Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Larry Surtees on December 15, 2010, 10:16:00 AM
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First, thank you all for everything that has been done over the past 24 hours. I am amazed at reading the posts, how everyone has come forward. I’ve read and reread the posts. Tears keep streaming down my face each time I read them. Thank you for your kind words, thoughts, prayers, and concerns for me and my family.
Chris’ passing is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face. It isn’t getting easier at this point as at every turn I find myself being reminded of my only son. As many of you who knew, Chris and I shared a “special” relationship -- we were very, very close to say the least. He really looked after me, more than I looked after him over the last few years. He lived for Trad Gang and the friendships he had with so many of you. He was a kind, thoughtful, and energetic person whose passion was for anything that was hunting and fishing related.
Sorry for such a long, drawn-out post, but I need to say a few things. Many have asked me what happened. So please bear with me as I explain it.
The civil and military authorities will not tell me much about the accident until the investigation is over. The accident occurred about 7:20 p.m. Monday eve. I was able to visit the scene of the accident yesterday, and from the accounts of the soldiers that have been escorting me, a vehicle turned in front of Chris as he was traveling on a major thoroughfare in Columbus. Georgia. About 6:30 p.m. on Monday, the 13th, Chris called me and we were talking for a while discussing some of our upcoming planned hunts. He received a call from the mechanic where he was having some work done on his truck. He put me on hold, and when he came back to me, he said that some parts were needed to finish his vehicle. Since the next morning temps (yesterday) were going to drop down so low, he didn’t want to be on his motorcycle going to and from work. So he was going to pick up his truck and then return it back to the mechanic when the parts arrived. He asked if I would stay on the phone with his youngest son while he went to get his vehicle. Justin asked if he could go play his game, so I told him that he could call me if he had any problems before his dad returned home. After an hour of not hearing back from Chris, I called his phone and got no answer. I didn’t want to call Justin as I thought he might already be in bed. I tried one more time to call my son with no luck, but thought both he and Justin had retired for the night. About 11:00 p.m. I received a call on my phone and saw that it was Justin, my first words out of my mouth were: “Boy, why are you still awake this late on a School night. You need to be in bed.” All I heard after that was “Dad’s dead.” I was devastated at that point. Then the Fort Benning Chaplain spoke to me and my wife and then his Commanding Officer spoke to us. My wife and granddaughter threw some clothes in a bag for me, and about 12:30 a.m. I hit the road for the 4 ½ - 5 hour trip from Pensacola (my home) to Chris’ place at Fort Benning (Columbus) Georgia to get Justin (the youngest grandson) who Chris had custody and also to take care of the arrangements here.
My family is upset to say the least. His oldest son is on his way from Iraq, his daughter along with my wife were and still are probably taking this hardest. His youngest son who rarely shows any type of emotion has shed tears many times over this.
The family does not want to relive this again, so we have decided against a funeral. Fort Benning will have a memorial service in his honor. After seeing Chris in the Morgue (sp?) yesterday, and talking it over with the family, we have decided cremation is what the family wants at this time. The National Cemetery in Pensacola will place a headstone in memory of Chris. They located a spot about 20 yards from where my mother is buried. So he will have a spot near his grandmother. Since Chris is “an outdoorsman” his ashes will be spread “in the woods” at a special, beautiful location that I have discussed with Terry Green. Chris would want this, and his hunt can continue.
Thank you, one and all. You don’t know what TG meant to my son, and what it (you all) mean to me and my family.
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We're here for you and the family Larry. Anything you need just say the word. We're praying for all of you.
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Prayers for all of you.May God's wonderful grace hold you and fill you with the comfort on He can give.
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Sir, did not personally know your son but gained alot of advice from him through TG over the years. I am not good with words so I leave it at this. My heart and my prayers go to you, your family, and to Chris. Your son will live on through TG, our hunts, the wind, the trees, and the earth that surround us. While physically gone, your son will always be close by, living in our hearts and in our minds.
With love and respect,
Jason Baker
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Sounds like a perfect resting place for you boy.
I look at my own son and can not imagine the pain you feel.
All the posts I have read on this site in honor of your son just shows what an amazing man you and your wife raised.
My family will stay in prayer for your family.
