I lost a good friend today. duckboats.net lost a good friend today

Eric Patterson

Eric Patterson

Moderator
Staff member
Jeff Smith, who was my hunting partner, boat building/woodworking mentor, and dear friend for over 20 years passed away this morning from a heart attack. He was only 59. Jeff is the reason duckboats.net started. I hunted from his Devlin Black Brant in 1996 and was sold on it. Two years later, with his encouragement and guidance we built my Devlin Scaup. Those of you that were here in the early days of the site will no doubt remember Jeff as he was very active and free with advice, intellect, and wit. He was a gifted woodworker, a true sportsman duck hunter, and one of the brightest people I've ever encountered. His problem solving abilities were truly amazing and I can't begin to list all the times he helped tackle problems in the woodshop. We spoke on the phone everyday and got together most every week for the last 20 years to piddle with boats, decoys, woodworking projects, old machine restorations, and enjoyed each other's company. I will miss him like a brother.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Eric Patterson
 
Dang, really sorry to hear that. I remember him posting quite a bit "back in the day".
My sincerest condolences.
 
Condolences of the loss of an "old" family member. Also, to his family.
God grant them peace at this time.
 
Eric, Sorry for your loss, it never is easy. Jeff is at the Rainbow bridge now goofing off with all the dogs and partners who have gone on before.
 
May he rest in peace and enjoy the Happy Hunting Ground.

Condolences to his family and friends.

"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." - Matthew 5:4
 
I feel you loss and pain Eric. In 2002 I lost a friend, hunting, trapping and fishing partner suddenly just as you have. I had known him longer (34 years) than I had known my wife. We made a diver rig together and I still hunt his half along with mine. While your friend has gone you'll never forget him our your many interactions. If possible gather a small thing or two of his and put them up in your shop or house so every time your eyes connect with them all the great memories will flash back. True friends are difficult to find!
 
In a sport and hobby that most won't partake in, let alone comprehend, the bonds between hunters, particularly duck hunters, seem to be some of the deepest.

My sympathies and condolences, and prayers for your and his family.
 
Eric, I'm very sorry to hear this. My condolences to you and Jeff's family. Back in 1999 after my house was flooded, the support from the Duck Boat Page was incredible and Jeff called me on several occasions to offer encouragement. And as you mentioned, he had a wit about him that was razor sharp. His phone calls offered a nice break from the stresses of the times and that something that I’ll not soon forget.


 
I am so sorry to hear the news. My sincerest condolences to you and Jeff's Family. While I never met him personally, I learned a great deal from his posts and he was always quick to jump in with sound advice. 59 is way too soon. He will be missed.
 
Sorry for your loss.

Jeff was a true character of the forum in those early years. We never had to ask twice what his opinion was. His knowledge of many subjects was impressive. I always enjoyed when he would share his love of classic SxS shotguns.

I'm sure right now he and Lee Harker are debating what is the truer American classic, the Winchester 94 or the AH Fox.

Tim
 
Eric,
God be with you my friend.

Friends that pass too soon leave us feeling empty, not unlike an empty chair at the family table.

Sorry for your loss and the family's loss. May the Lord comfort you all.

Larry
 
Sorry to hear about you buddy Jeff. He helped me out on a couple of projects that I still utilize to this day.

I buried another friend yesterday, age 60 Massive heart attack. It is never easy Eric, never easy.

Mark
 
Eric


So sorry to hear this news about Jeff . He was a young man. My condolences to you and his family. I remember him posting and his contributions mentioned in the the original web page format.

Prayers sent mourning this loss, may he rest in peace.

Best Regards,
Jack
 
Eric~

I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. 59 sure is way too young. Your highlighting his problem-solving abilities struck a cord. As my Dad always said of any challenging project: "Doping it out is the fun of it."

As others have said, a physical memento of some kind in the shop will add to all the rich memories you will savor - with undeniable sadness at first - every day.

All the best,

SJS
 
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