Sad news the other day, Joe Croteau, 70, passed away.
I met Joe and his family last fall up in Maine at the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Division Finals; have to be honest, never met the man before but he was part of a “Pick 9” story.
Joe is one of the reasons I love doing the “Pick” stories where I go up to strangers and ask them about their lives and family. Joe was kind and decent to me, laughed some, made me laugh some, but told me how much he loved his family, and fishing.
We lost a brother here with Joe’s passing, a special person who will never be forgotten. Especially by me.
Here’s some of what was written in his obituary:
He was a lifelong member and founder of Northern Rhode Island Bass Anglers since 1987, and was a qualifier of multiple Rhode Island State Teams National Competitor and Mr. Bass. Together with his son Brian, they fished from the beach at Race Point, Cape Cod from 1977-1984, then they both were commercial fishermen from 1994-2000.
And then this was how the announcement ended:
All anglers who attend the funeral are asked to please wear their tournament jerseys.
Joe, buddy, if I had a tournament jersey, I would wear it for you today my friend.
If you want to know more about Joe you can find the story I did about him here.
Rest In Peace, my friend. You will be missed.
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