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Sir I don't know you nor have i ever met your son Chris but after reading your post and others I feel somehow connected, and share in your mourning. Praying for you and the family.
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Mr Surtees ,
I am sorry for the loss of your son, and I am sure words cannot begin to define the type of person he was, or what he has done for so many people here and how he has touched so many lives with his generosity and good will.I have never met him but I have had the pleasure of some great advice from him and always looked forward to his post.His memory will live on through his post for all the new guys to learn from as we did.He is going to be watching after you still, as he will be the spirit that guides your arrows to hit their mark.
You did an Incredible job of raising such an honorable and well respected man.And his children will grow to be that as well,for having you in their lives.
I send you and your family my prayers.
I salute you Chris SEMPER FI
May you enjoy many hunts with Hill and Bear. :campfire:
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May God's grace, and blessings be with you all.
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so sorry for your loss, my most sincere condolences to you and your family
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Larry,I have just lost my loved DAD and he was very special to me ,but this is more natural also if it hurts a lot.I can't immagine your pain and the one of your grand sons.The only solace you have is that he was loved and respected by so many people and he will hunt forever with you and with us.The Good Lord will take care of such a GREAT soul.No words will take the pain from you,but you are not the only one.God Bless you and your family.
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It was an honor to call him my friend.
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Larry,
I didn't know Your Son, But I will have My Flag at half mass in Honor of Him.
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It's a world turned upside down, and against order of nature when a father has to lay a son to rest. My condolences to you and your family. I never had the fortune to know your son, but I can see Chris was well loved and respected. Your family's loss is everyone's loss. God bless you.
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Thank you!
There aren't any words that can convey the pain that's in my heart for you and your family. I will cry with you for the loss of your son and our friend.
May God grant us peace and the knowledge that He is still in control.
My prayers are for the healing of broken hearts.
God bless,Mudd
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Warrior, patriot, outdoorsman, family man, beloved son. I can't think of too many more superlatives for a way to live a life. Condolences to your family.
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Larry, my most sincere condolences for the loss of your son. I too lost my oldest son just over 2 years ago and its still tough. The tears fall now over my keyboard thinking that others have to feel this unnatural pain, our only comfort seems to be to look to God and carry on the way our Sons would have. Know they are with us in every step, on every hunt to somehow give us strength. My prayers to You and your Family, Jerry.
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I truly looked forward to meeting Chris and you in Texas. My greatest sympathy to your family and Im wishing for you all to find peace in these difficult times.
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Larry, I can't imagine the loss you are experiencing. As the father of two sons, whom I love beyond words, I come to tears just thinking of the loss of Chris. Let's not forget our Heavenly Father who gave his only begotten son so we could all live together again in his presence. You will get to be with Chris again.
Larry, I know you and Chris had a wonderful time bowfishing for alligators this past year and you both were looking forward to trying them again in Florida next year. I'd be honored if you'd let me take you and Justin on that hunt in Chris' honor. I know now isn't the time to be thinking of future hunts, but please keep it in the back of your mind and PM me in the future if you want to take me up on the offer.
With sincere love and condolences.
Terry
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Larry, please accept the condolences from my family to yours on the loss of your son. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine my pain if I were to lose my son. You and all your family are in our prayers.
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My heart hurts for you Larry & your family. I've said many prayers for your peace & transition into the next realm of your favor. God Bless. If you need anything just call. b
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I really dont know what to say except.Im praying for you and your family.
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When I lost my wife, Chris was one of the first to contact me. May God bless you and your family. Mike
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Larry, I am very sorry for your loss I cannot imagine the pain in your heart. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
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Larry, Words can't express the sorrow I feel for your loss. Your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you all. Fred
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Larry....I'm so sorry for your loss. Never got to hunt with Chris but took great pleasure in reading his posts and sending pm's back and forth. He was such a giving young man, I'm sure his legacy will live on thru all who knew him. I'm praying for you and the family, may the Holy Spirit give you comfort and peace thru this difficult time.
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Please accept my condolences on the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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I can't imagine what it would be like to lose a Son.....words are just words but my heart and prayer is with you now sir.
Lord hold tight, protect and comfort those Chris left behind...
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Larry
May God hold you and your family in the palm of His hand.
Chris will be with us always.
