken days without them. In reading your letters, we were amazed at the impact that Skip must have had on your lives. in knowing that we are not alone in all the greif that we feel. The only constellation is knowing that Skip's short life on this earth touched many people and that he is suffering no longer. also that he is now gone to heaven to be with his Savior "JESUS". in this time on rflecting and searching your heart and life, if there is anyone in your life that you have lost contact with. the reasons may very from lack of time or disagreement. this is the time to make contact or to mend those broken relationships no matter whose fault it is. We have found out that at any second life could end. SO DO NOT LET THIS PRECIOUS TIME SLIP AWAY.

Thank you for all your prayers. The family of Skip pray's that the Lord will ease your grieving. We also prayer that the LORD Will protect you and yours. that he will keep you safe especially on the river. Please give special prayers for Irene, Anita, SKip Jr., & Skeeter. I do thank God for allowing Skip's final hours to be doing what he enjoyed the most in a peaceful place he loved to be. The family will be putting all of your letters, comments & memories in a memory album dedicated to a wonderful and grat man. HE WILL BE MISSED GREATLY BY US ALL.

*Special thanks to Brian king and staff.
*Special thanks to DNR, Penn state police, MD state police and also the Maeytoen police.
MANY THANKS TO ALL!

Lou

By rick w on Wednesday, February 14, 2001 - 11:14 pm:
I will miss the Rat's humerously misspelled posts and informative tips.He seemed to be a very easy going man,often poking fun at himself.I learned a lot about jet boats from him,and will apply this knowledge when I eventually get one.It sure hurts to see him go,but at least he went doing what he loved.I hope the rivers above are full of fish for you,River Rat.

Rick Wells

By Doug Norwood on Thursday, February 15, 2001 - 03:41 am:
There is never a life without sorrow
There is never a heart free from pain
If you search in this world for true solace
You spend your life searching in vain
So when to your heart comes the sorrow
At the loss of some dear one youv'e known
Tis the touch of god's sickle at harvest
Since he reaps in the world he has sown

By Bill Schultz on Thursday, February 15, 2001 - 05:51 pm:
I never knew River Rat, but I want to send my deepest sympathy to his family and those of you who knew him. It has been a truly moving experience to read all of the wonderful words on the message board. It is obvious that those of you who were fortunate enough to know him were lucky.

By TOM FAZIO (Faz) on Thursday, February 15, 2001 - 09:36 pm:
there are no words to describe, saddens me deeply

By Troy Winebarger on Friday, February 16, 2001 - 01:01 pm:
I had the privilege of talking to River Rat on the phone last month. I never met him face to face, but I still miss him quite a bit. Anytime this world loses a good person, those of us left are a little poorer for it. I really look forward to the return of Jesus Christ when "we shall meet him together in the clouds" and when our enemy death shall finally be defeated by His returning. My sympathy to his wife, family, and friends. He will not be soon forgotten.

By Josh McDermott on Friday, February 16, 2001 - 05:22 pm:
Catch one for me Rat, and a big one to boot!!!! I guess if I had to choose a way to go, no matter how painful, it would be on my favorite river fishing. It is unfortunate that Skip has passed on but Im sure it has opened all of our eyes to the dangers of fishing in cold water, I will not forget.

To Galens Family: I wish you all well and am very sorry for these happenings, he was a good man.

By fishinoop on Friday, February 16, 2001 - 06:27 pm:
God grant that I may live
To fish until my dying day
And when it comes to my last cast
I then most humbly pray
When in the Lord's safe landing net
I'm peacefully asleep
That in his mercy I be judged
As good enough to keep

My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

By Kenneth J. Pietrowicz (Hunt4kp) on Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 12:02 pm:
I am new to this site. I did not know river rat, but he sounds like a wonderful fisherman and friend to us all. In this hustle and bustle world we all must remember that our stay here on earth is short. The next time we cast a line think of our comrade and keep his memory with us. God bless his family and friends.

The Pietrowicz's

By Tim Hanford (Trackerpro17) on Sunday, February 18, 2001 - 10:06 pm:
Even though a week has passed since this tragedy, Skip and his family weigh heavily on my mind. While traveling to my parents house this weekend, I traveled Route 15 along the Susquehanna River. When I passed Duncannon, a spot I think Heff mentioned that Skip liked to fish, I looked over to the river. The sun was shining on the water and I could picture Skip looking down from heaven and saying something like.."sure does look peaceful doesn't it?".

Maybe that's not how he would have said it but I got a feeling in my stomach that let me know Skip is watching over all of us. The water will never be the same. I pray that his family takes comfort in knowing we all share in their grief. May God be with us all when we are out on the water.

By Travis on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 04:23 pm:
It pains me to think a fellow angler would fall so quick to the forces that exist all around us..that was so young, and not ready to go.. A moment of silence for RiverRat and the pain of the loving family that he leaves behind. Nothing can be said to assuage the agony of the loss of a dear loved one. No one can pretend to understand... Our deepest sympathies and condolences to all who remain to pass on his memories.

Travis Boaz & Randy Fugate @ Thissideuponline.com

By Brad Quillen on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 07:32 pm:
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the family of River Rat. He seemed like a cool guy to me. It pains me to lose a member of our community. I will keep him in my thoughts, especially when I'm on the water, chasin' the brown fish we all love.

By Eric P on Thursday, February 22, 2001 - 04:45 pm:
Although I haven't talked with RR much through Riversmallies, it sad to think a fellow angler has passed in an untimely manner. He was taken while doing something he loved and I guess thats all any of us could ask for. My sympathy to his family and friends, may he rest in peace in that great river in the sky. Godspeed " River Rat "

By Len Schattler on Sunday, February 25, 2001 - 08:26 am:
I've been away from Riversmallies for close to a month now, so it was with great shock and sadness that I learned of Skips passing. Like most of the others here, I had never met RR, but had exchanged emails, participated in discussions, and enjoyed his unique style and passion for smallmouth fishing for the past 2 years. His death is a loss for all of us, and his knowledge, friendship, and eagerness to share, leaves a void that can't be filled. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

By Steve Bailey (Mdhippy) on Sunday, March 04, 2001 - 12:51 am:
Skip was a GOOD Friend of mine. Skip was always there to lend a helping hand .If there is such a thing as a good old boy, Skip was it. Always trying to do the right thing. The last few years we kind of went in different directions When Skip got involved with a Bass club And I in my own little world. Skip was one of the good ones. He didn't do anything half way Skip always went hole hog or not at all. Skip could figure out anything that had to do with his hands , not to much when it can to books. Skip was a good hands on person.

I can't explain to you how hard this is for me to peck out. It is hard to let go of a Buddy We fished together a good bit, Colder then cold, Ship would call me Lets go to lake Anna it warmer down there he would say We fished lake Anna , Lake Redman , pretty boy lone arm Marburg , rivers on the eastern shore, susquehanna in Maryland & PA Yorkhaven, the Potomac My pond. We did a lot of things together overnight trips Day trips Week Enders, It is hard to believe that this has happened . May you rest in piece my friend I know you are where you want to be . We had a lot of good times together I will miss you Skip.( You people of RS.com are the best to see all these postings , You may not have met Skip but you new him I cried reading some of these because I could see Skip doing some of the things as I read, his pranks and that one of a kind laugh that he had. Thank you for being a friend ,to my friend it does help ease the hurt. THANKS!

By Frank Cox (Frankinnc) on Monday, March 05, 2001 - 07:22 am:
Steve, thanks so much for posting your thoughts and feelings. I think seeing this from someone that knew Skip well just helps reinforce what we all had already figured out about Skip. He was a fine man. Thanks again Steve.