Honoring A True Legend - Fisherman 57

[NachoFish]

What an amazing day with lots of laughs, camaraderie, funny stories, and great food. I will start in true 57 tradition by thanking everyone for all the support and generosity that made this truly an event to remember. Dana was there with us in spirit and while he would have been embarrassed being the center of attention I know he would have been flattered and honored.

Thank you Daniella and Irvine Lake for arranging and putting on an incredible event. From set up to clean up, this was a 1st class event. Daniella and the staff put a lot of hard work into Saturday assuring that everyone would have a great time honoring Dana. You could tell that Daniella put a lot of heart into assuring this day would be successful and showed that this day and Fisherman 57 meant as much to her as he did to the rest of us. You are a generous, class act and everyone was impressed. The dedication plaques were very respectable and were very nicely done. I assure you it will be the 1st place I stop each and every time I visit the lake.
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Something I never thought I'd be looking at. A very numbing feeling seeing it for the first time.
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Thank you to the Serrano Water Board for generously donating the trophies for the tournament. Everyone was admiring them and already thinking up places to put those trophies in their house even before the day began.
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Bebop Bob....What can I say? The tree ceremony was the highlight of the event. What a selfless act to donate such a beautiful tree. You couldn't have picked a better one for the occasion as it will have purple flowers and that is my favorite. Everyone got to share in planting it and we all enjoyed the play by play instruction you gave us on the tree. You really should have your own cable show. :Big Grin: Man, when that gust of wind came up right when we were all standing around the tree, I knew Dana was making his presence known. Gave me goosebumps and I got choked up.
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Ok......no comments.....not my better side!
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Thank you Jeff and FNN for giving our Team 57 a home to continue where the legacy was started. You have been nothing short of helpful and accommodating in assuring that the 57 legacy stays alive and thriving. Thank you for also donating shirts to the raffle. They put smiles on faces.

Thank you to NoHo Art and his wife for bringing the absolutely beautiful picture canvas of Dana in the surf for everyone at the event to sign. When he walked up and unwrapped it I fought very had to not to fall apart. It was great watching writing their messages and thoughts to Dana. I've read every single one and it is now proudly hanging in my house. Just another memento to keep him close to us.
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Thank you to Keith and all the guys at SCCA for their help with the event and the very generous gift basket for the raffle. The incredible food you guys cooked up was mouth watering and enjoyed by all.

Thank you to Anthony from The Funky Fishing Show for taking the time to put together a piece that will honor Dana. Anthony spent the majority of the day interviewing everyone, including me, so he could put together a memorable show. Anthony......I can't wait to see my sneak peek and how it all comes together. Stay tuned Team 57!
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Thank you to Jackpot Jimmy, Jimmy's Dad, Olfishergal, and each and everyone of you that donated to a very successful raffle! If I've left someone out please let me know and I will add to the report.

So lets get to the event...........

Kaity, Brennan, and I arrived at the lake around 11:00 am and went straight to the store. We were greeted outside the door by Daniella and a big hug. Made our way down to the picnic area to check everything out. Wandered over to where the SCCA crew was set up to find out Keith had started cooking at 4 am that morning! Holy Cow! That is some serious BBQing. :Shocked: I will let the pictures tell some of it before we head into the raffle. Lots of friends getting together and enjoying some grub.

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Wingnut and Exfactor
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TroutDog and Sue swapping stories
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Wingnut and my girl Kaity
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Mrs. NoHo Art and Sue
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Getting ready for some yum!
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Trolly making out his famous name tags. Keep it clean Chris!
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A touching Mother/ Son moment!
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Wingnut and Tater......I'm starting to see a trend with Arthur and pictures. Hmmmm. :ROFL:
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Erica and Donna. Girls Rock!
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Big Daddy enjoying someone else's ribs for a change!
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Sansou whispering God knows what to Tony CatchThatTrout
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Tater and Mr. Greg Madrigal
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A whole table of toys Greg brought for everyone to enjoy
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Granny and Grandpa Fish
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Tony daring someone to come over and take some food
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Tony and our newest Team 57 mascot
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Why is there a birds nest on your head Trolly or are you impersonating Caesar?
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I don't know what Bullets is doing but I know Erica isn't that hairy.
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Continued............