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I pray that the peace of God that passes all understanding is with you and your family at this time. I cannot imagine your sense of loss.
Ted
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There are no words I can muster that will make this any better.
I am sorry.
The tears are on my cheek. Maybe I can shed a few so you don't have to.
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Sir,
I am terribly sorry to hear of your family's loss. I read many of Chris' posts–didn't know him personally, they came up often when I was looking for some information–and they were thoughtful and helpful. Clearly a thoughtful, helpful person and well loved.
Sam
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Words fail me-know that your family is in our prayers at this time of sorrow. God bless.
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My deepest sympathy,no one can imagine what you must be going thru.My son is 31 and I know what he means to me.We are with you in your thoughts,Sorrow and prayers,God bless my friend.
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I will continue to pray for you and your family.
God Bless you all,
Nathan
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
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Larry,
Your post has tears running down my cheeks. Chris was a special man and valued friend, as are you.
You have arranged a most fitting tribute.
Til our trails cross again, I will hold you all in my prayers.
God's Peace,
Jed
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Larry it was a Great Honour to talk with Chris when ever he was around he will be missed my freind. i will be thinking of you and your family God Bless and keep you safe. love you Brother. your freind Jeff.
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Larry, I sit here with tears in my eyes, knowing all to well, with the loss of my younger brother a few years back, how devastated you and your loved ones feel at this moment. Keep your chin up, talk about the good times, and let those emotions out. Lean on friends and family to get through this, everyone's gonna deal with it differently. You will be together again one day. God speed.
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Larry , i write this from my office where above me on the wall hangs an elk carving from Chris.
Take solace in the fact that , even from many thousands of miles away here in Australia , his passing has shown that amongst all the stars in the heavens , a very few , even though with us for a shorter time than others , burn all the brighter.
Chris will be missed for sure but his life here will continue to resonate forever amongst those he loved , protected, helped, fought for and walked the mountain with
God Bless to you and yours in this difficult time.
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Larry I am so sorry to have read of Chris's tragic passing.. My prayers go out to you and your family.
As the Father of 5, Grandfather of 12 and Great G-father of 3 I can only emagine the pain you and your family are experiencing. I will go out this evening and send a "Cedar" deep out into the woods on Chris's behalf.
Gene
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Larry,
I can't imagine you and your family's pain friend, but I will keep prayer for you and all to be comforted by the Lord. Chris will be missed so much and I am honored to have known him. At sunset, I too will send a shaft up for Chris with a bent stick and tears down my cheeks I feel sure !!!!
My best,
Lanier
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Larry, I only exchanged a few pm's with Chris, but we have a few friends in common.
I don't know what to say, so thought back to when I scattered my Dad's ashes, many years too soon...
So I'll say this, you don't carry this weight alone. Sounds like you have a great family, and obviously a fantastic brotherhood here. Grief is better shared than carried alone... looks like you have a lot of help. God bless you.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
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It saddens me to hear of Chris's passing. I didn't know him, but it is evident from the messages of others that he was loved and respected by many people.
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The heavy weight of the burden you and the rest of the family now bear is beyond my comprehension Larry. But like Alex said so well, you don't bear it alone. We're here for you whenever you need us.
Chris's propensity for buying, selling, and trading keeps sticking in my mind. There are quite a bunch of people who have such a variety of things they acquired through Chris, and those items will continue to be carried into some very special places for years to come. I know that it will help me keep him in my thoughts and he will be with me on many journeys.
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Prayers sent.
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My sincerest condolences for the loss of your son.
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I don't have the words to express my sorrow for you and your family.
We should all remember that EVERY day is a GIFT, and never to take that for granted.
Take care of your family...
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Originally posted by centaur:
Warrior, patriot, outdoorsman, family man, beloved son. I can't think of too many more superlatives for a way to live a life. Condolences to your family.
I can't think of a better way to express my feelings on your son. So so sorry for your loss.
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Larry,my condolences to you and the family.Would have liked to meet Chris.Only exchanged a few PM's with him.
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>>>>-------------->
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Very sorry for your loss Sir. Please know that you and your family are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
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My sincere condolences on the loss of your son, especially at this time of year.
I unfortunately know what it's like to lose a child. They say time heals all wounds, and it does, but the scars still remain.
