Very bad news.
 

I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. He
has fished with many of us. He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 10, 8:49*pm, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. *She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. *According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. *He
has fished with many of us. *He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

Very upsetting news indeed. Relay our best to his family.
Frank Reid

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 11, 9:49*am, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. *She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. *According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. *He
has fished with many of us. *He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

Thanks for telling us, Wolfgang. My thoughts will be for Joel and his
family for quite a while.

Myron

Very bad news.
 

Damn that is bad news A very pleasant man he is..........I think I
will make a plaque depicting The Axelrad Stretch on Penns
Creek.......I will always remember him as I have a sweet 8'2" 5wt that
was made and sign by Mr. Alexrad......Please my condolences to his
family........Joel you will be missed my friend...........

Mike Shaw
The Handy One

Very bad news.
 

On 6/10/2011 9:49 PM, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. He
has fished with many of us. He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

Damn, that's very sad news. I only met Joel once, at Penns, but he was
a big part of making that trip (and the early days of ROFF) memorable.

He'll be in my thoughts in the days to come.

- JR

Very bad news.
 

Frank Reid © 2010 wrote:
Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania....

Very upsetting news indeed. Relay our best to his family.

That is awful news. Joel is one of the nicest guys I've met
through roff, a fine angler and a fine gentleman.

He always signed his posts *DFD* but he would never reveal why.
I jokingly told him it must stand for Damn Fine Democrat because
I knew he was a staunch Republican. Forever a mystery now.

--
Ken Fortenberry

Very bad news.
 

On 6/10/2011 9:49 PM, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. He
has fished with many of us. He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang


Sad news indeed. I have been fishing with a Battenkill reel I bought
from Joel, and will always remember him as one of the finest, kindest
gentlemen it has ever been my pleasure to fish with.
Tom

Very bad news.
 

Ken Fortenberry typed:
Frank Reid © 2010 wrote:
Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania....

Very upsetting news indeed. Relay our best to his family.

That is awful news. Joel is one of the nicest guys I've met
through roff, a fine angler and a fine gentleman.

He always signed his posts *DFD* but he would never reveal why.

You never asked him. "Drag-free drift" is what he told me.

Joel was always good to me here, and I'll miss him.
--
TL,
Tim

Very bad news.
 

Tim J. wrote:
Ken Fortenberry typed:
He always signed his posts *DFD* but he would never reveal why.

You never asked him. ...

I should have said, Joel would never tell *me* what *DFD* meant,
because I did ask, in person.

--
Ken Fortenberry

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 10, 8:49*pm, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. *She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. *According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. *He
has fished with many of us. *He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

I think its time for a martini. Been a whole bunch of years, but
tonight it seems appropriate.
Frank Reid

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 10, 8:49*pm, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. *She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. *According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. *He
has fished with many of us. *He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

Just talked to Wolfy. Joel had gone down to Penns to hang with
DavePA. Didn't feel well and Dave took him to the hospital. He's
been there ever since. Doesn't look like he's going to make it out.
That's all we know.
Tight lines, Joel. Tonight, I drank a martini in your honor. I've
asked you before, and I ask again, how can you drink that ****?
Frank Reid

Very bad news.
 

On Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:49:44 -0700 (PDT), Giles
wrote:

I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. He
has fished with many of us. He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang
Ach. Not good.

Kicking myself in the butt for not taking advantage of the times I
could have made a short trip down to the Driftless and fished with
Joel. A good and gentle man. I remember how much he liked the stretch
on the Wisconsin above town. Said it was the best smallmouth fishing
he'd ever had.

Not good. Not good at all.

Let him know Jacci and I have him in our thoughts, Wolfgang.

Geo.

Very bad news.
 

On 2011-06-10 21:52:02 -0400, Frank Reid � 2010 said:



Very upsetting news indeed. Relay our best to his family.
Frank Reid

Yes, indeed, bad news. I shared a martini or two with Joel at Penns.
He is a fine gentleman who seemed out of place with the roff
hooligans/reprobates. His hosting of the clave raffle at Penns was
nothing short of hilarious. DFD - when I said Dumb F&%$# Democrat, he
smiled and said, "Close!" Although I haven't seen him in years, we did
speak recently about new hips. He will be missed.

Dave

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 10, 9:49*pm, Giles wrote:
I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. *She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. *According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. *He
has fished with many of us. *He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang

terrible news wolf.... man-oh-man.

please extend my best to his wife and all..........

man-oh-man

Very bad news.
 

Wolf; any updates?

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 13, 5:03*am, riverman wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 13, 12:07*pm, DavePA wrote:
On Jun 13, 5:03*am, riverman wrote:

Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. *He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Tight lines Joel.
Frank Reid

Very bad news.
 

Good bye Joel.

Dave

Very bad news.
 

On 6/13/2011 1:07 PM, DavePA wrote:
On Jun 13, 5:03 am, wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.


RIP, Joel. You will be remembered fondly by many.
Tom

Very bad news.
 

