Thread: We lost another pier rat

Walked out on the pier one day in January about 3 years ago wind was blasting out of the north-not a soul in sight. Got to the end walked around the east side and there was old Salty sprawled out catching a nap in the sun out of the wind. Rest in peace dude

John was a friendly guy. We sometimes don't know how much we like a person 'til he's gone. He never passed me at the shallow end without stopping by to chat and give me a fishing report. I will miss him. Him being buried with his fishing rod was a great thought on the family's part. Rest In Peace John.

Originally Posted by Jbearden

Just heard from his son that pirate John passed away on 5-21-2014 The family buried him with his rod and reel. RIP and tight lines forever my friend.

Well, I'll be Damn ! I hate to hear that . I fished with John almost everyday he was on the pier during the cold, rainy , windy days of Feb. and March . He would go stomping around with his cowboy boots saying get ready that 's going to make them bite! Pirate John a timeless character that is going to be missed .

Sad to hear. He was definitely someone you don't forget when you see him/ meet him. I ran into him one time in the parking lot, asked him how he did and we sat and talked about fishing for about 15 minutes. He was pretty nice once you talked to him. RIP Pirate.

I really liked John. I always enjoyed fishing with him on the pier. He was a real character. He will be missed. I thought about him last week and was hoping he would make it back to the pier before long. He was suppose to have eye surgery in April and May. Thoughts and prayers for him and the family.

Going to miss that ole fishing buddy... He loved my brother, Steve pridmore, and would call him regularly asking him if he was coming to Gulfshores....he loved Steve to be on the pier when he was there... RIP my friend!!!!

So sad to hear this news. Thanks for the post. I'm lucky to have met pirate several years ago and shared his sheepshead corner many mornings. I usually only saw him on the pier on weekends when he wasnt sleeping in the van, but like everyone else, will miss his character. Hope you're limiting out John...

Sorry to hear about John. He was a straight shooter. I always had trouble understanding that gravely voice . Take that lock & cable off your rods, your in a better place now. RIP JOHN

sorry to hear this talked to john all the time he will be missed

I was shocked when I read this. He is one of my close friends, one of the reason being because he could speak some of the Pilipino (tagalog) language. He was always a funny man and joking around with me. I'll miss seeing him around. My deepest sympathy and condolences to John's Family.