Piya is a beautiful person who would listen & give back so much. A kind soul who treated everyone with kindness. He wasn’t just my fishing buddy, he was a friend that I could trust, learn from and have a laugh with. So many chats we had about future boat trips, the times when his boat got bogged in the mud. The times when he would pass his fishing rod to my son James when he hooked a fish. If not fishing we would talk about fishing while eating fried chicken at either our place or his. Always willing to give back more than he was given.
I told him a while ago I would write him a fishing poem, after I had written a poem to another dear friend.
Title: Fishing Friend
Let me tell you a story about my fishing friend.
Graphite stick and he flicks his wrist.
The Cast is long & precise, he waits & persist.
Did I cast too high, too far from the left or did I wind it in too slow or too fast from the west.
Was the lure too shiny or too dole.
As he takes the seaweed from his fishing pole.
A few jerks and sweeps he gives it a twitch.
Waiting for that moment he hooks a fish.
The waiting game is on & the reel spins.
The Rod tips over he has a big grin.
The determined look he had in his eyes.
But the fish was cunning and would not rise.
The water whispers, calm and deep.
Where the secrets of the ocean sleeps.
He fought for hours not to give in.
This was a fighting fish he befriends.
To bring home to his family & friends.
Simon Tippett
I would like to express my greatest sympathy to you all. It was such a shock. He was always a happy man at work, very helpful and easy to get along with. He leaves a big gap here and is sadly missed.
Ken Bouyer
I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend. He was not only my best friend, but also a true companion in life. We studied together at Southbank and graduated at the same time, and our friendship lasted for more than twenty years.
He was a person with a positive heart, always thinking kindly and genuinely happy for the success and happiness of others. His smile, warmth, and encouragement touched everyone who knew him. To me, he was family.
I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved family during this painful time. Please know that he will always be remembered with love, respect, and gratitude. He will live on in our hearts forever.
With sincere sympathy,
Patrick
Patrick Cho
