Everyone called him Uncle Homer for a reason.
He treated strangers as family. There wasnt a narcissistic bone in his body. When you spoke to him, he listened patiently and caringly to what you had to say.
Thats one of many reasons the outdoors world wears a heavy heart these days, learning of the passing of the great Homer Circle. He died at the age of 97 in Ocala, Fla. recently.
If youre of my generation, you remember hanging on every word he wrote for Sports Afield in the days when outdoor writing was a blessed craft.
He not only shared his fishing tips, but taught us how to appreciate every moment we spend on the water.
Uncle Homer had a Michiana connection, too. He worked for Heddon Lures in Dowagiac, Mich. during its heydays, earning his way into a vice presidents role before resigning in 1964 to become full-time writer for Sports Afield and moving to Florida so he could fish year-round.
If you ever met him, like I did that gorgeous summer day on a small island at Gods Lake, Manitoba, you remember his warm smile and unassuming gentle voice.
Homer was fishing out of another camp and his fishing guide chose the same island as our guide for a shore lunch that day. Ill never forget sitting with him as we enjoyed a plate of freshly caught pike and swapped fishing tales.
I truly believe things happen for a reason, as it was that day when Unc Homer encouraged me to pursue an outdoors writing career.
If you have the passion and love for the outdoors, a strong work ethic, you can do it, he offered with a reassuring smile.
I will never pretend to be an Unc Homer, but have always tried to embrace his values and professionalism.
As we mourn his passing, the Fishermans Prayer that he wrote and cited at many events I attended thereafter gives reason to smile.
It goes like this:
God grant that I may fish
until my dying day;
And when at last I come to rest,
Ill then most humbly pray;
When in His landing net
I lie in final sleep;
That in His mercy Ill be judged
As good enough to keep!
Theres no doubt that Uncle Homer was a keeper, and somewhere in heaven hes fishing the hallowed waters of another Gods Lake.
And making new friends.