saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

So sorry to hear this news.
Paul and I joined the stage 6 days apart, 19 and 24 of Aug '19 and became good acquittances from then on.
We use to talk about alot of the same places that we had fished.
After awhile he made the comment that he hadn't caught a fish in a long time. Several of us on the stage gave him pointers and suggestions as where to go and what to use.
Try as he might he continued to be fishless. So a bunch of the regulars here on the stage kept tryin to get me to take Spirit out fishin and let him catch some Stripers.
I finally ask Paul if he would be interested in goin out Striper fishin with me and he said he would.
Well, he made a reservation in Petaluma for a hotel room and he and Kathy drove over and we met early one mornin to go out on the Petaluma river.
Upon meetin Paul, I ask him how he was at castin lures? He said he was good at castin, so I ask him if he would rather go to the Napa because they had been on a good bite over there. He said that was fine and so we changed plans and went to the Napa.
45 min later we got out to the fishin grounds, and I hooked up right off the bat. I let Paul land that one and he got pretty excited over it.
He was havin trouble hookin one on his own right away, so I let him land the first half dozen fish I hooked.
Well, pretty soon he got it dialed in and he started hookin his own fish.
We were havin a ball and I would net the fish for him and take them off the lure and even snapped a pic of one of the nice ones he caught.
We fished for probly 4 hours or so and we had caught 30+ fish. We kept 2 and I was goin to fillet them for him but he changed his mind, and I ended up takin the fish home with me.
We had such a wonderful time and I got to meet his lovely wife, Kathy. Thanks so much for bringin Paul to meet me. I had such a nice time with him and it was such a joy to see him so happy and fightin and landin Stripers.
We had wanted to do a repeat performance and catch more Stripers, but we never got around to it.
We had planned to get together at the Meet & Greet but things came up and health reasons kept him from attending.
I really wish more of the guys would have had a chance to meet Paul, he was such a character.
I will miss him and his colorful comments on the stage immensely.
You have my deepest condolences for you Kathy, and the family. Steve, Saw1.

I don't know if you had these pics of Paul but they were from our trip out on the Napa, Rest in Peace Paul.😔🙏

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

When I first joined the stage. When I just read or “lurked” as some call it. Spirit was instantly one of my favorite stage characters. His cantankerous attitude, vast trout fishing knowledge, his inability to catch one, the way he loved fishing and was not concerned with always catching. As I dove into the stage Paul became a guy I felt like I got know a little. Had plans to one day wet a line together. I remember when he and Saw went fishing together I was excited!! Two guys I never met are going fishing on the other side of the country and I care?! Not only do I care I’m genuinely excited to hear all about the trip. That’s when I realized the stage can be a a really special place!

It’s a sad day to hear of his passing. My deepest sympathy to Kathy and the family.

Never got to give him that big hug I know he wanted deep down.😂🤣😂.
He has been and will continue to be missed.

RIP Chief

Chuckay Loc: Central Florida

Hi guys sorry to hear about the loss of a member. I never knew him but the comments said it all, I just wish I had joined the fishingstage sooner but I have enjoyed each and every one of you guys that I've became to know and share stories with.
Prayers for everyones loss and for his family 🙏🙏🙏 Chuck and Kay

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Condolences Kathy.
We've missed Spirit and this is sad news.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

R.I.P my friend. Another good man taken too soon. My sincerest condolences to Kathy and family and friends. He will truly be missed by all his friends, here on the fishing stage…🐟on

Doug Lemmon Loc: Rochester Mills, PA

Sorry to hear about Spirit. Thoughts are with the family.... and the security of his lawn..

We'll miss ya Paul.

Wv mike Loc: Parkersburg area. Wv

R.I.P spirit

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Tocino
My most memorable take with Paul was when I asked him how he Came up with Spirit of 27.

He was a character for sure.
One ole salty Cheif.
He never fooled me though. I saw that tough as nails exterior in the Marines.
If you looked close enough you saw the big heart behind the curtain.

R.I.P. SPIRIT 🇺🇲🇺🇲 21gun salute to you Chief.
You'll be remembered brother 👍

Our deepest condolences from my family to Kathy n your family

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

Terribly sorry to hear this, Spirit was one of the first to welcome me to the stage, always enjoyed his posts. Condolences to the family, RIP Spirit

Ne. fisherman Loc: Central Nebraska Arnold

Tight lines and May You Rest In Peace Spirit, God Bless his Family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Sorry to hear that about Spirit. Thanks for letting us know Jar. I know a lot of people on here have been wondering about him. Our condolences go out to Kathy and we’ll keep her in our prayers

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

I found the Stage because I was looking for a fishing report. After I read thru the first forum I knew I wanted to join so I did. As many of us have stated, in a lot of ways, we have become a family. You folks have helped me take the edge off my loneliness, dig out from my depression and learn a whole lot more about fishing. One of the things that is meaningful to me is that every day my family is here. Paul was a part of this. I have missed him. His wit and wisdom, his stories, his knowledge and experience. Amazing man. I will miss him. I pray he is at peace.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

What a character and actually deep fellow. One of the first to verbally spar and joke with here on the Stage for me. Will be making his gumbo recipe he sent in a PM in his honor. Have missed his comments for quite awhile and was hoping for the best but that was not meant to be. An icon here on the Stage, you have been and will be missed.
Condolences to Kathy. Stay strong.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

He will be sorely missed. the Pm's between Paul and I were just as crisp as his onstage presence. at least I have a couple of his recipes to remember him by. Now his lawn will be watched by others RIP.

Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York

So long Spirit, hope you’re still fishing on the other side.