John squires

[tcorfey]

That is such a shame, he seemed to be a good man based on his postings. My prayers go out to his family. At least he passed while doing something he loved. I hope when I have to go it is while I am fishing or hunting.

Tim C.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

John was born in 1946 so I would bet he had a wonderful life......72 years old.

[markz]

I was sad to hear of John passing, although I didn't know him. I read some of his posts.
I used to do a lot of river guiding, and have been to the Kenai. When I eventually retire, I thought about doing a wilderness rafting trip. I looked up the American Creek, AK on youtube to see what one might expect. One thing I noticed when watching a couple of peoples video is that nobody was wearing lifejackets going down the creek. In one video a cataraft blew out one tube either on a rock or tree. Things happen on the river; so wear your lifejacket even if there is a 99% chance nothing will go wrong.

[Larry S]

I may be way off base, but, it a state can pass a regulation banning felt wading soles, it would seem that certain
safety regs could/should be enacted and enforced. Big bucks are spent for rescues. As a non-fishing aside,
we surf fish several days each week in the La Jolla Farms - Blacks Beach-Glider Port area. Quite often, cliff
rescues are needed for fools that take needless risks. Fire-life guard rescue teams are there; sometimes with
a helicopter. Last I heard, the city can charge $750 per rescue.
Once again, condolences to John's family and friends. I concur with those that enjoyed and appreciated his
forum posts. RIP!
Best to all,
Larry S
Sun Diego

[Bob Loblaw]

72 is too young to go, but if most of us had the choice, chasing fish in a river in Alaska would figure near the top of activities that would merit the phrase "good way to check out".

I had my 11 year old daughter in a boat twice this weekend, Manzanita and the Fall River. She grumbled both times, but even though it was flat calm and seemingly without any danger, she wore a life preserver both times. I have to confess, I did not wear one on the Fall.

[Stu B]

I fished American Creek yesterday. This is a beautiful, remote spot in Katmai Park. Sadly a few days ago the river was higher and would be tough to navigate in a raft. The raft was still in the river capsized over a log jam. RIP. Be safe out there. Stu

[JasonB]

This is very sad news, though I hate to count a man out until there’s a bit more certainty. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I might get a chance to meet him yet. Sure seems like one of the good guys, the kind I’d enjoy sharing some water and a story or two with. Safe travels John, wherever they may take you
JB

[lee s.]

Damn!
....lee s.

[TaylerW]

When things go wrong, they go wrong so fast!!! I pray he went quickly and his family can find peace in time. 71 years is too young but he passed following his passion!

[JayDubP]

When things go wrong, they go wrong so fast!!! I pray he went quickly and his family can find peace in time. 71 years is too young but he passed following his passion!

Loved his posts and his joy and all the experience he brought to this board. Hope we all can learn a lesson from someone as experienced and knowledgeable as John. I have been in a fishing kayak incident on the Klamath where I needed a PFD and a separate vehicle accident where I needed a seat belt--- I was sure glad they were there to make the difference. In my 70 plus years, I do not remember many drowning deaths on rivers that started with "the victim was wearing a PDF" ... be safe my friends and next time you want to spend $500 for a new fly rod, put some money in a great PFD instead.


Jim