This weekend we experienced the sudden loss of a cherished friend and R&R guide, Bernie Altergott.
This was "Bern's" first season as a full time guide at R&R, although we've had the pleasure of getting to know he and his family over the past few years. Bernie's outward appearance was imposing to say the least... 6'5, 230+ pounds, shaved head and typically straight faced. However, those who spent even a few mintues with Bern quickly found out that he was a gentle, good-hearted giant who loved humor and treasured his friends and family.
Bernie always worked hard no matter the task or the task master. We often joked about Bernie being Jeff's assistant. When an unappealing job presented itself, Jeff would say, "hold on- I'll get my assistant." Bern put in many long days at the lodge and on the ranch. His humor and good nature kept us all going long after our energy had gone. During one particularly hard day, Bern made us all laugh by demonstrating first hand why you keep your mouth closed while sorting calves in the mud. We hated to break the news to him that his "mouthful" wasn't likely mud.
Bern, Jeff and Sal could most often be seen together traveling in a pack. They all took great pride in teasing one another about EVERYTHING. Each one of them often commented about taking more teasing than the others. From this outsider's perspective it was pretty fairly distributed between all three. Some of our favorite "you had to be there" stories include; Bernie & Jeff delivering secret cheeseburgers to Sal the- Junk Food Junkie, Bernie "misplacing" Jeff while deer hunting and Bernie volunteering to wear an adult diaper in order to teach Sal how to change our baby's diapers- that's a true friend!
We love you Bernie. Our lives are forever changed by your friendship. We know you'll always be with us in the field.
Suzanne and Joe- Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you and we can't thank you enough for sharing Bernie with us this season. We look forward to happier times in the future when we can sit together and remember a tremendous man.
"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." -Abraham Lincoln
Sorry to hear about Bernie's death. We met Bernie this past October on our first trip to R&R. His patience with us "greenhorns" was greatly appreciated. His "dry" wit was difficult to read at first but soon grew on us, just adding that much more enjoyment to the hunt as he and Jeff would "argue" especially after getting the Suburban, and Jeff's truck and kennel trailer stuck in the field. We wish Bernie's immediated family our prayers as they experience this difficult time, and also to you folks in his extended R&R family. Its not the years in the life that matter, rather its the life in those years that we must remember and celebrate.
ReplyDeleteGod Speed Bernie
Wendell Waddell