[NachoFish]

Soon it was time to start the raffle. Santa Fe Eric was the 'master of ceremonies' and along with his trusty sidekick, Trolly, we were ready to begin. Lots of smiles and laughs and most everyone went home with something.
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Erica telling Tony to stay away from her prize.
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Anxious members waiting for their number to be called!
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SCCA Keith going home with some loot also. Hey.....give and you shall receive.
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Pontoon with the lucky winning 57 ticket
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Well, everyone was full and had some toys to take home. It was time for the tournament. A group of us (Sansou, Olfishergal, CatchThatTrout, Granny and Grandpa Fish, Kaity, and I all headed for our pontoon.....well, I should say the party boat. I apologize to everyone that was out on the lake that night. We were out of control and from what I understand we could be heard all over the lake. We forgot a radio so we entertained eachother with our own songs. Not a pretty site. Granny singing about black socks, Rich singing army songs, and Kaity chiming in with her own little whacked out songs. GB

Captain Stubing.......I mean Sansou at the helm
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Chris exhibiting what was to be the first of many laughs of the night.
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We were starting to wonder if we were going to get on any bites or if we were going to have to move. Kaity was trying to keep us all entertained. GB!
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A boat with Team TroutDog came puttering in trying to poach our spot. While some smack talk was being exchanged Tony scored our first fish of the night.
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He was so proud he's flexing muscle too
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Not too long after Olfishergal decides she just wants to go tree fishing so she finds an awesome branch, reels it in and.........Holy Cow......there is a fish attached! Way to go Chris on the double hook up!
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Mike and Tammy were not having any of it and had to show everyone up. You guys are so cute.
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It was about time to pull up anchor and head in to weigh our treasures. (Not mine, of course, since I DIDN'T CATCH ANYTHING). Tony decides he's going to throw in one more time and brings in this guy. 2.8 on the scales when he weighed in.
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We get back to the tackle shop and Jimmy is weighing in everyone's catches. Dave Beaver took 3rd place, Bebop Bob Barr took 2nd, and Taper Steve took top honors. He was so proud and after learning that he had just recently had his gear stolen, made his win even more special.

Thank you to all the Team 57 members for letting my family be a part of your family. Team 57 will continue to grow and the legacy of Fisherman 57 will never be forgotten. There are new things in the works and a new event will be posted soon. Stay tuned!

A very special THANK YOU to Wingnut. For taking us under your "wing" and being the rock that you are. I couldn't have made it through any of this without your loyalty and support. Thank you for being by my side in keeping the Team 57 spirit alive and thriving. Many good things to come in the future.

Last but not least.........Thank you Dana. Thank you for creating something so wonderful that can never be matched. You are such an inspiration to many. Bringing people together from all walks of life. Making sure every single person was always included......Including Kaity, Brennan and I. There isn't a moment that goes by that I'm not thinking about you. The joy you brought to the Team 57 members, you brought to our family ten fold. I love you and I miss you baby, but I know we carry you in our hearts.....always.

Forever 57

[Santa Fe Eric]

Donna,

Thank you for carrying on the tradition, hard work, and love of our beloved Dana! You are now the heart and soul of Team 57! You have amazing energy and warmth. Your children also bear Dana's remarkable gifts; Brennan has that great smile that makes one keep smiling after he leaves their presence and Kaity, like Dana makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world while you are talking to her. Donna, Kaity, and Brennan, please continue to nurture the natural gifts that you have and your lives will always be full with people and love. Thanks for continuing the legacy!

