While his 111th birthday is coming in May, Today marks 42 years since he went home.

Frederick L Everson Sr, ‘Fritz’ as he was known, was my best friend. He gave me life, not just at birth but for the 14 years he loved, taught, hunted, fished, and nurtured me. Many days of my youth, I had no idea what the point of his actions was; years later, it all made sense.

The last fall we shared, the cancer growing in him was much worse than he would ever have admitted. We spent countless days in the woods, marshes, and waters without me as a young boy, realizing the physical toll it must have been taking on him. I’m sure I was selfish about much of it, yet he was determined to pass along the ways, lessons, and memories of those who came before us. The time spent with his father, he wanted me to experience with him.

I grew up through my teens without him, shattered and broken, but through his love and legacy, he was always with me. A light on the darkest days when the grief seemed insurmountable, when I was ready to give up, the love and respect for my mother he nurtured, and the time afield in the quiet where I felt him most got me through.

One lesson that was important to him, one I hope I live up to, as it is a testament of his faith and caring for others, was, ‘as a man, there will be things you may not want to always do, but do them anyway because they make someone you care about happy.’ I know in my heart he did much of that with me, and I am forever grateful.

Your Loving Son remembers!