I have just lost my best friend and hunting partner. Steve was a man of spirit and honor and a true best friend. Years ago, we became more than friends. He became my brother from another mother. Steve and I first met in Wichita, Kansas while attending college and training in Anesthesia. We studied hard, played hard, and hunted as much as we could. After graduation I came back to Oklahoma to practice and be with my family. Steve continued on with his life in Missouri. He married and had two wonderful girls.
Life was a bit hard on Steve as he divorced and lost most of his assets in a bitter contest of wills. Steve pressed on with his career and his avocation. He was a frequent visitor to our home and spent much time reading my African hunting literature. We hunted as much as our busy schedules would allow and in these later years, Steve and I have made African hunting our main passion. We have made safaris in Namibia twice, Tanzania once as well as Zambia. We were to set off on our biggest adventure of all, a full bag safari in Tanzania this August. That can not happen now. Steve was a small man with a huge zest for life. He will be missed by me and the rest of his family and friends. Thanks for your indulgence.

Very sorry to hear this.

There is certainly something very special about hunting buddies, shared campfires, shared joy and excitement over each other's trophies, shared jokes, a cold beer and a good cigar, etc.

I would like to think your friend is on safari every day now.

My sincerest condolences.

lb,

Sorry! I know this was supposed to be the big one for you guys. You have my sympathy. Your buddy definitely was way too young.

Mark

So sorry. Lost my best friend a few months back. We never have enough friends or time.
Bfly

Go anyway 404 and toast to him every night with a cool sundowner. Do something special in his memory for sure-I intend to have my ashes split into ten vials and ask my ten best friends to spread them while on a safari to Africa-Just my way of getting my buddies on another safari!!!

lb404, I know what you are going through...Look back on the great times and great memories with a fine brother..
You must go and take something of your best buddy to Africa and leave it there...Toast him around and campfire and honor him...

Mike

Sorry to hear about your loss ib404. My condolences to you and his family. Salute him towards the African stars. LDK

So sorry for your loss.......samwise is right, you should still go on safari in August -- I'm sure he would want you to go -- do it in his honor......

So sorry to hear this lb. You have my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences.

I know how it feels...I lost one of my closest friends 7 years ago on my 30th birthday. He was only 32. And 59 is far too young too.

I agree with Samwise. Do the trip...your buddy wouldn't want it any other way. When I was in Tanzania last September, I toasted my departed friends with a sundowner or three and I like to think they could hear it.

Canuck

sorry about your loss,,it's the reason I'm content with aquaintences,,no investment,,no loss.GODS PEACE

Lb,Sorry to hear of your loss. Good friends are hard to find. Hang in there bro.

I really thank you all for your coments. I really feel lost.

It seems that nothing saddens me more than the loss of a good friend and fellow hunter.

Deepest sympathys

Leonard,

My thoughts are with you.

Ray

Leonard,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

When good men sit with you around a campfire, Stephen will be remember in kind words and deeds. In that respect Stephen will always be among us. I know he will live in your heart and memories! Not a bad epitaph, that!

Sorry to hear of your loss. We all will lose hunting buddies if we live long enough. Hunt anyway. Look for new friends. There are lots of good people out there. Not to replace the lost one. No one can. Just to not miss all the good friends yet to come. Good hunting "D"

Sorry to hear of your loss. I also know what it feels like because I lost my best friend/hunting partner in 88, he was 23. It goes to prove you never know when your turn is up so enjoy life like there is no tomorow. I'm sure your friend would want you to go anyways. I for one would want my partner to go anyways, it wouldn't be the same but go anyways and remember the good times.
Mike