Last Cast
by Dean Growdon
This week’s column feels a little different. For weeks I wrestled with whether I should write about this subject, but the men I mention below each left a lasting imprint on our community in their own way.
Loss is part of life, yet lately it seems we have known more than our share. These were outdoorsmen in their own distinctive ways, and it feels right to honor the mark they left behind.
The first person I want to mention is Brian Anderson. Brian was the finest fly fisherman in Lassen County and was always out in the field or on the water pursuing his interests. At Eagle Lake, you often cross paths with the same familiar faces, and Brian and I often fished some of the same quiet spots, away from the crowds. So naturally I had the opportunity to visit with him often.
We talked about fishing, of course, but also about our families and life. I still remember one morning in particular. I had recently retired and was feeling a little adrift, and Brian said something that helped me shift my train of thought and get pointed in the right direction.
I reflect on that conversation often and remain grateful for his wisdom. I will dearly miss those early-morning conversations on the shore of Eagle Lake with Brian.
Jim Wolcott was a cornerstone of our community for many years. I first met him when he owned the Burger King in Susanville, which was a favorite late-night dining spot for many of us in local law enforcement.
When Jim moved over to the Country Kitchen, his loyal customers followed. Jim hosted countless fundraisers for a wide range of causes, and I especially remember the many Tip a Cop events we held at his restaurant in support of Special Olympics.
Jim later finished his career as the Lassen County Fair Manager, where he worked to support our local youth in 4H and FFA, as well as several other groups. Jim loved to get out on the water with his fly rod, but his greatest interest was always family. Jim was a kind and caring man who gave so much time and energy to making our community better.
My first encounter with Tom Swickard was at the Five Dot Pheasant Club. I was a young man with a bird-crazy Labrador retriever. I met Tom that morning, and he pointed out the areas where we could hunt.
Once we entered the fields, my dog went wild and flushed nearly every bird from the cover, while I chased after him in vain. Once I caught my dog and regained my composure, I walked back to the little camp trailer that served as the club’s headquarters.
I remember Tom saying, “That is some dog you have there,” or something close to it.
I was embarrassed, but we laughed it off, and I returned to the club many times to chase pheasants. I had the pleasure of spending time around Tom while hunting waterfowl in Willow Creek Valley and chasing rainbows in Round Valley Reservoir.
I always enjoyed seeing Tom pull up and spending time with him. Tom was an outdoorsman to the core and will be sorely missed in our community.
I had the pleasure of coaching basketball at Lassen High School with Paul Moore for several years. Paul was passionate about sports, loved the kids he coached, and showed me what it meant to be fully devoted to a sports program.
Paul brought that same commitment to softball and football, where he found great success and influenced countless young people over the years. Ultimately, his influence is immeasurable, but based on what I witnessed, it was surely profound. Paul was a great man, father, husband, and son, whose shoes will never be filled.
I will miss sitting with him in the corner of the LHS gym during basketball games and talking about life, sports, and family.
All these great men had a profound influence on our community, and they pursued their interests with remarkable passion. I think they all set a fine example for how we should approach the things we love.
So, remember to make time for the things you are passionate about. Don’t put it off until tomorrow, because sometimes tomorrow doesn’t come and you never know which cast might be your last.
