David Starbuck You Will Be Missed
September 4, 2007 Posted by Al Castle
trackback
Categories: Castle, Uncategorized
It’s been a really long day. Early this afternoon I received a depressing knock at my door. My daughters maternal grandfather, David Starbuck died when his fishing boat, Papa George suddenly sank about 12 miles off the coast of Long Island, WASH. The details have been slowly pouring in all day as I spoke with various people involved in the investigation and fishing industry.
Immediate family was the first people I spoke to and my home quickly filled with relatives I’ve never even met before. The day was spent on the phone trying to notify family members that haven’t been spoken to in years. It’s a shame it takes something like this to bring people together. We watched the local news and hearing about the death was a bit unnerving. When you listen to these little sound bites of tragic news its always happening to someone else.
I really don’t want to go into much detail in a blog, other than to say that I hope the end was quick and painless for him. Many people have said this is how he wanted to go, while on his boat, fishing in the ocean. David was a man who lived a life like each day was his last.
I asked my daughter if she understood what we were all talking about. She’s had a few fish that have died, and is always very concerned about the naughty kitties and puppies that didn’t listen to their mothers and try to cross the road. She said that, “This means I’ll never see Grandpa David again right?”. She’s a smart little thing, and I know she understands the concept of death, I just hope she manages to keep the memories alive of the times she spent with him as she grows older.
Comments»
Hugs to you and your family
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Continue to focus on the memories and positive influences he brought into your life, and things will eventually get easier. Now that your loved ones are all together again, keep leaning on each other and remember to follow David’s example by living each day to its fullest. That’s one way to ensure his spirit will live on forever.
Poem, Cari, thank you for the thoughts and kind words. You guys are the best.
I’m sorry, Al. I know you’ll be a rock for S. and the girls. Something like this really makes you reflect on what is important in life. Sincere condolences from our family to yours.
- bonz, Ms. bonz, and little bonzito
Al, Sorry to hear about Grandpa.
My heart goes out for your loss. My skipper was a good man
and a real fisherman. He taught me most everything I know. I was a greenhorn when he looked me in my eyes at the dock here in San Pedro. He embraced me and guided me through our love for fishing. I put my life in his hands from here to Washington, through the Columbia river to Grays harbor. We laughed, we smiled, through feast and famine. He talked about his family at home and I shared mine. In between swells and white caps. He was harder on me than the crew and I didn’t understand why until another fisherman told me it’s because he depended on me the most. Then I was able to smile as we repaired our nets for the next days catch. I had come to realize that he need me like I needed him. That’s why I couldn’t leave him behind to the ocean even though I know that’s where he loved to be. I apologize for not being able to do more. It was so fast and instant. As i tried to rush to grab him and recessitate him he was already at peace. I can’t begin to imagine what your family is going through. I lay my head down at night and wake up in the morning thinking of him. Thinking of him and boots. I have pictures of them that I know you would like to have. If there’s anything I or my son can do, please let us know. He was a good man and loved by many. May the Peace of GOD be with you and your family always.