a tribute to AL and John

[Cody Roiter]

Guys I just need to do this.. I hope this is not a bad time to do it.. Guys I knew both Al and John very little. But the time I spent with both of them where great.. I first met Al a few years back at a archery show or so where down the line.. I do forget where it was or what date.. But I was really starting to get into archery history and  collecting at this time and I met Al and what a nice man he was.. I just never would think a man who was so busy with all them people asking him questions and talking about bows and Fred Bear would take time out of his day to talk to a younger me at the time.. That was just the start of it.. Much to my surprise he talked to me even when he had other people trying to talk with him,, Yes I did ask my share of questions but he all ways seam to try his best to answer them for me.. That’s one thing I like the best about Al was the way he was.. He was never to good for any one….. Man and then last year at Compton I spent just about all my time there looking over Al’s take downs.. Asking question and enjoying my self in the history of it all…
Well the one night he asked if I wanted to eat dinner with him.. As he said there was no one around so I did and I so much enjoyed that time still talking about archery.. I just set back and took it all in.. then we talk some about his wife because I asked him if she ever got mad at him for have all of this stuff around the house he looks at me and said.. Well the funny thing is no.. As he got her into collecting some thing I forgot what it was.. He like we both have or own thing and keeps us happy….. Well  the next day was Sunday so before I went home that day I ran over to where Al was to say thanks one more time for every thing then rite before I take off he hands me two old wood arrows that say bear on them.. He said Cody I  know it’s not a hell of a lot but it’s a start.. I say Al thank u for every thing man.. He hands me a card with his email on and said any time u want to talk archery call or email me..  I would be more then happy to talk I am like I sure will..  Well guys if it was not for Al I don’t know if I would be into this history of archery like I am today..

Al one last time man THANK U Top Kodiak


One the other hand there was John this man I met only one time at an archery show up north in grayling…  I  didn’t get to talk with him much as he was busy and trying to do a 100 things at one time…. But he was the same as Al all ways would talk with any one and he didn’t care who you where.. Well at that time I was
Collecting or trying to any ways stuff on his dad Nel’s anyway I told him I was only 16 at the time and he said wow you are one of the only younger guys I know who is into archery.. Well he asked me what I had picked up or if I had any thing that his dad made or owned he said you never know who has what.. I told him I had a few photos from the internet.. He asked me what ones I had I told him of Nel in the bow shop cutting a bow out on a band saw.. And a few other’s well later on he found out that I liked Howard Hill as well and came up and gave me a copy of a photo of Howard and Nel’s holding a bow while how was looking at the arrow or it the other way I round LOL… it’s not on hand at the mount……..Well I said thanks John he said some thing I will never forget Cody as long as you and other’s are into the sport of archery we will have the history of archery stay alive not only is it archery but the friends you make along the way..

That was the only time I would ever meet John… John  my friend I will do all I can to keep the history of archery alive…  Thanks for every thing man…..

   Just these two man changed my life the way I look at archery and the history……..

                            Thank you guys we all will miss you..  


I also want to take a min to thank all of you guys… here on traggang.. You guys have been a help to me more then you think..    

                                                      Thanks you guys,
           Cody

[KYArcher]

Very nice Cody.

Scott

[cacciatore]

Nice words Cody,for sure the traditional Comunity has lost 2 of its best friends,it is our duty to remember them to the future generations

[jcar315]

Words from the heart are always special. Thanks for sharing Cody.

[yellow bow]

real nice Cody.

[reddogge]

Good stories Cody and nice rememberances.

[TonyW]

Rumor has it that the Fred Bear Museum is permanently closed. At best, it is "scheduled" to re-emerge as a traveling exhibit for Bass Pro.

The truth? All of our collections are the real "Fred Bear Museum." I never met Fred, Al, or John, but whenever I take a Kodiak off the rack to shoot, I feel the connection.

The future of the "real" Fred Bear Museum? My 13 year old son just moved up to shooting a 1959 45# Grizzly.

[KYArcher]

Well said Tony!

Scott

[Cody Roiter]

Well said tony..... Thats great to know there are still a few younger kids then me... still shooting old bear bows and getting into the history of archery.. that made my day....

Cody

[jcar315]

Rich, Sounds like an absolutely fantastic way to spend today!

[JavelinaHink]

Cody.....   .....well said....   ......Hink

Tony....I heard that they were going to make a room in all there Bass Pro stores to put the Archery artifacts starting with Missouri ....

   Hink

Rich....Sounds like a plan....except I'll have to leave the beer out....heading to work at 7pm tonight.....    ....Hink