Dave - Are there funeral or other arrangements? addresses for cards,
flowers, etc.?

jeff

On 6/13/2011 1:07 PM, DavePA wrote:
On Jun 13, 5:03 am, wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 13, 7:23*pm, jeff wrote:
Dave - *Are there funeral or other arrangements? *addresses for cards,
flowers, etc.?

jeff

On 6/13/2011 1:07 PM, DavePA wrote:







On Jun 13, 5:03 am, *wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. *He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Jeff,

Joel's family members and friends are each finding their own way to
deal with and accept the loss of such a beautiful spouse, parent, and
friend. Nothing is officially organized at this time.

Joel's wishes were to donate his body to science. It was also his
desire to have his remains scattered over a flowing stream.

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 14, 1:07*am, DavePA wrote:
On Jun 13, 5:03*am, riverman wrote:

Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. *He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Salute.

Myron

Very bad news.
 

Very sad news cancer is a terrible disease.......I remember sharing
the Mike and Mike hole at Three Streamer Stans with him on many an
occasion......A great fishermen and all around very nice
person.........Condolences to his children and extended
family...........

Very bad news.
 

Ken Fortenberry typed:
Tim J. wrote:
Ken Fortenberry typed:
He always signed his posts *DFD* but he would never reveal why.

You never asked him. ...

I should have said, Joel would never tell *me* what *DFD* meant,
because I did ask, in person.

I should have said "You never asked him. . . nicely." ;-) I think the
reveal came while I was working with him on the fly line conversion chart
from the old style designation to AFTMA numbers (
http://css.sbcma.com/timj/flyline_chart.htm ) and I seem to recall having to
ask more than once. Joel has always shared his information (besides the
*DFD* secret) freely and contributed much to my enjoyment of fly fishing and
ROFF.
--
TL,
Tim

Very bad news.
 

DavePA typed:
On Jun 13, 5:03 am, riverman wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

Rest in peace, Joel. Forever one of the "good ones" here on ROFF.
--
TL,
Tim

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 13, 1:07*pm, DavePA wrote:
On Jun 13, 5:03*am, riverman wrote:

Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. *He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

So a guy stops checking in on old friends, comes back after along
absence, and finds THIS.

Joel was the first face I saw at the first Penns I attended. Can any
of you who knew him imagine a better person as an introduction to that
fine river, or to the company of, well, the rest of you?

It was mid-afternoon and the rest of all y'all were out working the
water, so Joel jumped in the passenger seat of my car and took me down
to... well, you know where he took me. And that was that. What a
fine man.

To those of you who knew him better than I did, my condolences. You
don't need me to tell you what a great guy he was. To those who never
met him, may you have your own Joels in your life, or even better, BE
a Joel to some young man who might feel awkward at being at an event,
that you might make him feel welcome.

Tight lines, Joel.

Bill

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 10, 11:08*pm, Mike wrote:
Damn that is bad news A very pleasant man he is..........I think I
will make a plaque depicting The Axelrad Stretch on Penns
Creek.......I will always remember him as I have a sweet 8'2" 5wt that
was made and sign by Mr. Alexrad......Please my condolences to his
family........Joel you will be missed my friend...........

* * * * * Mike Shaw
* * * * * The Handy One

I for one will always call that piece of Penns Creek the Axelrad
Stretch in memory of fishing there with Joel. Sad news. I hope to
fish that section again with some of you all.

--Stan Gula

Just talked to Wolfy. Joel had gone down to Penns to adhere with DavePA. Didn't feel able-bodied and Dave took him to the hospital. He's been there anytime since. Doesn't attending like he's traveling to accomplish it out. That's all we know.

I was Joel's nephew. My Mom was his sister. I found your forum when my Mom told me some of these comments were read at the memorial last week in his honor.

I am touched by all the comments about my Uncle. You are all correct. He was a terrific person and a really fun uncle. Knowing that he made your lives better is consoling.

Thank you for all your words of comfort during this difficult time.

Best of luck,

Tzuriel

Very bad news.
 

On Jun 22, 3:50*pm, Tzuriel Kastel Tzuriel.Kastel.
wrote:
I was Joel's nephew. *My Mom was his sister. *I found your forum when my
Mom told me some of these comments were read at the memorial last week
in his honor.

I am touched by all the comments about my Uncle. *You are all correct.
He was a terrific person and a really fun uncle. *Knowing that he made
your lives better is consoling.

Thank you for all your words of comfort during this difficult time.

Best of luck,

Tzuriel

--
Tzuriel Kastel

Tzuriel,
Many of us here have fished with Joel. As you may have guessed,
there is an area of Penns Creek in PA that we have all grown to know
as the "Axelrad Stretch." If we all went to the 4 winds and got
skunked, you could always find Joel at the Axelrad Stretch catching
fish right near the campground. He epitomized Mark Twain's saying:
"There is no use in your walking five miles to fish when you can
depend on being just as unsuccessful near home."
We all remember Joel as the guy with the Deke Slayton smile and the
never empty martini glass. A friend, fisherman, rod builder... but
most importantly, a friend. His is and ever will be missed.
Frank Reid

Very bad news.
 

"DavePA" wrote in message
...
On Jun 13, 5:03 am, riverman wrote:
Wolf; any updates?

Joel had a DNR order. He stopped breathing this morning and has
expired.

I didn't ever have the pleasure of Joel's company.

R I P


Bill