Tribute to Ed Ochoa & the Commemoration of Ochoa Riffle on the San Juan River
Tribute to Ed Ochoa, and Ochoa Riffle on the San Juan River This past Saturday, 6 fly anglers from different states, different occupations, and of different ages stood quietly in the cold, clear waters of the San Juan River just above the ESPN Hole with our rods laid alongside each other on the bank. The morning was crisp, the air clean, and for the first time in 2 weeks, there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the deep blue New Mexico skies were radiant and warm with life. We stood there, all brought together because of one event in our lives that forever changed us. Two months ago, Ed Ochoa, our beloved friend, teacher, and confidant succumbed to cancer, and now we stood at one of his favorite rivers, a place where he found peace, so that we might find solace in the hope that he is in a place where he is standing on the banks of a wild river where no one has fished before. A place where blanket hatches, and rising fish are always in season. A place where he is finding the best holes, and the best flies, waiting for everyone he loves to join him. We were there with Ed's son Andrew to perform a special ceremony. It was one of Ed's wishes to have some of his ashes spread in the river, and after a sincere and beautiful prayer said by Ed's friend Tony from Flagstaff, Andrew and Paul knelt down to the river to release Ed's ashes into the current. The whole experience was much harder than I expected, and unbelievably solemn, and surreal. In my young life, I have known great people who were taken before I had the chance to learn from them, and Ed was one of them. After a few minutes of complete silence, Andrew stood up, and said, "let's go catch some fish." Spoken like a true fly angler, and just like his father. So, we slowly walked back to the bank, picked up our rods, and began what I hope will be Andrew's life long love for fly fishing. In honor of Ed, we have named the top of the Main Channel, Ochoa Riffle. That section of river has no name that I know of, and it would make a fitting and lasting tribute to our friend. In all my future reports and presentations, I will refer to that part of the river as Ochoa Riffle. Ed Ochoa was one of the most genuine, kind, and giving people I have ever known. He was a Physical Education teacher in Tucson, and only 52 years old when he died of Pancreatic cancer this past December. He left behind a 16 year old son Andrew (who is seen above with his first 20" San Juan Trout), a 21 year old daughter in pre-med classes in college, and his loving wife Jan. He will be missed. Thank you all for letting me use this forum to pay a small tribute to my friend. Free counters provided by Andale. Web Works by: R. Norman Graphics 2006 |
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