Solana Ranch -What a ride into the New Year

[Kenneth]

Just an amazing group of folks here!!                

The last couple pages really choked me up. God Bless you all!

[stringstretcher]

It stands true to the character of the people here, and the spirit of Chris who will live on through the thoughts and memories made on this venture.  God Bless each and everyone who had a part in making this an ever lasting event for Larry and the Surtees family.

[Onions]

Great thread everybody! I think its crazy that I wake up in the morning wondering if y'all added anything more during the night.Then the hours of lost work time, while I check this thread throughout the day.
It's crazy, b/c I have never met anyone who was on this hunt. Don't know if I ever will, however, there still is that bond! VERY COOL!
Also, great pix of the ceremony! Brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks for sharing the whole experience!

chris <><

[maineac]

Truly inspirational.  A tribute to all the folks on this site.  Thanks for letting us all be there with you.

[sleepyhollow]

Wow!!, that really brought the tears flowing freely, tears for the love and loss, thank you for this thread.

[Wile E. Coyote]

If you go back to page 38 and look at the photo with Jack and Larry with Jack's buck you will notice something in Larry's hand. That is the same bottle on page 42 with Larry saying a few words about Chris. Larry brought Chris's ashes out that night unbenownst to the rest of us so he could join in the celebration of the deer Jack had taken with Chris's  Hi-Breed.

[Traddict]

Best thread I have ever read.  Thanks so much for sharing.

[Ben Maher]

A  big and solemn thankyou for sharing such a special couple of days with us all .

[Green]

This hunt, this thread, the thought that went into the complete memoriam from the auctions, to the people, to the places, and to the things involved has got to be one of the most sincere ways I have ever read to honor a man whose friendship touched all of you deeply.

[Killdeer]

...Ever Living Fire...

Thank you all.
God bless the Surtees family, and hold them in His loving hands.

Killdeer

[kennyb]

I do not even know you guys, but the tears have welled up in my eyes as I am so proud of how you guys have honored Chris, Larry, and his family! Thank you gentlemen for the wonderful ride. That ceremony was truly what life is really about! God bless the lot of you and thanks again!
Kenny

[Terry Green]

Originally posted by Wile E. Coyote:
If you go back to page 38 and look at the photo with Jack and Larry with Jack's buck you will notice something in Larry's hand. That is the same bottle on page 42 with Larry saying a few words about Chris. Larry brought Chris's ashes out that night unbenownst to the rest of us so he could join in the celebration of the deer Jack had taken with Chris's  Hi-Breed.

Thanks for the reminder....Larry also rubbed some of Chris' ashes on the buck.

If any of the other Solana attendees have any more pics or comments about the Memorial Service please feel free to post.

[DW]

This hunt is still not over....more too come.

My family met Chris thru the St. Judes Auction around 3.5 Years ago. Skyler and a friend had built a knife for the Auction and Chris purchased it while on Active duty in Iraq.
When Chris returned he came to visit and His Family and ours have been close friends ever since. We went on out of state trips and Chris and Larry came up several times a year to bowfish with us. They stayed at our home and became an extended part of our Family. Chris was always sending Skyler something from overseas and Larry was always making Jewelry and Leather goods for us. My daughter, Chloe Beth, and My wife, Tammy,  have quite a collection of Surtees Jewelry.
We'll never forget Chris or his Family. Larry has several trips planned with us this Spring......And Chris will be with us....

[Rick Butler]

Just goes to show the impact that Chris Surtees had  on this group of hunters and Trad Gang as a whole.  God bless you Chris.

[Dustin Waters]

I can only echo what others have said before me.  I may never meet with anyone on the hunt, but I feel as though many of you are friends.  I can only hope that I may be honored in such a way when I go.

[tippit]

Thank you all for such a touching memorial to a fine young carrying man.  Also thanks for taking us all along.  Chris & the Surtees family will always be in my heart...Doc

[limbow]

Thank you for sharing this memorable trip/hunt. I am honored to be a part of the tradgang community and what "it represents". Top notch fellas, top notch.

[peter c iacavazzi]

That is awesome! I would have flown to Texas just to attend that memorial service. I'm sure Chris was there and he's smiling now!

[Sean B]

thanks for including us. As every one else, I'm all choked up.

[Owlgrowler]

Wow!
That is impressive. Larry Surtees is one tough man. My hat is off to all you guys. Thanks