Fishtails Posted November 17, 2017 Report Share Posted November 17, 2017 I received this email from the Gold Rush chapter of Trout Unlimited. For those of you that didn't see the barrage of posts on social media... I thought I would keep you in the loop. This is from the man himself... I know he will be missed by all of us at the shows, but the man has definitely earned a break! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To my friends,I was 92 in January and had a carotid artery operation. During testing the hospital determined my heart was only pumping 35% and must limit my physical activities followed by a rest. The industry was extremely helpful and last season was able to attend the shows, clinics, etc.Several weeks ago, I realized I was developing another problem, which is normal for someone nearly 93. It turns out I have congested heart failure. My pacemaker revealed there was a series of very rapid hear beats, which could cause a stroke. Fortunately a lot of doctor/friends are fly-fisherman and worked with me. In summary I have to give up travel and presentations as in the past.Everyone produces a certain amount of fluid in the body and excretes the excess. Because of the low heartbeat my body is not getting rid of all the fluids and I gained weight. My best friend Dr. Mark Lamos put me in the hospital and with back procedure they twice removed a liter and a half of fluid from my chest. After five days in the hospital. I lost weight.A week or so later I starting gaining weight again so it was back in the hospital for the same treatment. They reduced most of the fluid and returned home. I determined I was not going to continue back to the hospital. Mark decided to use medicine to control the excess fluid. It’s been a fine-tuning situation but looks like it’s starting work.This means the schedule I lived for decades is no longer valid and will spend most my time at home. As we get older we learn to adjust to what we can and cannot do. I have a number of interesting computer home projects on the computer and busier than a Syrian bricklayer. I’m not frustrated and I’m content My problem is I don’t have a lot of stamina and have to work around that. If Marks medical system works I should be busy and around for a year or two.I would like to be able to send this email to my friends but I don’t really know how to do this. So I’m asking others to help me spread the word through email. Because my lack of energy and stamina I having trouble answering emails (there are more than 400 on the computer) and not talking much on the phone. This is not meant to be unfriendly is learning to adjuster my situation.In summary I’m busy and content but I want you to know I am so appreciative you’ve have shared your lives with me. All The Best Friends,Lefty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted November 17, 2017 Report Share Posted November 17, 2017 He's lived a great life....I hope I'm that lucid at 93 dc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jensenjeff Posted November 17, 2017 Report Share Posted November 17, 2017 Yes, had the honor of meeting him several years ago at the shallow water expo in Orlando, quite a guy! Watched him load and cast a fly line over 80 feet from his knees using only half of the rod! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
conocean Posted November 17, 2017 Report Share Posted November 17, 2017 Fly fishing Yoda he is indeed. Hope I have energy to check an email at 93!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nag Juice Posted November 18, 2017 Report Share Posted November 18, 2017 He was 93 before heart disease got him. That’s pretty good imo. Lefty has lived a life I could only dream about. He built a name and brand on his own fishing abilities and mastered it. I could only hope to be as lucky and fortunate as him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin-addict Posted November 18, 2017 Report Share Posted November 18, 2017 93, that is a goal unto itself. god bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarpon1215 Posted November 18, 2017 Report Share Posted November 18, 2017 One of the truly great ones! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Dave Posted November 19, 2017 Report Share Posted November 19, 2017 "busier than a Syrian bricklayer". Lefty, that's awesome. May God bless you and keep you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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