Blessings to you,
Your friend,

Eric

[Wingnut]

Now that was a wonderful tribute to our friend. http://yoursmiles.org/tsmile/rulez/t2009.gif
As I was taking it all in throughout the day... I kept smiling as I watched everybody laughing, talking and having fun and thought to myself, this is what it is all about. We were all brought here by a common thread. Everything was just about perfect... the food was fantastic and the raffle brought back memories of Dana. Santa Fe Eric, you are perfect as the new MC for all future raffles. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/03.gif
Well done Irvine Lake, I'll be looking forward to this event every year. http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/14.gif Thank you NoHo Art for the canvas portrait tribute, that was a very nice touch!

Dana... you are gone, but never will be forgotten... Team 57 lives in every one of us! http://elouai.com/images/yahoo/07.gif

[Frenchy]

I really wish i could have been there all day looked like lots of fun but atleast i got to show up and have some good chats w old firends and new friends. and all in the name of a great man RIP DANA you will never be forgotten

[murrieta angler]

It was a fantastic day at Irvine.
I am proud to say that I am a Team 57 member.
Robert

Sometimes words just don't get across what one is thinking, you know what I mean?! GOD BLESS ALL

[CatchthatTrout]

Thank you Irvine Lake and Team 57 for such a wonderful tribute to a very special man on this beautiful 28th day of August 2010 and Thank you Donna for continuing the legacy of “Family, Friends and Fishing” that Dana instilled into our lives forever.
It was such a joy to see the sparkle in the eyes of Brennen and Kaity as they worked the event, passing out t-shirts, talking school, talking fishing and most of all spending the day with Mom.
The day was special to me because I was once again reunited with the likes of Pontoon, OFG, Sansou, Santa Fe Eric, Bullets, Tater, Wingnut, Bones, Granny & Grandpa Fish, Greg & Julie, Big Daddy, TroutDog, Sue, & Trolly. There’ll always be a special feeling of comfort when we gather to enjoy each others company and reminisce about our leader Fisherman57.
Thank you BeBop for the lasting tribute that we’ll enjoy for many, many years to come as we sit under that tree.
Thank you to all our sponsors for once again being so generous to make our events so fun and special. A special “shout out” to the SCCA crew for the awesome basket that I had hoped to win (but didn’t), the awesome food and your hospitality the entire day and well into the late night, it was a pleasure to meet you all.
Thank you Kaity (GB) for making (GB) me laugh (GB) the entire night (GB).
The day ended in such a Team 57 way, with all the fun I had with OFG, Granny & Grandpa Fish, Sansou, Kaity & Donna…… can’t wait to do it again!!!
Thank you Dana…….forever Fisherman57.

GB

[Granny Fish]

I'm speachless after reading over everything here. I agree with everything said. Great report Donna. Hope to see you and the kids again soon. GB

[Sue]

What a great report, Donna! I'm so glad I decided to come - it was lovely seeing everyone again and it was a day to remember.

[Rooster]

I was truely looking foward to this report. It was first class and the pics really told the story well.
Thanks for putting this up for the people that had to work and was not able to make this event.
Proud member 4 life Rob aka Rooster

[LateFisher]

Donna,this report reminds me of all the wonderful people that Dana got together to become his family known as TEAM 57. I am so sorry I could'nt be there , but from your report I can see Dana was honored and remembered with the same love he gave to everyone he came in contact with.
DANA MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, BUT NEVER BE FORGOTTENED !!!!!!!!!!

[troutdog]

WHAT an amazing day at Irvine lake....as usual my expectations were exceeded. From NoHo's canvas picture for all to sign, to BeBop's tree dedication, to the memorial plaques donated by the lake and all the great people that came out of the "woodwork" (no pun intended Greg Madrigal) to attend this very special event.

Donna thanks for letting us poach my spot (you guys didn't see the "reserved for TD" sign upon evtering the area?), considering Tony even caught a catfish the fishing must have really turned on! :Wink:

There is no doubt the Team57 tradition will live on, Dana was looking down and smiling upon us.

Thank you for a great report Donna.


TD

[blackwater]

Looks like a beautiful tribute to Dana. I know he was looking down during the festivities smiling from ear to ear. Well done Team 57, well done!

