Tom Dakota Smith Family could use our emotional support

[dales529]

What we do here on this great NJF site Gerry created is support each other on all issues but most importantly when a friend needs us.

In this case our own Tom Dakota Smith lost his brother Kevin age 64 unexpectedly last week due to a yet unknown event. While I never met his brother Kevin I know Tom, his son Ryan and Tom's friends on our many trips on the Monger. Immediately Tom, his family , his friends became my friends and I can tell you inside or outside of fishing I am proud to call him a great friend.

We then engaged in fisheries management discussions and Tom's efforts to fight for our recreational fishing rights is beyond description.

Please send your thoughts and prayers to Tom, his family and his brothers family in this very difficult time made even more difficult due to the pandemic. As I am sure you are all aware funerals/ send offs are not what they can be.

Our virtual support will let his brothers family and Tom know they are never alone because that's what we do here and everywhere!

[Brewlugger]

Prayers sent. Sorry for your loss Tom.

[Duffman]

My condolences Tom. I’ve been in the same situation so know first hand what your going thru.

Anything you need please don’t hesitate to ask.

[krob8979]

Prayers and thoughts are with all. May he RIP

[Down Deep Sportfishing]

From everyone here to you and your family, our deepest condolences Tom.

[Gerry Zagorski]

So sorry to hear this Tom... Thoughts and prayers to you and your family and may your Brother RIP.

[Fishin Dude]

Keeping you and your family in my prayers Tom. God Bless.

[shrimpman steve]

You have my condolences my friend

May he have nothing but fair winds and following seas

[bunker dunker]

prayers sent to you and the family Tom.

[hartattack]

Heart-felt condolences Tom. Hope to see u soon. . . Larry

[CaptMarc]

my heartfelt condolences for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.

[dakota560]

Dave thanks so much for your kind words and post. Thanks for everyone who replied with your support and prayers, means the world to me. I plead with our family on the site and everyone in general to not take this crisis for granted, Kevin, who worked as Director of lead clinical trials for Johnson & Johnson, was on a conference call last week discussing the new vaccine and coordination of trials for the drug they were awarded with the federal government to combat the CoVid-19 virus. He experienced breathing problems and dropped dead on the call. My son in law is a Sherriff's Officer for Essex County at a high level and is one of the top Officers who manage Essex County's OEM program. The Essex County Sheriff, who he works side by side with every day, tested positive a week ago so now my son in law, his entirely family including my daughter and two young grandchildren are under quarantine. My oldest brother has five family members symptomatic as one member worked at a Home Depot who had two employees test positive for the virus. Needless to say, our lives have been turned upside down these last two weeks.

I know how important fishing is to all of us but it's not worth losing your life over. This is the real deal, its a time to be safe and not throw caution to the wind. Any of us can contract this bug anywhere at any time and the odds go up the more we interact socially. 6 feet safe distance we might find out later is actually 50 feet. Fact is no one knows. It's possible I lost my brother because of this virus and I'd hate to see anyone else experience what our family has over the last few weeks. Stay safe, let this disease run it's course and hopefully before long we'll all be enjoying our favorite past time again without risk.

Again I thank all who replied to Dave's thoughtful post from the bottom of my heart, our family is going to need as much divine inspiration as possible to get through this mess as many families will also.

[rumster]

Very sorry for the loss of your brother.... I worked for the Essex County Sheriff`s Office for 25 years.... I am sure I know your son in law...From what I understand Armando is presently doing well... Sorry to hear about your son in law and the heart wrenching emotions you and your family are going through. Your family will be in
my prayers.

[dakota560]

Thanks Rumster for your condolences. Michael Capodanno, great person, great son in law.

[Ice Cream Bill]

Tom,

I’ve never thanked you personally for all the hard work you do on behalf of anglers here in NJ. My deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your brother. I’ll continue to keep your other family members in my prayers. Hope to see you out on the water when it’s much safer for all of us.

Bill

[FASTEDDIE29]

So very sorry to hear of Toms brother’s passing. Praying for you and your family my friend. Tough times for sure.

[GDubya07]

Condolences Tom

Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family sir

[RBC67]

Condolences to the family
May he RIP

[Rocky]

Stay strong my friend. Sorry to hear of your loss. Better days are coming.