Lou Lemire fishing with Brett

Dad’s favorite fishing spot was on the Queen Charlotte Islands in Northern British Columbia. If I am not mistaken, that is a 34 pound Chinook Salmon that Dad is battling (top picture). I remember Dad getting so tired from catching fish that he actually asked me to reel in one of his fish. That first trip to B.C. was special. Dad and I brought home over 300 pounds of fish over 3 ½ days of fishing. I remember Dad telling the guide, “your not going to throw that one back are you,” and the guide said, Lou you only have one more tag left for Salmon and you better not use on 30 pounder”, and Dad let that one go. The next minute, Dad and I both connect at the same time with two 34 pounder salmons. I’ll never forget that. Looking over my shoulder and seeing Dad in the same battle that I had. What great moment.

I have never seen Dad smile so much, over 9 hours of fishing each day, he wouldn’t say much, but just sit back, smile and be apart of life (bottom picture). Sometimes Dad’s not talking meant the most, you could see that he was sitting back and soaking in the experience. I began to understand more of Dad’s sense and way of non-verbal communication or just experience it approach, it was a take what it is that need from being there… That was Dad; it didn’t need a heavy explanation. Miss you Dad! Love, Brett