Apple didn't fall far from the tree…

Good times Billy, your humor and wit will be missed.
Jake

There was something about Billy, and the other Tribal leaders that I worked with, which is missing from WDFW, WA, and the Feds. To them, it was about fishing. There needed to be enough fish available to actually catch and eat fish.

I believe that WDFW and NOAA have set the bar at avoidance of extinction. WA would be happy if the runs were large enough to delist so the Feds would get out of the way.

To the tribes, the fishing defines them. At least it defined the generation of Billy, et al. We need a voice that still tells us we must have enough fish to support the people, support the ecosystem. It is the world, not WalMart, that feeds us and we need to take care of it.

Folks like Billy understood clearly that salmon are the currency you can eat. Try to digest a dollar bill.

RIP. Gonna miss his strong voice for putting more Steelhead and Salmon in our rivers-------not fewer.

My son was one of the first calls Willy made after finding his father slumped over.

A lot of us did things in the sixties or in our youth that we are not proud of today. We protested to end a war. Whether it was the Civil War, the war on segregation, Vietnam, or human rights.

Few of us will go down in history as being remembered for our struggles. I am not sure but I believe that America, as a nation was freed through acts performed by " militant political activist and like all political activists was a POS. He had a dark side and when he was younger he was a violent thug and a criminal and associated himself with other violent thugs and criminals."

I often joked with Billy about him not being a fisherman and that he was there to run for the beer. "no, I was the lookout".

While attempting to teach a bunch of second graders how play baseball I was blessed with the greatest group of parents a little league coach could have. Billy was among them and he had more love for the children than imaginable. This morning my son related what he last remember Billy saying to him "hug those babies."

The guy fought to save his people, their way of life and their resource. And I truly believe that ultimately the future for our children.

"God damn it, if it weren't for hatchery salmon there wouldn't be any fish left at all."

"What the fu*k, I suppose they think the elk came here on the Mayflower too."

Once I approached him about finding some work and his reply, " If you pester them long enough they will create a position for you just to keep you out of their hair."

Personally, I disagree with the Boldt decision, casino gambling and the stewards of the salmon deal. But if nothing else Billy became a bridge over troubled water. Sorry pretty damn corny but I'm leaving it...............

And on that note, the boss has spoken so feel free to pass along your respects here on this page.

All else, including social commentary or negativity towards past posters will get removed.

My prayers go out to Franks family.

I hope and pray that Billy has gone on to that place of long ago where the rivers are once again full of fish.

RIP Billy.

He was a strong leader, he'll be missed. As for hatchery salmon---the tribes have put a lot more fish into the system than they've taken out.