[PONTOON]

Donna,
Since Dana has passed there hasn't been a day go by that he doesn't cross my mind and every time I put on a Team 57 t-shirt I think of my Dear Friend. I truly believe that Dana was called up by a Higher Authority and has been given a much more important assignment. One that he will no doubt excel at.
It was clear he will also be watching over Team 57 too. I think a lot of us felt that as his tree was planted and Team 57 once again brought Families and Friends together to have fun and fish, this time, in his honor.
I will remember Dana as a man who accepted no exclusions when it came to being a member of Team 57. All that was required of us was to treat each other as Family and Friends.
I too want to thank Daniella and the Irvine Lake Staff for hosting such a wonderful tribute to our Friend Dana. I know Daniella put a lot of time and hard work into the event and everyone left with memories that will last a long time. It was truly a great success!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

[gavin310]

Donna, it was very nice to meet you and thanks for the Team 57 shirt. It was such a nice event with amazing food and I was glad to finally meet some of you. I stutter so sorry if I didn't introduce myself to you... I tend to not speak unless spoken to.

[exfactor]

Kudos to Daniella and Irvine Lake for putting this on. Donna, I enjoyed visiting with you and yours, and also meeting many new faces to me. I'm glad you got out to fish afterwards, and I'm sure you entertained the group throughout the evening. Santa barbara represents team 57. Mikey

[Big Daddy]

Team 57 "ROCKS" Dana was surely missed I could hardly sign the poster, but his spirit "Lives On" Thanks Donna and kids you really made this special, and thanks to everyoneelse for all that was done. To Many Names to start mentioning, but Thank You.

I Love "Team 57" and am a "Proud Member" and am truly "Honored" to be a part of all of you.

Thanks Dana (Fisherman 57) for this truly special group of people that you have brought together.

P.S. Thanks to the "SCCA Boys" for feeding all of us and the Love and support you showed all of us. You are all a class act even "Bulldog Bugers" lol. Thanks for everything and I am looking forward to "fishing, chillin and tearing up some grub" with all of you real soon.

Love to all,

Big Daddy

[olfishergal]

What a wonderful but in some ways a tough day........all the friends and smiles, meeting new and reconnexting with old friends was so priceless......Such a fantastic evening with our great little party crew on the toon (gb) Katie, you are such a fun girl.......Donna, glad we found some laughs and smiles to keep us warm. Thank you so much for all the great pictures and friendship. I know it was tough at times, but then again I know how proud you are. The day was a tough one too since I kept looking and expecting Dana to show up around every corner. In fashion he did.......strange wind blowing on his tree as we planted it.......we know you where there, it was such a beautiful day........Dana, you would have been so proud to see the T57 family carry on in your name. So many emotions come to me remembering our friend, Its hard to express all I feel for our missing friend,. You may not be here, but your spirit lives on in the many lives, friends you brought together, laughter and fun of being a T57 member. I am so proud to say thanks for all you have done for all of us To those special T57 members who help keep us going and laughing, team trolltoon, tony, and especially Wingnut, star reported TD thanks. Nice meeting and talking to exfactor Too many others to mention, but all of you are special in my eyes Mike, Tammy, love u 2............A very special thanks to SCCA for all your assistance and generosity with this event. Don't think it would have been as good without you.

a big big thank you to Danielle and the Irvine staff for putting on this tourney. I can only see it getting bigger and bigger every year, Maybe a King of the Cats qualifier next year? I was so impressed with the lovely memorial plaques for those who have meant alot to so many of us at Irvine. I hope I don't see too many names there in my lifetime. Once again thanks everyone, it was a wondrful day. I will never forget all the friendship.........OFG

[Jackpot Jimmy]

Thanks for the post Donna! :Cool:

This was the first Team 57 fishing event that my dad and I have been to, and we had a blast. First off with Trolly's funny and creative name tags (mine was "Las Vegas? Jackpot Jimmy" and dad's was "Got Tradition? with the first boat Trolly claims he has ever drawn). Then, we got to talking with a lot of folks about things and enjoyed some good food. I even got to play with the custom mini basketball game provided by Greg Madrigal...I kept overshooting, but I managed to make it on cue on candid camera! :LOL: Thanks to Trolly and Santa Fe Eric for hosting the raffle...it went very well and a lot of folks walked away with some very nice prizes! Also enjoyed the tree dedication to Dana and especially what Greg Madrigal said to Trolly...remember Trolly, "Crack kills!" :ROFL:

Sorry we couldn't stay for the fishing portion of the event...dad and I had to get back to the Valley for a 50th surprise B-Day party for a family friend. I'm looking forward to some more Team 57 events in the future with Family, Friends, Fun, and Fishing!

