Jake

Last night a great man died so today this is for him.

Jake married our long time family friend, Joanne.  Joanne has lived on the Umpqua river for about 150 years...really.  She even says it herself.  Jake and Joanne-Joanne and Jake...either way it was their place. It was our place to visit.  It is a place to love.

 I have been on that river almost every year of my life...almost. Sometimes we go to the river more than once a year so...on an average I have been there almost every year of my life.  I love that river.  That river is what inspired me to start blogging.  My very first blog is about that river. 

Jake lived on that river.  Jake was a part of those visits.  Jake knew my family.  Jake knew my kids.  How can the river be without Jake? 

Jake was funny.  He liked telling dirty jokes.  Jake had a twinkle in his eye that was funny, sweet and kind.  Jake let me ride his four-wheeler (all the time) and was always helping out.  I would help him clean up his computer.  I think I got the better end of the deal.

Jake took Carlos fishing.  Jake took Carlos golfing.  Jake took CJ on four-wheeler rides.   Jake and Joanne gave Zac his first birthday present on his first birthday because we celebrated Zac's birthday at the river.  I will cherish that toy and picture for a lifetime. Jake could be counted on to have the right tool, know where the right thing was or go get it.  He was always getting stuff for us, for the campfires, for the river...from the house on his four-wheeler.  He was our go-to man.  He was a kind man.  He called Joanne...Joseph.  And that was sweet. 

Jake will be missed.  I will miss him.  My family will miss him. The river will miss him.