God Bless you and your family.
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I'm so saddened by the tragic loss of your son Larry, and even though I haven't been here long....I've seen some of his posts. Any man, whether we knew him personally or not could not help but be moved by the pain the family must feel.
You can always tell the true character of a man by the friends and loved ones he leaves behind.
As evidence by the posts I have read here from the other members, your son was a man of true character, much respected, had many friends, and will be missed terribly.
I pray you and your family finds comfort in knowing that Chris now walks beside the Lord in Heaven's Woodlots and green pastures ......forever in pursuit of the Lord's bounty with bow in hand.
Rest in peace my brother......and save a few for me.
God Bless,
Chris
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Mr. Surtees-I never knew you or your son but my heart goes out to you and your family. I will say some prayers for you also and Godspeed to your family at this tragic time.
God Bless,
Kenny :pray:
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Still praying for you Larry and your family.
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Mr. Surtees, I'm at a loss for words. I can't even imagine what you and your family is going through. Chris seems to be a special person. he had sold me a bow rack after I put out a post inquiring about one. He's also had input on several posts that I have made on Tradgang. I am truly broken hearted over this sad news. My condolences.
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So sorry for your loss Mr. Surtees. We're (my family) praying for you and your family.
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Very sorry to read about your family's loss. It seems like a "thank you" is also in order for giving the world someone like Chris. Thank you Sir.
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I am new here and know noone,but I am sorry for your loss and I will keep a good thought for you and your family.
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I`m sorry for your loss Sir and have no words. You and Yours will be and are in my Prayers.RC
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Larry you and your family are in my prayers. I was fortunate to be the benafactor of a few of Chris's St Jude's items, I have no words to offer execept condolences. I am so sorry for the loss to you and your family.
David
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I only knew your son thru TG but still considered him a friend. My prayers go out to you and your family.
David Webb
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Larry, I am stunned to hear this and although my only interaction with you and Chris was at last year's Solana hunt I saw the bond between you two and loved seeing you two together having so much fun. It reminded me of me and my dad on our fly fishing trips.
God bless you and your family as you face this tragedy. I am so sorry and wish that there was a way to relieve this burden upon you. Chris was a real woodsman/outdoorsman and I was really looking forward to hooking up with y'all this year. I offer my prayers.
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Last night on one of my final stands of the season I thought often of your son and your family . The evening was beautiful with snow hanging heavy on every branch and the setting sun highlighting the pure white scene. Turkeys took flight to roost in every pine surrounding my stand as the snow sifted through the needles as they found their nightly perch. As they stirred above I heard steps to my left and three does approached in single file followed by an 8 pt buck all so close. The wind was wrong but the deer remained slowly feeding and disappearing in the snow covered bushes. As I got down from the tree and gathered my things I looked up and another doe stood looking at me then turned and slowly walked away with only her breath remaining in the zero temperatures. Everything seemed so surreal. It was one of my most memorable stands and I'm mot sure why because as I walked from the woods I thought of your family and your loss. I don't know your son but so many have so much good to say that his spirit will surely remain in the woods he loved.
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I will add a few prayers for your family. This is so sad.
Take care,
Bisch
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Sorry for your loss.
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I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time.
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I can't find the words to say except I'm so sorry.
I pray that the Lord comfort you and your family.
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Larry I feel your pain, I had to make the toughest call ever to tell my parents that their son had passed. The burden you and your family will become easier but it is going to take time. You have been in my thoughts constantly theses last couple days. Knowing someone so special has been taken before there time is tough to take. I wish you and your family the very best from the bottom of my heart. Take care of yourself and your family.
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Larry, You know how much Chris and yuo and the Family mean to me.
Just know I'm here and just a phone call away. You need me, I'll come. The same for Young Chris, Justin and Kelsy.
My love and prayers are with ya'll.
Remember if you need me....
Johnny
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You and your family are in my prayers. May God bless and comfort you in this time.
Mike
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Larry, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news. I am sorry for your loss and I am praying for your family in this time of need. God Bless.
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Larry and the Surtees family,
I did not know Chris personally, but I can see from these posts and the words you have said that God blessed you well with the time he gave you here with Chris. May it comfort you to remember and cherish those moments until the day when your trails cross again.
