Folks, just learned through Toast's blog that we lost the founder of HoW, Jim Dolan , over the weekend. And before you ask me, I do not know any more than this.
Drifter2007:
A great man who did great things. He will be greatly missed. I appreciate the Heroes on the Water organization so much!
[WR]:
Just an update: found out yesterday that it was a massive stroke that took him. Apparently his second, he'd survived one before that had altered his cognition somewhat.,
Regardless, the man brought a program to life that has helped thousands of people.
Ling Banger:
In my 7 years of volunteering with HOW I had the opportunity to meet Jim a handful of times. He had a magnanimous and magnetic personality.
He played football for Air Force, later flew C-130's, and went on to enjoy a long successful career as a pilot for American Airlines.
I didn't always agree with Mr. Dolan, or all of the decisions that he or some of the people that were entrusted to continue his vision made after he stepped away. However, myself and numerous other volunteers continue to push forward on this mission because the program does what it's designed to do.
If you are reading this then I'm likely preaching to the choir. You know how amazing a great day of kayak fishing can make you feel. Additionally, as choir members you know how much planning, preparation and effort can be necessary to achieve those amazing days.
Now imagine that you are very dark place. You have experienced things so traumatic that you dare not speak of those events, not even to those who are closest to you and love you unconditionally. Partially because those around you have no frame of reference, but also because the connections you once had to those people that know what you are going through are no longer accessible.
Then one day you get an email or a call to go kayak fishing. At a HOW event participants have the opportunity to reconnect with that support system, and also have one of those amazing kayak fishing days with their family by their side. These events happen with very little planning or preparation on their part and they feel reassured knowing that a team of dedicated and experienced volunteers are there to ensure safety and help them get on fish.
Jim hatched the plan. He worked selflessly to get the ball rolling. Now it's all up to us in the kayak fishing community to keep working together to keep his vision alive and well to serve the veteran and first responder communities.
Vaya con dios Jim.
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