My Friend – John Engle
John Engle seemed as though he had something in common with
everyone. From the first time I met John, I felt like we were kindred
spirits. We shared interests in everything
from fishing and hunting to a love of cars
and motorcycles – the guy was a man’s
man – the kind of grade-A sportsman
many of us aspire to be. I quickly learned
I wasn’t the only person to feel this
strange and instant kinship with John.
John always fished hard. Many times I sat
up in the lodge waiting for John and
Kathy to return from fishing late into the
evening. Although the complementary
cocktail hour officially ends at 9 p.m., I was always sure to have a
bottle of Grand Mariner at the ready when they walked into the
lodge. The moments we shared over drinks in the evenings are the
moments I will always look back on fondly when I think about John.
 Our after-dinner visits were often shared with other guests who
would quickly realize that John was the kind of guy you relished
conversing with. He had a likable way about him. A knowledgeable
man who was unassuming with good humor and a joyful approach to
any topic.
The last time I shared a moment with
John and Kathy, I had no idea it would be
the last time we all sat together. When
John left, we briefly said goodbye. “See
you in the Fall!” John said. He had booked
a late season trip and was to return to
Nueltin in only a few weeks.
When I got the news that John had passed
suddenly in an auto racing accident, it took
me a couple minutes to collect myself and relay the news to the others
around me. For the rest of the season, I saw reminders of John
everywhere. He and Kathy are never far from our minds. I know
John is enjoying himself wherever he is and I know we’ll sit and
share conversation again – but I will miss him in the meantime. Until
then, there will always be a bottle of Grand Mariner on my bar table
in honor of my good friend John Engle. |