I took a few pics...

Dana's Tree Dedication...
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/003-57.jpg

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/004-43.jpg

http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/005-60.jpg

Trolly's Caesar Impersonation
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/006-48.jpg

Big Chief Trolly of the Tribe of the Vine
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/007-38.jpg

Team 57
http://i391.photobucket.com/albums/oo358/Jackpot-Jimmy/008-35.jpg

Dear Dana,

Thanks a billion for accepting my dad and I into your genuine community. Thank you also for supporting our business on the Tradition in its beginning stages...we will be forever grateful. Thank you for being there for my dad and I whenever we needed help with something...even if you weren't able to come through, just your concern for the welfare of the situation meant the world to dad and me.

I wish I would have been able to fish with you out in the surf or at a lake catching trout, bass, or catfish. I wish you would have been able to ride with us on the Tradition for a day of good fishing over at Catalina. BUT I KNOW that one day, we will meet again and share a day of fishing together. Until then, I will try my best to uphold what you have taught all of us...it's all about Family, Friends, Fun, and Fishing.

Your Friend,

"Jackpot Jimmy" Bass

REST IN PEACE DANA
LONG LIVE TEAM 57

[Mr Bendo]

I'm real sorry I could not make it Donna! Thank you for sharing.

[olfishergal]

Now Donna truth be told about that caT I caught............yes I caught the tree after that darn kittie hit and managed to wrap himself around that
tree........good thing I had heavy test line on so I got the bonus, tree and a cat to boot. I believe Tony caught a bigger tree than I did...
Such a fun time out there with a great group of people.......Katie, you are a hoot.......
gb
OFG

[SQUIRREL]

my boy and I had a great time at great event. Donna it was so nice to talk with you and share with you sad times. But knowing that there is fishing in Heaven.
Daniella it was great talking with you and thank you for putting a great going away party for a great guy

[fishincrave]

It was Great to be out there with all the team57 members honoring and Remembering A man that started the Family Friends Fun and Fishing , had a great time seeing all and talking to all .
Thank you Irvine lake for putting up this event , and thank you team57 .
Thanks to scca you guys are really cool for donating a nice basket of goodies and having and feeding some us late night after fishing
And Lastly thank you to my good friend NohoArt for making the beautiful canvas sign of Dana .
Fishing was pretty slow but somehow i really didn't mind , had a great time with friends out on the water and some good laughs after words till the wee hours in the morning .
Again thanks to all who put this together .
Dona it was good to see you stay strong and God bless you and your beautiful children .

Last but buy all means not least thanks for entertaining us for hours trolly :LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL::LOL:

[Greg Madrigal]

Donna, u get my vote for post of the year. You should bring the canvas picture of Dana to every event. THAT was cool to have there-Kind of like he was there.:). Thanks NoHo.
That was such a great event. Thanks to everyone who helped in making this the success it was.
I'm excited to hear what the next Team 57 event will be.

GM<><

[pineapple express]

Hi Donna
Looks like a wonderful day was had by all. Sorry we couldn't be a part of the special day.
Dana will forever be a part of our lives... Jr & I can't wait for the next T57 gathering.
Mahaloz for sharing your beautiful post with all of us. Great pics.
PE

[gavin310]

Some of you mentioned how you keep seeing 57 randomly after the memorial. Just wanted to share this. A fishing friend of mine (who is not on this website and had no idea what Team 57 is) picked me up for lunch and her heels had something on them... :EyePop:

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