b'member news Bill Watson was a man who always spoke his mind.He was famous for catchy sayings that he would deliver at just the right moment to lighten the mood.Watson Leaves a Legacy Here are some of his bestLongtime WPBFC board member Bill Watson passed away lastyearIm never as in April. He was a Fishing Club member for an incredible 65 years, onegood as youYou gotta be of our most tenured members. He lived a great life and had wonderfullook smarter than support from his family right to the end. Bill Watsons fingerprints arewhat youre all over the Fishing Club and the many events we producefrom cook- working withing hot dogs for thousands of kids duringKids Fishing Days, repairingPain makes thousands of fishing reels in preparation of annual Marine Yard Sales,a man thinkfrying fish and hush puppies at various club events and outings, helping with clubhouse improvement projects, to serving on our board for 27 years helping direct the club and its foundation down a successful path. I knew this day was coming but its still profoundly sad. He was the first club member I met. I was still living in Clewiston and joined the club so I could fish the small boat tournament in my 17 Mako. I walked in the club for the captains meet-ing and spent the next hour or soHas anybody told you they loved you talking to Bill. It was like talkingtoday?Cause I do.to my dad or uncle. I will always remember him in his khakis driving his black Tsumani center console with American Flag decal on the side. What a great guy! commented WPBFC board member John Taylor.Bill had a positive impact on all who knew him. He certainly was always there for our club.He was a straight shooter who always let you know what he thought.Whether you agreed with him or not you knew where he stood.There was no varnish or pretense, he was the real deal. What you saw is what you got.I loved him for that.The world would be a far better place if there were more Bill Watsons in it, said PBCFF Executive Director Tom Twyford.Remembering Rick RossLongtime club member Rick Ross, husbandclub members gathered at The Complete An-of WPBFC board member Suzanne Ross,gler for a surprise celebration.We had hired unexpectedly passed away last summer.Hea local band, and the rum drinks were really had just been helping with the KDW Clas- flowing, recalled Tom Twyford.Rickwas sic tournament preparations the evening ofa volunteer for pretty much any function we his passing.The Fishing Club family wasasked him to be involved with.He loved as-shocked by the news.Rick was an instru- sisting kids taking their chance at the Junior mental part of many club functions, outingsTreasure Chest each year during the KDW and events.During his tenure at the club, heClassic.Most notably he was the Head Flea had developed close relationships with manyat the Fishing Clubs annual Marine Yard Sale. members.For those who are not so familiar,A post he willingly accepted after our beloved Rick, was a retired long line fisherman, who had become an activeboard member Hap Wilson passed away. Rick upped our game private boat captain.For many years Rick served as the outingconsiderably year after year by showing volunteers how to prop-coordinator for club excursions to Walkers Cay, Grand Bahama,erly prep all the yard sale items.He also handled all the online Bimini and The Ocean Reef Club.He had extensive knowledgesales for items far too valuable for the yard. His expertise and of both cruising and fishing these locations, so he was the idealknowledge on all things marine related cannot be replaced and man for the job.In 2001 Rick lead the largest outing in club his- will be so sorely missed.Rick was honored with the WPBFCs tory, a 60+ boat fleet to Bimini.The club basically took over theVolunteer of the Year Award in 2012.So, it is with a heavy heart island.We filled the Big Game Club and had to accommodatewe remember our dear friend Captain Rick Ross, a man who lived the overflow of members at other smaller venues.Ricks 50thlife on his own terms, brought joy to many, annoyed a few, and birthday took place on that trip too. The night of his birthdaymade a wicked hot sauce.T ighTL inesM agazine- s pring2025 5'