We pray for God to bless you all in this time of sorrow.
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Larry,
I am so sorry and don't know the words that can take the pain away but for what it's worth You and Chris's children are in my prayers and I have seen Chris's name here on Trad Gang over the years and the pics of him put a face to his name...You raised a great son and my heart is hurting for you all...May God be with you and I'll continue to keep your family in our prayers...God Bless You Larry....<><
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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larry
please know that we are all sharing this burden with you,as much as we can anyway.your pain is great right now as to be expected my friend but it someday will ease enough so that you can begin the celebration of his life.if you need help in any way just ask brother.my condolences.
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I never met Chris, even though I felt we were alot alike. I traded some broadheads with him just a couple of weeks ago. God Bless his family during this difficult time.
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Heartfelt Prayers and condolences sent from Flat Rock.
James
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Prayers and may God provide comfort for you and your family. Mark
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Larry, I pray that God will help you and the rest of your family through this week and the weeks ahead.
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Larry,
I too have been praying for you and your family sence I've heard the news ... my deepest condolences for your family.
God Bless,
Steve
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Mr Surtees ,
I am very sorry for the loss of your son, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Chris's family. My son and I have a relationship similar to what you have described with your son, in honor of your son, my son and i plan a moment of silence followed with a prayer this weekend in the woods.
Tom
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Larry, I know you read these posts and will reread them over the next many days ahead. You will find what you need to breath, right here. You have many friends here all waiting to help in any way possible. Some have experienced what you are now, others different but still the same. No amount of words or actions will stop the hole in your heart from bleeding. I lost my husband of 29 yrs in 2009, I still have a hole in my heart, it's much smaller now but I will always miss him. Chris contacted me when Allen died, and I appreciated that alot. He was kind and soft hearted in that way. He thought about others. You raised him well, and now he needs you to help raise his children. They will need you and your wife as they never have before. Please remember you can turn to your friends here, they are your family to. I pray God gives you all strength for the days ahead......
Tomi Varnell
:archer:
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If I double post this I apologize..
Larry, I am sitting in a tree in Alabama right now. I have an arrow with Chris's name on it hoping to draw some blood in his memory. I shared your grief with the guys in camp and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers trying to dull the pain..
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Larry,
I want to express my condolences for your loss. Chris was my Team NCO on the Transition Team mission we did in Iraq in 2008-2009. We were roommates all through training and battle buddies on several missions down range. He was an awesome leader and a mentor to me and the team. We kept in contact after our return and I will really miss him. If you or your family need anything, please do not hesitate to give me a call. You are in my families prayers.
v/r
MAJ John Braun
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Mr Surtees,
I cannot fathom the feelings of pain and loss you and your family must be going through, but you have my deepest condolences and are in my prayers. I never met Chris, or any other tradgangers, yet as I am a relative newcomer and haven't had the privilege of meeting any members, but it is obvious by the outpouring of feelings on this site how loved and respected your son was. I have read many of his posts, and he was always knowledgable and helpful. I did buy a few items from him recently, and he struck me then as a good, kind, honorable man. He was very generous in the pricing,and sent the items before he even got the payment. He was an honorable man and just assumed I would be also. These things and his service to his country speak volumes of the type of man he was and you raised. The items I purchased will have a special place in my hunting life. May God be with you and your family through this difficult time and always.
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God bless you and your family. Bill
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I am sorry for you loss Larry! It it cold and raining here but I will go out and shoot an arrow in honor of Chris today when I get home from work.
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Mr Surtees
Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Fort Leavenworth. Your son will be missed.
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Dear Larry,
My heart aches for the pain you are feeling. No parent should have to bury a child. I always enjoyed your sons posts, threads and replies. I wish I could have known him better. I will say it is an honor to have known him even just a little bit. In a world where "good men" are hard to find, Chris Surtees was certainly one of the "GOOD" ones!
There are no words to erase your pain. But please sir, find comfort in the knowing that you raised a good man, and togther you shared a good life. I pray that my son "Tanner" and I will share the wonderful love and bond you and Chris obviously did.
You and Chris stand a testimony to all fathers and sons as to what a truly beautiful relationship should look like.
