On January 4, 2009, I lost my best hunting and fishing partner as well as my mentor my Dad, David B. Smith. This loss has made the rivers seem a little deeper, the water a little faster and the drifts a little shorter. While I will never forget, what this great man taught me throughout my life and the times we shared, I cannot help to feel just a little bit more alone.

While he lived to be 80 years old, it seems like only yesterday that he was showing me how to tie a hook to my line so it would not break off. At times, he would work three jobs to keep us feed and clothed, yet he still made time to take us hunting and fishing and teach me the beauty of the great out doors. We will all miss him being there for us but we will carry him in our hearts as we continue our journey through life.

For those of you he did not know Dave Smith we are Sorry. For those of you who knew Dave you know what type of a special man he was.

Dave was our father a great husband, a friend a mentor he was our HERO!!

Dave believed in family first and lived his life for his family; he never knew a stranger, and was the first to help anyone out if he could. While we were growing up we never had much money, however we believe that we were blessed far more then many others by having Dave as a father and husband. Being surround and comforted buy his love for us all we never felt poor, it was not until later in life that we realized just how little money we had when growing up. Yet we had more wealth then many other families because our dad always made sure that our needs were met and always had a kind and caring ear for us all.

While God has called him home now, and this caught us all by surprise, we know that he has a purpose for it. We all are going to miss our dad, and mom her husband yet we are all comforted by the fact that he knew just how much we all loved him as well.

We will take him with us wherever we may go and we will never forget just how well he lived his life. Thank you for being such a great dad, friend, person I will keep you close and remember all the good times we have had. Dad I will meet you on the River and I will bring the bait, save me a rock we have many more fish too catch.