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Skiing, A Carp and A Memory!
by: Tim Emery 1/7/2010
I lost my dad 5 years ago this month. He was a good man, quiet but good. At one time in his life, he was an outdoorsman. That is, until kids and money got in the way. He worked as hard as he did so I could have everything I needed and wanted. He was instrumental in the Colorado ski industry during the late 1960’s. He taught me how to ski. In fact, I followed in his footsteps and became a ski instructor for 10 years. During his years of skiing, he became good friends with Charlie Meyers. As most of you know by now, Charlie passed away on Tuesday. For years, I never believed my dad knew somebody who could write articles and fish for a living. Then, one year at ISE, my dad ran into Charlie. Charlie was as nice as could be. My dad and he talked for a while, as I sat in amazement. Years went by, and I learned how to fish. I, too, become an outdoorsman. I always read Charlie’s column in The Denver Post and hoped to meet Charlie again one day. I was fascinated by his ability to intimately share his love and devotion for the outdoors of Colorado. Well, it happened at a Trout Unlimited event 3 years ago. I walked up to Charlie and introduced myself. “Hi, Charlie, I am Tim Emery.” He smiled and asked how my dad was. He went on to talk about the old days, hanging out at Arapahoe Basin and Vail. He told me all about the good times he and my dad had. I learned so much about my dad that day. After that, every time I saw Charlie, we talked about my dad. This summer, I got to spend an hour with Charlie. I was hosting the South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam. He agreed to do a story about it. He called me on a Wednesday morning and told me that he was on the river ready to fish, and he asked where I was. I told him I would meet him in ten minutes. We had twenty minutes to catch a carp on the South Platte. Sure enough, Charlie climbed down the bank. I got in position and caught a carp almost immediately. My story headlined the outdoors section of The Denver Post. You should’ve seen the picture. I had a smile from ear to ear. It is one of my fondest memories with Charlie. Colorado sportsmen lost a great friend and an important voice this week. Carry on the traditions and the passions that resounded through Charlie’s columns. Take someone hunting or fishing! Be it a friend, wife or child! Get involved in the politics of the outdoors! Take a stand! By doing this, you will pass on the traditions that Charlie wrote about with such fervor. It would have made both Charlie and my dad smile! Fish Explorer will be honoring Charlie with a moment of silence this Friday night at our Friday Night Bites. The party starts at 6:30 at The International Sportsman’s Expo. Please stop by and help us remember a great outdoorsman and a great friend!
Member comments by: Fishergal on 1/7/2010 7:32:48 AM
I always looked forward to his articles..reading them was a pleasure because his love of the sport and nature reflected so wonderfully in his articles. Reading your blog seems like he was a kind and gentle man, and shared his knowledge willingly. Sorry about your Father, seems like Charlie shared bits and pieces of your Dad with you, seeing your Father through his eyes must have been a gift. by: jamesp on 1/7/2010 7:53:21 AM
Nice memories Tim. Sad, but good. I'll miss Charlie's articles as well. He was a good writer, and his love for the sport always showed. I'm sure your dad shared the same passion. I wish I could have met both of them, skiing, snowboarding, and fishing are my favorite things.
Fishing with you this past fall, it's obvious that you carry on that tradition and passion.
I won't be at the ISE, but I will observe a moment of silence for Charlie and for your father.
James by: Coyute on 1/19/2010 7:16:37 PM
Charlie was a heck of a writer. Although I didn't know him personally, I got to know what he was about through his column. He was a master of his craft and there was never a doubt as to where he was coming from on an issue. The podcast was a nice tribute. Well done Tim.
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