Important: about Jack

A few of you may know (though most probably don’t) that Jack was hospitalized last week. The diagnosis is small-cell lung cancer. Not something you want to have. Right now he’s undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation.

When you hear a friend has cancer the ground drops from under your feet. You picture your friend diminished by disease, a whisper of his or her former self. You feel helpless, kicked in the gut (at least, that’s how I felt).

All I can say is that cancer has never butted heads with the irresistible force that is Jack Gartside before.

He’s in amazing spirits–laughing and joking. His second day in, as doctors entered the room, serious, conferring,  they burst out laughing at the site of Jack and all his visitors all wearing these goofy coke bottle eyeglasses Katie Lavelle had brought over. With an unfamiliar stretch of the Charles River flowing by his hospital window, Jack convinced Dale Linder and Dave Skok to bring their rods and fish it on their next visit so he can know what’s in there.

Just as amazing has been the outpouring of support from Jack’s friends, acquaintances, and people who just admire his work. There have been calls, cards, and emails (I’ll post a few of them below) from all over the world. Fishing companions, fellow fly tyers, family, fans, dance partners, old friends and new. Jack’s been truly touched and inspired to have so many people wish him well. Strange though it may sound, he is just loving life right now. He told me tonight “Tell people I’m going to be back in that bellyboat catching pickerel as soon as I can.”

Another thing Jack has been really touched by (so much so the he asked me to mention it) is the quality of care he’s receiving at the veteran’s administration hospital. The other night on the phone he couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everyone has been–the doctors, nurses, and staff. He told me that after he thanks a staff person for something it’s common for them to reply, “No. Thank YOU for your service.” Simply outstanding. (It’s the VA in West Roxbury, MA, by the way.)

How long Jack will be in the hospital we don’t know yet. He could be home as early as next week. It all depends on how his system responds to the treatment. Outpatient or inpatient, the treatment will take several months.

Lastly, if you’re wondering about whether now is the right time to place an order on Jack’s web site, the answer is an emphatic “Yes.” Books are in stock, as are thousands of flies, prints, and other things. While Jack is in the hospital, I and a few other friends are filling his orders.

Here are just a few of the messages Jack has received. I trust the authors will forgive me for publishing them:

Garry, Pam and I are saddened to hear that you have to go thru this but when you get better let’s plan on getting together for some fishing either here in Montana or in the Bahamas, or hell anywhere there water for that matter. The King’s are all pulling for you and keep the faith brother. We love you so hurry up and get well.

Know Jack already for a long long time fished, tied, talked with him for so many times. He lived also in my country in Holland – we have had lots of fun. Please tell him that we didn’t have fun enough and we will do in the coming years. Give him my regards and tell him that we have an appointment in Martha’s Vineyard next year to fish those Striped Bass again with Harry and Chuck.

When I was young and single, Jack and I used to dance at the Last Hurrah in the Parker House Hotel. One night we even went to see Lionel Hampton -wow!! Please send him my deepest love (“our” love, from my three kids too !) Remind him that if it weren’t for him inviting me to tag along on his cross-country drive to Yellowstone in the summer of 1981, I might never have met my husband, Pat, in California and made our 3 beautiful babies! Anyone who eats bugs can certainly handle chemotherapy (he once snatched a moth near my kitchen light and ate it immediately – I was shocked!) Our best dance was to the song, “That’s A-Plenty” – nobody could EVER take his place in my life!!

Jack was the first person I ever saw tie a fly and I remember it to this day. That was twenty years ago. Jack has always been a good, solid friend and lit up my day whenever I’d see him. I’d like to let him know that he is the reason my 6 yr old has learned to thread a bobbin the Jack way and can tie a fly on his own. He even knows to “manipulate the materials” and control them like he has seen jack do and me do as I learned from Jack. Sometimes we live our entire lives and never know the depth and breadth of extremely positive influence and change we have had on others. I’d like to have the chance to share that with Jack.

Please let Jack know I’ll be chanting for him, and will be in touch soon!!!!

Please give Jack our best wishes from all his family in the UK.

Your legendary humour will be the best weapon against the illness. I’m quite sure of it! Most seriously, how are the nurse? My family join me to hope you get build up one’s strength!!!! PS : Striper fishing is excellent currently in France!

Jack is such a delicious and longtime friend, the one who would bunk on our porch with our cats sleeping on his back. So many memories with hopes and wishes and prayers for many more to come. On behalf of both Krissy and me to please tell his nibs that we are thinking of him, that like so many others we love him, and that the bar will sure to be open when he’s ready for a Beaverkill G & T. Tell him, too, that the kritters–we have one now who understands only Spanish–send their meows and await the day to once again share in his warmth.

After speaking to Jack on Tuesday, his attitude was nothing less than courageous, positive, and typical of what we’ve come to expect from him.

I cannot leave you alone!!!!!I come back home and you get a little sick, this is not fear… Anyway, I am going to pray for you to get well very very soon and we can have a drink together in December, because.. I am going to be there for three weeks.

I have known Jack for some 20 years and can only think of great things about him. I was one of his best students ever here in the Keys and his teachings of fly tying had made me what I am today.

But, I’m the one who is fat and out-of-shape. It’s MY turn, not his! Tell Jack to demand a recount! (Tell him that a very old friend of his from The Mary T will be thinking of him…)

Jack is one of the truly good guys…no fair weather friend.