Special Project/saying Goodbye

[jode hillman]

As many of you may have Gathered from a previous posting, the waterfowl community lost a great ambassador recently. Charles "Chip" Goss was a long time friend, client and all around good man. He was a member of Duckboats also. He was the first person to ever buy a decoy from me 20 years ago. ( it was Bad! But he still loved it). In an age of throw away junk, he hunted over cedar birds in a custom built sneak box. The owner of a roofing company, he employed many local duck hunters, and they all loved him.

He and his wife Verna fostered many Children over the years after theirs were grown. Generous to a fault, he will be greatly missed.
It was with Sadness I learned the news when his wife called to tell me. And then a little trepidation when she asked if I would carve his final resting place. She wanted him to have a place on the mantle, next to his favorite retrivers. I'm not gonna lie, this was a tough one!

I wanted the bird to have a "fatherly, strong presence ". Sometimes elusive to capture, but hopefully I succeeded.

Chip was gone much to soon, I'll miss you buddy!


View attachment IMG_8081.JPGView attachment IMG_8172.JPGView attachment IMG_8429.JPG

 

[jim bosanny]

You nailed it Jode. Both in your words and the bird. A great tribute to a wonderful sounding guy. Sorry for your loss.

 

[Steve Sanford]

Good morning, Jode~

I can only imagine the emotions. But, I'm guessing you are also glad to have the opportunity to contribute to honoring your friend in this most special way.

All the best,

SJS

 

[jode hillman]

Good morning, Jode~

I can only imagine the emotions. But, I'm guessing you are also glad to have the opportunity to contribute to honoring your friend in this most special way.

All the best,

SJS

Thanks Steve, once in awhile we get to do something that Really means a lot, more so than the typical decoy. This was one of those times for sure. I did feel like it let me contribute in some small way.

 

[jode hillman]

You nailed it Jode. Both in your words and the bird. A great tribute to a wonderful sounding guy. Sorry for your loss.

Thanks Jim for the kind words and sympathy

 

[Huntindave McCann]

Jode,

I think your friend married a very special lady.

 

[jode hillman]

Jode,

I think your friend married a very special lady.

He most certainly did!

 

[Bill Abbate]

Jode-

Very sorry to learn of the loss of your good friend. May God bless over his family and friends during this most difficult time. He sounded like a phenomenal individual. The good always get taken early.

 

[benp]

A fine bird to a fine gentleman, sorry that the duck community has lost another friend.

 

[Vince Pagliaroli]

A Watch Gander, attentive, loyal and protective.


You succeeded in what had to be a very trying, but worthy task.

My sympathy to family and friends for such a great loss.


May Chip rest in peace.

 

[jode hillman]

Jode-

Very sorry to learn of the loss of your good friend. May God bless over his family and friends during this most difficult time. He sounded like a phenomenal individual. The good always get taken early.

Thanks you Bill. All to often this seems to be true.

 

[jode hillman]

A fine bird to a fine gentleman, sorry that the duck community has lost another friend.

Thank you Ben.

 

[jode hillman]

A Watch Gander, attentive, loyal and protective.


You succeeded in what had to be a very trying, but worthy task.

My sympathy to family and friends for such a great loss.


May Chip rest in peace.

Thank you Vince, a poet could not of come up with better words.

 

[patrick mccarthy]

Mr. Hillman
Wow what an emotional project to take on. Yet to be able to use your gift as an artist/craftsman to honor your friend, must have a certain emotional satisfaction.
All the Respect to you sir for an incredible gesture for your friend.

 

[RLLigman]

Jode, you did your friend's memory proud via your craftsmanship. Well, done!

 

[jode hillman]

Mr. Hillman
Wow what an emotional project to take on. Yet to be able to use your gift as an artist/craftsman to honor your friend, must have a certain emotional satisfaction.
All the Respect to you sir for an incredible gesture for your friend.

Patrick, thanks. I must say working through the process of design, carving and completion made me recall many of the good memories I may not have done otherwise.

 

[jode hillman]

Jode, you did your friend's memory proud via your craftsmanship. Well, done!

Thank you RL. The family was pleased and allowed them to have Chip
Close by. So for that I'm happy .

 

[Joseph Sarno]

hello Jode , what a way to honor your friend , you must have meant a lot to chip and his wife .sorry for the loss .

 

[Capt. Larry M]

great tribute to a special guy!! The good guys lost a good one with Chip. RIP

 

[S Lewis]

Jode,
Nothing is as honoring as to have a hunting/fishing buddy do something out of love for a deceased friend and his spouse and family. Chip sounds like a “class” type of guy. So sorry for the hurt.
I greatly respect the woodworkers and craftsman here, who do incredible things with wood! Jode, yours included. I remember asking my woodworking buddy to make an urn out some cedar I had for my 34 year old wife, who I lost to cancer. I was moved to tears to see his craftsmanship for my wife’s ashes.
I have spoken at friend’s memorial services and helped my buddies widows inventory hunting/fishing “stuff” to pass on or sell. As hard as it is to do, we do it out of the love we have for our friends.
Many get to live a great, full life. But I am reminded to give thanks every day for our blessings! I will be going to an 8 year old’s funeral who died last Saturday in a car accident returning from an Easter egg hunt put on by a church I attend…I am not looking forward to that service.

Again Jode, so glad you could be a part of Chip's legacy.