In Memory of John Starinchuck

random_lengths · 07-03-12, 11:09 PM

John Starinchuck, a member of the Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited, recently passed away. I would like to share this tribute to John, written by his son, Justin.

Pat Hopton
Rabun Chapter Prez
www.rabuntu.org

My dad, John Starinchuck, died two nights ago. His lungs just couldn’t get enough oxygen in due to a lifetime of smoking; and he died in his sleep. This end came on relatively quickly, starting around Christmas time, so he really didn’t have much debilitation time. I talked to him last week so I have no real regrets over not being there to say goodbye at the end. We both knew what we meant to each other, and the husk or shell in the bed was not “him” so I choose to not keep that memory.

Dad never wanted to live with tubes and wires hanging out of him, or having other people wipe his behind for him. Unfortunately, he did miss his goal of trout fishing for another 10 years then having a heart attack while hauling in a huge trout and falling face first into a secluded mountain stream, destined to quickly become some sort of Orvis flavored and “Woolly Bugger” fly patterned grizzly bear scat on the stream bank. Cremation and scattering will have to do. Yes, I KNOW you need a permit to scatter ashes in a state park, but who will know the difference.. a lil handful of ashes, a quick fake sneeze to blow it out into the breeze, and done with it... this way he will always be in the burble of the water and the wind through the trees.

In lieu of flowers (he couldn’t stand them), I think he would have appreciated contributions to the Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Better yet, take someone fishing and appreciate the glorious world we live in. Or even call someone important in your life, and let them know how much they mean to you, now, when they can hear it.

Thinking of Dad and his habitual comment of “isn’t this the greatest place?” each time I saw him really had more to do with whom you are with, rather than where your butt is seated. His passing does remind me that life, like most trout fishing, is largely catch and release.

He will be missed.

Justin

RScott · 07-04-12, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by random_lengths

Dad never wanted to live with tubes and wires hanging out of him, or having other people wipe his behind for him. Unfortunately, he did miss his goal of trout fishing for another 10 years then having a heart attack while hauling in a huge trout and falling face first into a secluded mountain stream, destined to quickly become some sort of Orvis flavored and “Woolly Bugger” fly patterned grizzly bear scat on the stream bank. Cremation and scattering will have to do. Yes, I KNOW you need a permit to scatter ashes in a state park, but who will know the difference.. a lil handful of ashes, a quick fake sneeze to blow it out into the breeze, and done with it... this way he will always be in the burble of the water and the wind through the trees.

Amen! My exact thoughts & words to my kids. Please pass on my condolences to Justin and my appreciation for his father's outlook on life & death.

2fly · 07-04-12, 07:40 AM

Sorry for your families loss Jason. He sounded like someone I would have enjoyed fishing with. A man that lives his life has no regrets when his time comes.

Drifter · 07-04-12, 08:23 AM

Pouring one out for John.

Justin....It's great you could be spend time with him during his last days. He sounds like a fine man.

Windknot · 07-05-12, 10:50 AM

Justin penned a mighty fine tale of a worthwhile man. My condolences to John's family and friends.

SlowStreamer · 07-05-12, 11:28 AM

Justin,

sorry to hear about your father's passing. It is always sad to hear when a father, friend and mentor to many passes on.

I never knew your father, but would like to think he has climbed up past the last falls to prime brookie waters.

Prayers sent out to you and your family.

Architorture · 07-05-12, 04:50 PM

Seems like John understood what was most important in life. Hope I never lose focus.

Brotherbear · 07-05-12, 09:35 PM

I think a trout fisherman's dream of death is to have some personal piece
of gear wash up downstream in town.Everyone will say he always wanted to go
out due to a big fish and or a slippery rock I guess he did. I have relayed that
same thought to all who are near and dear to me.Some understand perfectly
others are not so quick to see the point.

Those Damned cigs' got my wife also!

