There are quite a few people that have had an impact on me throughout my life. Family members, teachers, co-workers, friends; I’ve often wondered if any of them realized just how much of an impression they made. The outdoors are no different and this past year I lost one of the people that have had by far the largest impact on my entire life; I’m not even sure he knew it.
My dad grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. His father was a farmer who had no real interest or time for hunting and fishing. It was my dad’s close friend’s father, Chet, who shared with him his love for the outdoors. He taught my father and his brothers, along with his own children, how to hunt and fish. Chet didn’t seem to think twice about taking these kids to tag along. I find myself thinking about what those interactions were like; how was it with all these kids in tow going fishing and hunting? Were there times he felt like he was in over his head? Even when Chet and his family had to move from Massachusetts to Vermont, due to Chet’s job, he still included my father and uncles in their hunting and fishing escapades. Knowing Chet and the kind soul he was, it was solely to share his passion with these kids who enjoyed it just as much, and I guarantee he had more fun watching them succeed than in his own success.
It wasn’t until May of 2021, after an epic day of fishing with Chet’s son Brian and my father, that it hit me: It was Chet’s legacy that had helped build the foundation of my own love for the outdoors and these sports I hold so close to my heart. Yes, of course, my parents and other family members had taught me the ropes, but it was Chet that taught my father to love and appreciate the woods and the water. Something that Dad and I share very much. Chet didn’t have to let his kids' friends tag along, he wanted to. It brought him so much happiness.
When Chet’s funeral came, and they offered to let us share memories, I shared as best I could the impact that he has had on my life through sharing his love for hunting and fishing. What I came to realize, as many others shared about him, was that it wasn’t just something he had shared with my father and uncles; he was always willing to share his knowledge and teach anyone who wanted to learn. He was a pillar in his community and was loved by all.
This fall, I knew that deer season wouldn’t be the same, but I also knew Chet was there with us all as we huffed into the woods in the cold morning air amidst the darkness with a hope that a deer would cross our path. A lot of times this season, as I sat in my tree in silence, I pondered if he knew that he had such an impact on so many people in his life. He touched so many lives in so many ways – myself included.
I tell people to share their joy, and this is why. Chet has inspired me to give back to my own community by sharing my knowledge with anyone and everyone who wants to learn. I don’t claim to be an expert by any means, but I hope that my knowledge will help my mentees be successful, whether they learn one, three, or five skills in their time spent with me. When you find love and joy for something in the outdoors and you come across people who want to learn, you might not realize it, but sharing that with someone else will have an impact. Not only on them but on every single person they touch on their own journey.
