I am sitting here, before this device, wondering how to say it.

There are times in your life you live outside yourself. Some take you by surprise and take your breath and you wonder how it could be happening. Other times you know the day was inevitable and unavoidable but you still kinda float along, above and on the periphery.

That’s where I am now.

Today was the first day of deer season (muzzleloader).

Today, and all first days of deer season for the last sixty or so years, you could find my Uncle Dale (“Tiny” to many) in the woods. “The deer woods”, he liked to say.

And so my uncle spent his last day on this Earth where he was happiest.

It is difficult for me to be SAD, because he passed away exactly where he wanted to, doing what he loved best. I cannot be angry, because he taught me to have respect, and he’s not here to argue his case. He would win, regardless. I will not be resentful because God took him, I will be grateful he didn’t languish in a hospital bed. He’d spent his due time in those over the years.

I am broken-hearted and disappointed I didn’t get more tales on video. I am bewildered that the man lived through what he did and found a way to spin the incidents into a spellbinding story isn’t here to keep telling all he knew.

My mentor, my fishing buddy, my personal talking encyclopedia, my favorite relative, my father figure, my Uncle Dale, gone from this world today, November 6th, 2021.

From the comments
Mary Watt: “Oh Amy, I am so sorry. There is such a huge amount of sadness it seems right now with so many deaths. My heart aches for you sweet Amy. I know he was your rock, the one you could count on for anything. Much love and prayers, dear friend. “
Tracy Baker: “I’m so sorry to hear Uncle Dale is gone. He was such a wonderful presence in your life. I still marinate chicken just like he did that Easter I spent with your family.”
Ann Montgomery: “Amy, our hearts are broken. But you are totally correct about him doing what he loved, on the day he lived for all year long. Tiny was a sweet, kind and loving man with a huge smile and a huge heart. There have been (and still are) people in Seymour, who epitomize the Seymour community. Who grew up here, lived here all their life, and who automatically come to mind when you talk about Seymour. Tiny is one of them! So many good memories of all things Tiny: Brenda, deer hunting discussions, politics, Bob’s Round Table, Joe Irwin, jokes and laughter, hand made walking sticks, one of which he gave me. So much to remember, enjoy and be thankful for. “I’m sorry” just can’t express the sadness that swept across Seymour last night when the phones began ringing. Prayers for each of you. And you wrote an amazing tribute“
Lisa Burnett: “He talked about Pilgrim all the time, always with pride but mostly with love.”