In Memory of StriperJohn (John Hall)

[mwardncsu]

I am saddened to pass along the word that StriperJohn passed away last evening - 2/25 - after a battle with cancer.

StriperJohn was a long-time member here on these forums - and the versions that preceded these...... some of the old-timers may even remember when he went by FarmerJohn. Many here never got a chance to actually meet John in person- he did come to our Meet & Greet in 2016, which was my first chance to actually meet him face-to-face. But while many did not meet him directly, they got to know him here on the forums via his posts - or more in-depth discussions over PM. John was a wealth of striper fishing information and was willing to share much of it here via post - and he shared more with ones he came to trust"behind the scenes" via PM. He was strong in his views and convictions - which sometimes rubbed some the wrong way - but such is life - we all come from different backgrounds and life experiences and it is that mix that creates the world that we all can learn and benefit from. It's also important for us all to remember that we don't always get to see the full spectrum of what a person is going through in life when viewed through the lens of a internet discussion forum - and as such we should give each other a bit of benefit of the doubt.

I learned a lot about striper fishing from John - and would love to get a look at his log-books from the years past His knowledge will carry on here in the forums through his posts and benefit those in years to come.

Many of you may remember John's mentioning his grandson - he and his wife were raising their grandson - and we know this is a tough time for the young boy. Our thoughts & prayers go out to John's family in this tough time.

A small number of folks knew of John's illness - and he specifically did not want "a big sappy deal" made of it - he was a tough man externally with a big heart. However, he was a part of our community here - a community that becomes like family at times - at least for some. And as such we will mourn his passing - and we will honor him as well.

Feel free to post your remembrances of John here on this thread....

[jmr04]

Very sad. I learned a lot from John on this forum. Last spring I was fishing and was getting a ton of chases with no takers. I thought back to one of John's posts where he recommended shorting up the leash when you couldn't get hit. Shortened up all my boards and damn if it didn't start getting hit and boating fish. Turned out to be one of my best days. Just one of the things I learned from him.
Condolences to his family and friends.

[drag4striper]

I only knew striperjohn from the forum. Would have enjoyed meeting him in person.
He was kind and generous with his knowledge of striper fishing an he shared several PM's with me when I first joined.
I am saddened by the news of his passing, prayers and thoughts to his family during this time.

[tblspoon]

Have seen the name often on the forum and have read his words.

Condolences to family and friends.

[Yam]

My heart goes out to John and his family. I first knew that John was ill when he commented on one of my reports about how much he appreciated watching me grow. I thought, "What the hell has gotten in to John?" After a little digging I quickly found out he had cancer. I was fortunate enough to PM him a few times before he passed on. And let me tell you... he was just as tough on his death bed as he was in good health.

I learned a ton from John and I will really, really miss him. His tough exterior was grounded by a very kind and generous heart. I will always consider him a striper pioneer and he will be in my thoughts forever.

[2 oars & a trash can]

I dont realize how little I know about people here until something like this happens. I've been reading through his posts and I have some replies it's too late for. What a wealth of knowledge and generosity. I suspect his family knows that more than anyone.

[BentRod]

Sorry to hear about John's passing. Thoughts and prayers to his family and wife.

[R22]

I am sorry to hear about StriperJohn. He had a wealth of life experiences. I will miss his springtime reports from his annual trips with his buddies. Prayers to his family.

[KB]

Thoughts go out to his wife and grandson and other family members. I also enjoyed reading post and comments that he would put up on the forum. I did meet him last year but did not have the chance to have a full on conversation with John. This forum is more then just learning a fishing spot or where the bait have ran off to. It is like a family for some and I personally have made lots of friends. I will definitely remember StriperJohn and so will lots others

[primetime]

I joined the forum almost 2 years ago and absolutely knew nothing about striper fishing. I would ask question after question and then another question. I could always count on John answering my questions. Always. He really helped to mentor me about striper fishing of which I am very grateful for. He loved to teach people about his passion for fishing.
The first tournament of the season I did real well and John sent me a pm congratulating me. Man, that made me proud to hear that from a very experienced sml fishermen. During our communication I learned of his illness and he did not want people to know because he didn't want people feeling sorry for him.
Since that pm I have visited and talked with him several times. I would go to his house and he would take me out to his garage and show me all of his tackle. Hand made planer boards, and poppers. I was amazed. But more amazed that his illness didnt dampen his spirit. John would always get up as if he was fine and talk about how we were going fishing together this spring. He pulled his gun out one time and started teaching me how to line the sight up without a back sight to shoot a intruder.
He would tell me story after story. I learned he was in the CIA and has been on several missions that very few people in the govt even knew. He was in Vietnam and lived with 3 bullets in his stomach. He never told me this but I believe striper fishing at SML was a way for him to cope and bring healing from the atrocities he witnessed during the war.
He was a tough man who was kind and generous. Below is a picture of a plaque he wanted me to share with the forum once he passed away. The plaque was kept in his office with several medals he received while working for the government.


I count it a honor and privilege to have known John Hall.

[Deleted]

 
   John was a true American patriot with strong convictions and love for our country. He also stood up proudly for his beliefs, a trait I admired and respected.  You had to know him and who he was, to know, he was probably the most misunderstood member we've ever had.

  My heart is very heavy today.... rest in peace ole friend. 

[Shadslinger]

So sad to hear this. Rest easy Striper John.

[Gator]

I knew this post was coming and have thought about it a lot. I echo what many of you have already shared. When John first learned of his illness he pretty much knew the end was near. But that never stopped him. Like Primetime, John was my friend outside of this forum. I had the opportunity to spend some time with John and his family last weekend. He wouldn't stay in bed (tough as hell) and wanted to talk to me at the dining room table. We sat at the table and had one hell of a heart to heart. It was nice to see him surrounded with so much love, an unconditional love. We shared a hug at the end of the day and I knew that was the last time I was going to see my friend. The 2 hour drive home was time to think. I thought about the things John shared with me and the things he asked of me. The things that friends do. I'm grateful that the suffering is over-but I'll miss my friend. Cheers John......

[seajay]

Sorry to hear this news. I never met John but enjoyed his reports , comments , and his encouraging words of advice on the forum. I believe he touched a lot of people's lives in a positive way. May he rest in peace and prayers for his family .

[coheasion]

Rest in peace John.