Vince Elfrink

[Phil Lilley]

Those of you who knew Vince, you know we've lost a great friend, angler, worker, father and husband. Vince passed from this life to the next chapter of eternity last night at 7:10 pm. His family - wife Jo Beth, sons Joel and Luke and daughter Mica - all were singing praises to God when he breathed his last breath.

Vince was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor last August, just before he guided for the Healing Waters event here at the resort. I remember his steadfast resolve and faith that no matter what, he was to keep living his life just as he had lived it- to the fullest. Vince and his family believes in a loving God, a personal God, who loves us in spite of our short comings (and we have many). They believe God is God, Almighty, Creator and Father. They believed God could heal Vince in a nanosecond, but also believed that His plan is not ours. In the end, we all knew we'd see a miracle- Vince couldn't lose- if he got up from his sick bed and started dancing a dance of healing, he'd win. If he went to sleep and woke up in the presence of Jesus... man! he would really win!!! And we'd rejoice either way- and we are.

Although the illness took his speech a few weeks ago, he has been alert and responsive until a few days ago. He has not been on any pain medication since recovering from a brain biopsy last fall and wasn't last night, nor was he in any pain to the end- a miracle. The tumor affected the area of his brain that controls his emotions, so during all of his illness, he was always in a great mood, cutting jokes and firing off quick witted remarks. Sometimes they didn't make a lick of sense--but that just made them funnier.

Vince was an avid outdoorsman and when I say avid, I mean his budget at home counted on fish and game in the freezer. He bow and gun hunted. He'd be in the woods before and after work this time of year. He had a true sportsman heart, being respectful and grateful for each animal he harvested and the laws that govern hunting and fishing. And boy could he catch fish! As much as I love to fish, he could fish me under the boat. On many fishing trips, I'd be ready to take a break but not Vince. We'd drive separately sometimes cause he was afraid I'd want to come in early- and he wouldn't have that! He loved to fly fish and spin fish. He'd work a jig to perfection. He tied his own jigs and flies and hardly ever bought new fishing equipment. I had to force him to buy new rods and reels when he began to guide several years back cause I told him no one would want to go out with him and use that old stuff. But he could make those old rod and reels sing!

Vince and his kids competed in Like Father, Like Son National Fishing Circuit back about 10 years ago. He and his son Joel won the national tournament I think the second year they competed and won a log cabin kit. They had bought some land 25 years ago off Acacia Club Rd in Hollister and several years ago, constructed a small 2 BR cabin there in the woods. Their house north of town burned last spring, totaling the structure, so the cabin is where they've been; it's where Vince passed.

He fished many of our trout tournaments here on Taneycomo but I don't think he ever finished first. He and I finished second in a Fall Creek Contest years ago and he won big trout- that's the best we ever did. But he also caught a keeper brown a few years ago during the Team Tournament. The brown trout pot had grown to $1800 and I remember saying - "If I had to give a big check away, I'm glad I had to give to my best friend! Now he owes me lunch!!"

Vince was 52, 2 months younger than I. We were best friends, best fishing buddies for 27 years and I will miss him. But I know, I know! I will see him again soon and we'll have all the time there is to do those things God has planned for us and I trust, not just saying this, but I believe there's going to be some fishing involved.

Our trip to Alaska 2 summers ago -

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[ekl-stl]

Very sory for your loss. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your friends family.

[wacky worm]

thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss

we all need to remember how fragile life is

spend more time with the ones you love

hopefully they like to fish

keep floating

russ

[Idylwilde]

Very sorry for the loss. Also very glad to hear that there was no suffering. We have a friend that just last week got diagnosed with the same thing. Jim Myers from Lebanon MO, he was once the hatchery manager at Bennett Springs and has the Jim's Wholesale Tackle which covers all of the State Trout Parks. We are praying for a good outcome for him. He like Vince is good friends with everyone they met along life's pathway.

[Danoinark]

I was fortunate to meet Vince a couple of times. I'll have nothing but great memories of those introductions and wish I could have known him better. Prayerful thoughts to all of his family and friends.

[laker67]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your best friend and fishing buddy Phil. My thoughts and prayers to you and Vince's family. That trip you made to the upper lake last night, is good for the soul. I often think and reminisce about the loss of our good friend and fishing buddy Jimmy, on nights at taney.

[Phil Lilley]

Visitation is at the College of the Ozark's Chapel Friday evening 5:30 - 7:30.

Service is Saturday at the chapel - 11 am.

[hillbillyflyshack]

Very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Elfrink I only knew him by fishing in tournaments but spoke with him several times. He always had time to offer suggestions on how I might better find and catch fish and I appreciated that very much. People like him are special even to those who only knew him a little and were blessed by his generosity and candor. May God Bless

[duckydoty]

Thoughts and prayers go out to Vince's family and you too Phil. I think I was fishing just down and around the corner that day you, Paul, and Vince were catching those sockeye. I got to meet him a few other times over at Swan Creek. All I can say, a kind man.

[rainbow]

Phil, sorry to hear that Vince has passed but he is in a better place. I did not know Vince well but had met him several time the last being at the Healing Waters event over by your house. He sure was a heck of a fisherman and person. Dave.