It was a little over a year ago that we lost our good friend Keith (handi2). I still think about the man at least a few times a week. His decision to leave his parts collection to me was an incredible blessing, for which I'll always be in his debt.
I only got to meet him in person once, but I wish we had gotten to hang out more. He wasn't just brilliant AND generous, he was also a pretty cool dude.
Thanks for posting this Jason,
Keith was always replying to my questions and was the first to share some parts with me, asking for nothing in return.
Keith and I helped each other with parts for many years.
If I needed something, he would just send it out.
If he needed something, I would do likewise.
Dozens of reels and parts over the years —- never a dollar changed hands.
A good friend is never gone, as long as they stay in our thoughts. Many of our good friends have passed on —- but are not forgotten.
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"Now nearly all those I loved and did not understand when I was young are dead, but I still reach out to them.
Of course, now I am too old to be much of a fisherman, and now of course I usually fish the big waters alone, although some friends think I shouldn't. Like many fly fisherman in Western Montana, where the summer days are almost Arctic in length, I often do not start fishing until the cool of the evening. Then in the Arctic half-light of the canyon, all existence fades to a being with my soul and memories and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rhythm and the hope that a fish will rise.
Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs.
I am haunted by waters."
Norman Maclean
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Thanks for posting, Jason.
Best, Fred
Yes a very good man Keith was, he answered lots of questions for many members, unfortunately living on the other side of the world, I never had the pleasure to meet him, Jason thanks for this post, and also distributing some of his part to me, keep well, cheers Don.
Keith was a good guy, all the members of AT.com that have few years here know that already, I just can add that I felt honored when he asked me to build a custom rod for his son who was taking care of him.
Sorry to hear this - I must have missed it when it happened because in June of last year I sent him a PM and didn't get a response, which I know was out of character for him.
God bless handi2 and his family.
Keith is a great guy. I miss him dearly. We would message each other every so often and chat on the phone as well. A breath of fresh air!!!
Keith's legacy will stay alive and well thru the Ohana members. Keith sent me a couple reels, so I sent him a couple. I'll never sell either one, but will someday pass on to another member here to keep his legacy alive and well. I did upgrade the handle on one of his reels, and I'm sure Keith would give it his stamp of approval. I will fish for halibut with it this summer
The day I saw Keith was listing some of his treasures for sale my gut knew what was coming. Very heartbreaking indeed. We all lost a treasure of a guy.
it was a huge loss. :(
A good man who went thru a lot but didn't let it bring him down. Rest in peace
Yes Ted, thats what you call a nice handi reel, looks great, cheers Don.
Keith always in our hearts and minds. Great man, always willing to help out a fellow human. He will always be a great inspiration to all the Ohana!
I have posted this before: Keith saw a 304 post I made,and gifted me 1-complete 304,& one parts 304.I use the complete one daily,Fred gave me a new bail for it,& I polished the handle 8) ,it works flawlessly,& is still catching fish.I got the parts to repair the other 304,also flawless now.I never met Keith in person,but sounds like he was a great man.
Amen! Miss Keith also. He made my Shimano Calcutta 50 gt, 200, and 400 te's sing sweet songs.
RIP pal,
Dom
Yes, he is missed. We honor his memory by keeping the friendly and respectful chatter going on this site, and following the Golden Rule of doing unto others as we would have done to us.
Frank