Thank you for allowing us to see that.
May God hold you tighter tonight...and may he smile knowing that Heaven has just gained a good man!
respectfully and sincerely,
Peter Iacavazzi
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My heart pours out to his family. He and his family will be in my prayers.
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Prayers to you and your family.
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Mr. Surtees:
I have thought some about what to say to you... I don't know if I have come up with a good way to put my feelings.
I, like many here, never met Chris, but this group is a family and as such we each feel the loss.
My heart, soul and mind are with you and your family during this time of need. May God aid you, your family and Chris's children in your healing from this loss.
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Words are at a lost for me....I am so very sorry.
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Chris and Larry and I had a huge misunderstanding a few months ago.....something I said in jest that was not taken that way.
In the days that followed, the 3 of us talked and came to understand that it all WAS just a misunderstanding. We got to hunt a few times together since and spend some time planting foodplots, scouting and drinking coffee around camp.
I THANK GOD, that we were ok before Chris left us. As much as this hurts my heart, I don't know what I would be feeling now had we stayed irritated at each other. Over a few simple words on a printed page.
Beware brothers and sisters; we sometimes get carried away here over piddlin things. Don't make bad words to your friends, you may not be as fortunate as I was.
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Sometimes words are so inadequate.....
May you find the grace and peace that only the Lord can provide as you walk this valley. He who gave His only begotton Son is touched by your grief and can you bring comfort and strength. Praying for you.....
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So tragic. My condolences to you and your family. I really dont have any words. I only hope that the healing can begin very soon.
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my condolences to your family.he will be missed,steve
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It's taken awhile for this to sink in as I just spoke to Chris last week. I was excited for both Larry and Chris as Jack Kempf featured both of them on his 2011 Hunters Calender.
I was just getting ready to ship out Larry's new 52" Kwyk Styk and verified with Jack both of Chris's orders...he had 2 on order when I read about Chris passing. I still can't believe it and I haven't been myself the past few days.
I mailed out 2 Sympathy cards to the Surtees family yesterday and here on TG want to offer Larry my deepest sympathy for the loss of a loved one. This may sound unusual to some of you but before I wrapped up Larry's bow, I held it and said a silent prayer that Chris's Spirit lives on in this bow and all of Larry's travels.
To the entire Surtees Family...I am truly sorry for your loss.
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Prayers are in the wind from East Texas!
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I am blessed with two sons and a daughter. I can't imagine any greater pain than the loss of one of them. You have my deepest sympathy. I only knew Chris through TG, but as one father to another I hope you can take at least a small measure of comfort knowing your son was so well thought of here.
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Mr. Surtees
There is little I can say except we are praying for you and your family! Your sons memory will be carried with us all in our hearts and souls! God Bless you Larry!
Keeping the Faith!
Matt
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Larry my heart goes out to you and your family I lost my best hunting buddy and best friend Nov. 3 last month which was my Daddy to cancer . I miss him so much and the memory of his suffering is to much for me to bear at times so i turn to God and ask for his mercy . Thats all we can do when we lose someone so special to us that words can not describe the deepness of our love for that person . I will pray for you and your family .
Mike
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It is our human condition to grieve for the living at such a loss. Those who die in Christ will live in everlasting, unimagineable joy.
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I have been grieving you loss since first hearing of this. To hear those words from your grandson.... I don't want, to but it is impossible to imagine such grief. I pray you are already beginning to take some strength from the memories you carry.
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:pray:
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I never met Chris but from reading all the postings from him,I felt like I did know him...My prayers are with you....Bill
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I am so sorry for your loss.
Dan
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The strength of human beings at times like these never ceases to amaze me. God Bless, Larry.
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Also, sorry for your loss.
GOD Bless,
David
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We are hurting with you the only thing i can say,just know that Chris was highly thought of and repected here and it seems everywhere he went!
prayers, thoughts and tears from the Harris home.
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Larry,
I did not know your son but my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most tragic time. "May God grant your family grace, that in pain you may find comfort, in sorrow hope, and in death resurrection."
Greg
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Larry,
I never had the honor of meeting Chris, but have had dealings with him on TG, and was always on the lookout for his posts. He was a man of great honor and generosity. I ride a bike also, all year round, and these last few days since the tragic news he has been on my mind every time I hit the starter button. His Spirit lives on, in everyone here. I also will be sending one of my cedar arrows skyward in his honor.