07-03-12, 11:09 PM	#1
random_lengths Native Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Clayton, GA Posts: 220	In Memory of John Starinchuck John Starinchuck, a member of the Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited, recently passed away. I would like to share this tribute to John, written by his son, Justin. Pat Hopton Rabun Chapter Prez www.rabuntu.org My dad, John Starinchuck, died two nights ago. His lungs just couldn’t get enough oxygen in due to a lifetime of smoking; and he died in his sleep. This end came on relatively quickly, starting around Christmas time, so he really didn’t have much debilitation time. I talked to him last week so I have no real regrets over not being there to say goodbye at the end. We both knew what we meant to each other, and the husk or shell in the bed was not “him” so I choose to not keep that memory. Dad never wanted to live with tubes and wires hanging out of him, or having other people wipe his behind for him. Unfortunately, he did miss his goal of trout fishing for another 10 years then having a heart attack while hauling in a huge trout and falling face first into a secluded mountain stream, destined to quickly become some sort of Orvis flavored and “Woolly Bugger” fly patterned grizzly bear scat on the stream bank. Cremation and scattering will have to do. Yes, I KNOW you need a permit to scatter ashes in a state park, but who will know the difference.. a lil handful of ashes, a quick fake sneeze to blow it out into the breeze, and done with it... this way he will always be in the burble of the water and the wind through the trees. In lieu of flowers (he couldn’t stand them), I think he would have appreciated contributions to the Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Better yet, take someone fishing and appreciate the glorious world we live in. Or even call someone important in your life, and let them know how much they mean to you, now, when they can hear it. Thinking of Dad and his habitual comment of “isn’t this the greatest place?” each time I saw him really had more to do with whom you are with, rather than where your butt is seated. His passing does remind me that life, like most trout fishing, is largely catch and release. He will be missed. Justin

07-04-12, 07:40 AM	#3
2fly Native Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Roswell, Georgia Posts: 1,902	Sorry for your families loss Jason. He sounded like someone I would have enjoyed fishing with. A man that lives his life has no regrets when his time comes. __________________ 2fly Pat http://www.freewebs.com/georgiaflyfishingteam/ You gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie.

07-04-12, 08:23 AM	#4
Drifter Former Director, HOF Join Date: Dec 1998 Location: Newnan, GA and on the banks of the Tuck Posts: 5,843	Pouring one out for John. Justin....It's great you could be spend time with him during his last days. He sounds like a fine man. __________________ The Drifter __________________________________________________ __ "I'm a low tech man in a high tech world." Uncle Si Support Our Troops.......Let 'em win.....or bring 'em home!

07-05-12, 11:28 AM	#6
SlowStreamer Chief Information Officer, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Alpharetta, Ga Posts: 6,183	Justin, sorry to hear about your father's passing. It is always sad to hear when a father, friend and mentor to many passes on. I never knew your father, but would like to think he has climbed up past the last falls to prime brookie waters. Prayers sent out to you and your family. __________________ Nothing is impossible the impossible just takes a little longer. So take your time and enjoy the experience.

07-05-12, 09:35 PM	#8
Brotherbear Native Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Woodstock, Ga. Posts: 381	I think a trout fisherman's dream of death is to have some personal piece of gear wash up downstream in town.Everyone will say he always wanted to go out due to a big fish and or a slippery rock I guess he did. I have relayed that same thought to all who are near and dear to me.Some understand perfectly others are not so quick to see the point. Those Damned cigs' got my wife also! __________________ He was wide around the middle an broad across the rump running 90 miles an hour taking 30 feet a jump ain't never been caught ain't never been treed.Some folks say he looks a lot like me!

07-05-12, 10:50 AM	#5
Windknot Director, Hall of Fame Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Dacula, GA Posts: 12,585	Justin penned a mighty fine tale of a worthwhile man. My condolences to John's family and friends.

07-05-12, 04:50 PM	#7
Architorture Native Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 558	Seems like John understood what was most important in life. Hope I never lose focus.

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