12/07/12

It's been a while, a long while during which a seeming lifetime of events has transpired. In
consideration of all things we are fine; but questionably well. As good as our fishing fortune has been,
as successful as our combined efforts are, we are not whole in the worst kind of way. We have lost a good
man on, to, and for Royal Star. But our loss is miniscule in comparison to that of his family.

Sean Bickel, a stong fixture on Royal Star since 2003, has passed on. My reliance on Sean's mechanical
skills as Chief Engineer, and eagle eyes as a fisherman that can only be described as extraordinary, has
been well documented in numerous daily narratives since he joined our crew in 2003. As a worker alone he
was an individual among the rare few capable of maintaining drive, energy, and passion for the job in the
face of extreme challenge. Sean stood with the best. We shared magnificent years of incredible times. He
was my right hand man in many circumstances, on many occasions, that I valued as uncommon.

In such high esteem I/we choose to present and uphold Sean's memory. He was a young man on the verge of
recognizing his finest potential. What, why, how are questions futile, and long gone. Respect is our
focus. Respect for a loving, grieving family, and a team of nautical brothers astounded, upended by the
mystery of life; and confrontation with the other side.

To close this chapter I believe we are obligated to remember, carry forth, and refuse to be morose,
melancholy, or gray. Believe me our hearts suffer, more than most wish to know, but our resolve to be the
best, our dedication to Royal Star anglers, is steeled in the face of such tragedy. I'm certain if
circumstances were reversed that Sean would set the same example. He was a tough, gritty soul with salt
in his veins from ancesters long ago. He is with them now.

Tim Ekstrom