God Bless you and your family Sir, and may He comfort you all in this time of terrible trial. You will be in my Prayers.
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My deepest sympathy goes out to you and yours!! God Bless!! Shawn
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Sir,i am so sorry for you and your familys loss.
your definitely in my familys prayers,Ross
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Sir,
As a father I know of no words that can express the sincere condolences I feel for you and your family. God bless.
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Larry, We felt our hearts shatter reading of Chris and so sorry knowing what you are all going through as we feel you guys as our own family.
You and your family are in our hearts and prayers always and here if you need us.
Frank and shell<><
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Mr. Surtees, I can not fathom what kind of pain and suffering you are going through right now, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your son accomplished much in the short time he was here. I could only hope that I could have the same type of relationship with my son as you had with Chris. Sir, you raised a person who was a difference maker, who was a war hero, who looked out for the good of others. You did a fine, fine job Mr. Surtees, and it showed in the type of person Chris was.
God bless Chris and his family.
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ah Larry im so sorry for your loss.
even though iv never met Chris in person i considered him and great friend, one of those few amazing people you come across once in a while, everything he did was to help or for the benefit of someone else asking nothing in return for himself.
Thoughts are with you and your family.
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My deepest sympathies to you and your family, sir.
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My prayers are with you!
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Larry, I've got this very late and just plain have no words, just emotion.
I'll just try in this small way to convey what your son Chris and yourself did for me.
When Chris bid on and won a St Jude action item I offered,and then said it was for you, I was really impressed. When I talked to you over the phone I got feeling of wonder at the bond you shared, way over and above what most father and son's share.
You and Chris have given a great gift here to people such as myself. The gift is betterment of ourselves. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. I believe in a afterlife and I will thank Chris in person.
Your friend, Robin
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I still don't have the words. On the other thread, TG lost a good man..., I was stunned. I had seen the header, and so was a little warned, but it still shocked the hell out of me.
It was a bolt from the blue. I searched my photos, and found a picture I had taken of a tree that sits on a ridge about a hundred yards or less behind my tent at camp. It is a magnificent red spruce, maybe 50 or 60 years old. Straight, strong, and surrounded by its progeny and comrades in arms. It was struck by lightning one stormy night, with a roar that sent me up in the air from my flat-butt seat on the floor of my tent. My feelings on learning of Chris' death were much the same as that night, and the following day when I went to see what had happened. The strike had ripped down the entire length of the tree and blasted earth from over its roots.
God's work is awesome, often sudden, and to us, incomprehensible. Powerless, I pray for strength, and that His will be done. But the sadness, the wrenching loss of something so grand and good, is so hard to take. May Chris' goodness and giving ways persevere in all of us who look upon his example. May we be worthy of being his friends, and praise God for showing us the good qualities that a man is capable of.
Killdeer
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/Hunting%20and%20Camp/2007%20November%20Hunt/Img_4951.jpg)
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Well said Killy.
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I am so sorry for your loss..Prays are sent..
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Chris will definately be missed. It shows here at trad gang and I'm sure it shows anywhere he has touched the lives of others. Prayers sent to the Surtees family and friends.
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rest in peace fellow warrior and bowhunter.
Zack
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Larry,Chris was one of a kind he always took the time to help out all who asked.Take pride in knowing you raised a loving son and a good man.I'm sure he's bowhunting in paradise and watching over us all.Iknow I'll miss his guidance and friendship.
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Larry, please accept my sympathy on the loss of your son. Chris' passing has made other things seem insignificant lately. I always loved reading his topics. I never met him but I asked him a few questions via PM and he always offered great advice. I traded equipment with him a few times and he even sent me some stuff to try for free. This summer I got some 160 snuffers from him and I was impressed when the package arrived with the military address on it……..something like 'Battle Lane' or 'Armored Lane'. He was a humble guy and I didn’t even know he was military. I hope y'all can stay strong during this trying time and know that you are better b/c of knowing him. I certainly will not forget him.
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May God give you and your family the strength to carry on with your lives with the good memories of your son and the wonderful times had together. God bless all of you.