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.