coues Report post Posted November 30, 2004 I lost 2 of my very best friends on November 17th in a plane crash near Drake, AZ. They were scouting for elk when there plane crashed around 4:30pm. They had hunted and guided elk in Arizona for over 20 years. This was the first year in over 20 that they didn't book any clients because Tom finally drew a tag for himself. They were always very careful to comply with all laws, especially those pertaining to flying. This was to be their last flight before the 48 hour rule came into effect. I guided with them alot, and this was only the second time in 15 years I didn't make it up early for the scouting. Tom was one heck of a hunter, and taught many of us alot, especially about elk. I'm only guessing, but I think he's probably been on at least 200 elk kills for himself or clients. He was very generous with his knowledge, especially with young hunters. He loved the outdoors more than anyone else I know. He often reminded me that the campfires spent with friends were far more important than putting a tag on an animal. He really lived by those words, too. I had to drive his truck back from Williams. It had his Leica binos sitting beside the seat, and a folded map on the dash. His jacket was tossed over his gear in the back, and there was a half empy coke can on the cosole... all just where he left it. I've spent countless hours on some windy mountain top standing beside him glassing. Time with him always seemed special, like it mattered, if you know what I mean. Dan always found something to laugh about. He'd notice something funny, and bring it into the conversation for days. He was one of these guys who never forgot any road he'd ever driven down, or knob he'd ever used to glass off of, even if it was 20 years ago. He loved to joke around. The last "battle" we had going was over coffee. Dan was always the first up to have coffee going. He'd be standing there in the lantern light with a cup in his hand, raving about how good it was before getting around to offering a cup to anyone else. One time, I set my alarm 15 minutes early so I could turn it around on him. When he saw what I was doing, he never missed a beat. He said, "yea, but I bet it's not Starbucks, like mine... I'll wait for the good stuff!" God, I'm going to miss these guys. I heard once that the average person really only has 4 true friends in their entire lifetime! People who like you with no stings attached for who you are, faults and all. I lost 2 of my 4 when that plane went down. It's hard to think about the hunting future for me. I won't quit, but there will be 2 holes missing everytime I go out. The next time you find yourself standing around the evening campfire with your buddies, look around, take notice, and tell them what they mean to you. I'd give anything to be able to do that one more time with Tom and Dan. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ScottAdams Report post Posted November 30, 2004 coues that was great tribute. My condolences to their friends and family. Hang on to the memories and may we never take our friends, our true friends, for granted. Thanks again. Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted November 30, 2004 I am so sorry you lost your friends. You did a great job making them real for us in your description. My prayers to their families and friends... Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
crazyaboutcoues Report post Posted November 30, 2004 Sorry to hear about your friends Coues. Losing a friend or a loved one is very hard, but it sometimes makes us look at what we have and appreciate even more. My condolences to the families. God Bless! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter Report post Posted November 30, 2004 My prayers go out to you and the families.........thanks for the great tribute to your buddies..........God bless.......Allen..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KGAINES Report post Posted November 30, 2004 My prayers go out to you and their families, great tribute. God Bless Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m1280 Report post Posted November 30, 2004 I am truelly sorry for the the loss and your pain, i'll throw a few words up to the Almighty tonight and ask for Godspeed to ease the sting!! your last two sentences said it all!! embrace those close and even the new folks you may cross in the field and have the chance to share that fire with! take care Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rembrant Report post Posted December 1, 2004 I also am praying for the family and friends and all the people that were touched by these men's lives. My prayer is that all of these people will become closer to God in their daily lives and never give up that hope eternal - that precious One that reconciliates separations - separations between loved ones and the separations between us and Almighty God. I type these words in the name of my Lord, Jesus. Amen. I like that General Patton quote that KGAINES is posting. Though I don't agree with the General that it is foolish or wrong to mourn. It is necessary. Christ said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Be blessed, Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRONG Report post Posted December 1, 2004 Coues that was one heck of a post man, a tear-jerker too. I am really sorry for your loss and feel what you are going thru. What a terrible loss. It woulda killed me to drive my best bud's truck back home after that. Sorry man, I'll send a prayer your way as well as to the families of your friends. Josh Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
az4life Report post Posted December 1, 2004 Coues Like everyone else has said, your post tribute was eloquent and obviously heartfelt. I would guess in your case, with the passion you showed in the written feelings that there are several others ready to step in and become your new friends. While never forgotten, Remember, there is a bigger plan and your friends have guided you along the way. Obviously they made a mark on you and thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arizona Griz Report post Posted December 1, 2004 Sorry to hear about the loss of your friends. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
