Richard L Jackson aka Flatstick here on TradGang passed away on May 25th. For over two years Richard battled Melanoma and it spread to his brain and spine. In the past few years Richard hasn't posted much, but did like to stop by and read the posts. He was 57 years old, married to June for 35 years. he also leaves behind his daughter Megan and son Zack.
Even though Richard was 8 years younger than me, he was my mentor when I switched over to traditional archery. For several years he took first place in the selfbow class at Cloverdale and one year shot the highest overall score in all all classes using a 73# osage selfbow and 700+ grain bamboo arrows. One year Richard and our group were walking to the range and passed by a group of selfbow shooters. I heard one of them tell the rest of his group..."that's Richard Jackson. the best we can do is second place."
The list of record class whitetails that Richard took with his longbows and selfbows is more than impressive, with many qualifying for Pope and Young and one scoring over 180". Last year while undergoing cancer treatment, he still managed to take three deer with his longbow. He loved his bows, making bows and hunting, but even more, he loved God and his family.
His Memorial service is at Emmanuel United Methodist Church in West Terre Haute, Indiana on Friday, May 28th with visitation starting at 11:30 and the service at 2:00 pm. Anyone planning on attending that hunted or shot with Richard is asked to bring an arrow with your name on it. We plan to make divide the arrows into two quivers and make memorial plaques for his wife June and daughter Megan.
Please keep the Jackson family and friends in your prayers!
God bless you sir. Prayers.
Very sorry to hear. Prayers of comfort his family and friends.
:pray:
Didn't know Richard, but Mike this is a great thing you're helping with. Requiescat en paz, Richard
:coffee: :campfire: :archer2:
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your friend and another fellow TradGanger.
God bless him and his family. :pray:
So sorry to hear, he was a friend I never got to shake hands with...
God bless...
Comfort for the family & friends, God Bless.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for his family
Sorry to hear. Prayers for the family. :pray:
Prayers for the family and you and his friends...
Godspeed Richard!
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Prayers for the family, so sorry for your loss.
Prayers for friends and family.
My prayers and heart go out to you, his family, and friends. I don't believe I ever did meet him or you at Cloverdale but feel as I knew him. I too am 57 and was fortunate enough to have my own issues with precancerous skin lesions detected and treated.
In fact, it is time for another checkup I encourage everyone who spends time outdoors to get checked.
God bless
May he Rest In Peace, :campfire:
Sad . . . passing at 57 is way too young. Thank you Richard for the reminder to the rest of us to live each day to the fullest. We never know how many days we get here on earth before we are called Home. Blessing to family and friends.
Sounds like a good man. God Bless :pray:
Condolences to the family and friends.
Prayers up for family and friends!!!!!
Bisch
Very sorry to hear this....Flatstick was one of my favorite posters here on tradgang back in the early days...I always admired his bowhunting and bow making skills.....
Very sad news. I never knew him, but I am sorry for you loss, and the loss to the archery community.
Well said Mike, Thanks :pray:
Nicely stated Mike, may Richard rest in peace.
Mike, what a wonderful tribute to your friend. When I was a kid, 57 sounded pretty old, but it's sounding pretty young to me these days.
May Richard live on through the impact he left in friends and family.
:pray:
Sorry to hear this, surely a great loss to his family and the Trad community
Prayers for all
So sorry. May his memory be eternal. George
Condolences to his family and friends.
The Memorial Service/Celebration of Life for Richard today was well attended. There were over 200 people for the actual service and another 200+ that came earlier and paid the respects. There were 40 plus signed arrows left for him and several folks plan to get an arrow to the family at a later date. The sanctuary at church was decorated the way Richard would have wanted and we are leaving it that way for Sunday morning service. I want to thank everyone for the prayers and condolences. A bunch of fine folks here on the "Gang"!
My condolences, prayers sent
Condolences to you and his family.
Thank you Mike for posting of the passing of your frind, his loss will be felt by many.......prayers for his family.
I'm sorry for your loss. Prayers to family and loved ones
Sounds like a great tradman was lost, thx Mike,, just wat you posted makes me wish id known him..met him or hunted with him...life is short...enjoy it boys.....
He has left the world a better place.
May we too, follow his path.
PM sent.
I just did a search on flatstick's posts to reflect....I encourage everyone to do the same....You will see what a great bowhunter Richard was without coming across as having a big ego about his successes...Also, I would say the majority of his posts are congratulating and complimenting others....I never met Richard personally but can tell he was a great person from his TG posts.....
Wally, I sent you a PM.
I didn't know him well but I met him several times. I remember him as one of those people who smiled with their eyes. I could tell just from talking to him that he was the real deal; a fine gentleman, a good family man and an exceptionally gifted bowhunter. May he rest in peace.
Prayers for comfort and strength for his family and friends. May God rest his soul.
My. Condolences to Richards family and friends as well.
That is a really nice arrangement to have showing what this mans life was about and his passion for traditional archery as well. May he rest well in eternal peace.
Sorry you lost your friend Mike!!
Very sorry to hear you lost a friend and mentor. Condolences to the Jackson family and friends.
Mike, I'm not sure how I missed this. Anytime I had a chance to visit with Richard at Cloverdale it was to be treasured. As Gene mentioned, Richard's eyes sparkled when he spoke with you. He was as fine a gentlemen as I've ever encountered. He was extremely soft spoken, but his shooting and bowhunting skills were outstanding. He will be truly missed by all whose lives were touched by his presence. God's speed Richard. I pray his wife and children are comforted by his loving memory.
Sorry for your loss, prayers for his family.