it is with a sad heart that we announce the loss of a dear friend and angler....Rod Rinta...of Mt. St. Helens Bass Club died in a small airplane crash near the town of Morton while on a work related flight to Lewiston Idaho. Rod has always been a class act and great family man...Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and to the families of the pilot and surgeon also on board.

What a horrible way to return home from our vacation.  The news is devastating!  
I just saw the report about the loss of Rod and his colleagues on the news this morning.  Rod and I had become quite close as friends, and he often called me to meet for lunch when he flew here to the Tri-Cities on a weekly basis.  I had just talked to him before we left for Texas about his new home on Mayfield lake.  He was anxious to move into it before Thanksgiving with his young daughter Katie.
I for one will miss him terribly.

Smitty

Rod's memorial service is this Saturday, Oct. 30 at 10:30 am.

Bethel Church-Assembly of God
132 Kirkland Rd
Chehalis, WA 98532-8724


I-5 S toward Portland  
Take exit 72 for Rush Rd  0.2 mi
Turn left at Rush Rd  0.1 mi
Turn right at Kirkland Rd
Destination will be on the right  0.1 mi

This is the same exit as the RibEye restaurant.  The church is right near the restaurant.

I am planning to go. I knew Rod from fishing with St. Helens for a couple of years. Spent several evenings around the campfire with him, and my family camped with him at the Jamboree. He was a fantastic guy. 

Stu

 

Just got back from Rod's memorial service.  There had to have been 1000 people there. They had to open up a field for people to park in and they had two big rooms opened up with video screens to fit everyone in.  Rod's family members shared a number of great stories and honored him beautifully.

The St. Helens club lined up all their trucks and boats and they had Rod's truck and boat at the entrance to the church decorated with flowers.  It was very cool.

One of the themes that came up over and over was how good Rod was at everything he did - as a fisherman, sports referee, athlete, hunter, laser equipment technician, friend and father.

Stu

Thanks so much for the report Stu & Mack.  I realy wanted to get across the mountain to attend but could not due to some personal issues that could not be set aside.

Smitty
AKA Dune Hopper