In Memoriam

• November, 2006: It'll be four years on November 15th that Rich was taken from us after a valiant fight with cancer.

• Those of you who fished with me or have followed my site no doubt saw shots of Rich Lenches every so often; read fishing reports that included him, his family & especially his stepson Bobby Dowe, who has been a big supporter of my charter fishing business and a friend as well...or just heard me talk about him.

• A consummate outdoorsman, Rich hunted deer all seasons in 'Jersey & Pennsy; loved to fish winter flounder (his wife Lorraine thought they tasted so much better than summer 'fluke'); hit the 'Canyons with me now & again but loved to bottom fish most & was one of the best flukers I'd ever met. Rich was a fixture in the Raritan Bay; when he wasn't fishing the Raritan on my early boat(s), my Dad's boat or with his cousin Tommy, he would hop on head-boats at the drop of a hat. Captains on the Sea Pigeon, Freddy C and others in the area would recognize him, I'm sure. Especially with that giant of a stepson of his at his side for the last few years of his life.

• Rich was my friend for twenty years. I introduced him to his wife, and stood as his best man. He was a professional and personal guide in business and life for me.

• I last fished with his wife Lorraine; Rich's daughter Patty and grand-daughter Jessica that August, those pics are below.

• Shot below is of our last 'guy trip' with my Dad on the left, Rich next to him, my friend Bob Thomas, my 'Uncle Moe' Gasior and John Mazzarelli who worked on the Carcharodon with me.  John & Bob remarked that day: "Cap, anytime that crew is getting together with you we want to be included, we had a ball!". We'll do our best to preserve his memory in that group, I guarantee it. Click on the photo for a larger shot.

I'm just a bit emptier now. I'll never know another like Rich but will endeavor to be the 'better man' he challenged me to be. Calm seas, Rich. We all love you very much...and I'm sure you're a 'keeper'