Rod Rinta 4/4/1967-10/25/2010 |
Please send any pictures you may
have of Rod to:
Also, if you would like to write
something, please send it as well.
have of Rod to:
Also, if you would like to write
something, please send it as well.
In memory of Rod Rinta.
For those that do not frequent this web site, this commemorative is for Rod Rinta (Mt St Helens Bassmasters- seasoned member) who
passed away in a tragic plane accident just northeast of Morton, WA on Oct 25, 2010 at the age of 43yrs, along with Dr. Paul Shenk
and pilot Ken Sabin. For the families of Shenk and Sabin, the Mt. St. Helens Bassmasters wish to extend our deepest sympathy.
We wish the headlines wouldn’t have read “Three died in plane crash” or “no survivors found”. It should have stated, “Irreplaceable
loss for family and friends” or simply “Three brave men“, no need for extrapolation. It is regretful knowing strangers who read the
headlines will only remember Rod in sorrow, when he was an inspiration to us all.
Rod touched the lives of everyone he encountered. As Gary Morris (W.S.B.F president) stated “Rod was a man of integrity and
honor”. Well said, but we would have to add that his demeanor was unsurpassed. He was so congenial with those who accompanied
him, especially around a camp fire and he befriended anyone who would take the time. This club treats all members as family, in good
times or bad; but for those that developed a close friendship with him, our heart goes out to you. Rod is an irreplaceable friend.
Rod was also a man that loved the sport of bass fishing, as we all do, and the sport loved him. Rod qualified for the 2011 Divisional
through Washington State qualifiers this summer. His name is documented finishing in the top ranks statewide in many events over the
years. In his last formal open event (Oct 2 & 3rd) he finished in the top (5) with long time friend and partner Jimmy Allis. Rod was an
amiable threat to all in any fishing event he participated in.
Rod will always be associated with Riffe Lake, mainly due to his new home near the lake. His ability to clear a path through all the
driftwood when the lake is full and his knowledge of the water is also memorable. We will ask this in Rod’s absence- every time you
visit Riffe Lake, WA. always remember Rod, either on the first cast of the morning, fun fishing, at blast-off at tournament time or
enjoying the evening around the campfire with friends. Rod, we will remember you always.
It gives us great sorrow to write these last words regarding Rod and the end of his life as we know it, but it will not be the last time we
speak or think of him.
Rest in peace, good friend.
For those that do not frequent this web site, this commemorative is for Rod Rinta (Mt St Helens Bassmasters- seasoned member) who
passed away in a tragic plane accident just northeast of Morton, WA on Oct 25, 2010 at the age of 43yrs, along with Dr. Paul Shenk
and pilot Ken Sabin. For the families of Shenk and Sabin, the Mt. St. Helens Bassmasters wish to extend our deepest sympathy.
We wish the headlines wouldn’t have read “Three died in plane crash” or “no survivors found”. It should have stated, “Irreplaceable
loss for family and friends” or simply “Three brave men“, no need for extrapolation. It is regretful knowing strangers who read the
headlines will only remember Rod in sorrow, when he was an inspiration to us all.
Rod touched the lives of everyone he encountered. As Gary Morris (W.S.B.F president) stated “Rod was a man of integrity and
honor”. Well said, but we would have to add that his demeanor was unsurpassed. He was so congenial with those who accompanied
him, especially around a camp fire and he befriended anyone who would take the time. This club treats all members as family, in good
times or bad; but for those that developed a close friendship with him, our heart goes out to you. Rod is an irreplaceable friend.
Rod was also a man that loved the sport of bass fishing, as we all do, and the sport loved him. Rod qualified for the 2011 Divisional
through Washington State qualifiers this summer. His name is documented finishing in the top ranks statewide in many events over the
years. In his last formal open event (Oct 2 & 3rd) he finished in the top (5) with long time friend and partner Jimmy Allis. Rod was an
amiable threat to all in any fishing event he participated in.
Rod will always be associated with Riffe Lake, mainly due to his new home near the lake. His ability to clear a path through all the
driftwood when the lake is full and his knowledge of the water is also memorable. We will ask this in Rod’s absence- every time you
visit Riffe Lake, WA. always remember Rod, either on the first cast of the morning, fun fishing, at blast-off at tournament time or
enjoying the evening around the campfire with friends. Rod, we will remember you always.
It gives us great sorrow to write these last words regarding Rod and the end of his life as we know it, but it will not be the last time we
speak or think of him.
Rest in peace, good friend.
Rod,
I can't remember the first time I met you, like a any new members of the club, you're head is a bit of swirl trying to catch
all the names, the jargon, and absorb the culture.
One my earliest memories of you, was sitting around a fire over at Banks lake my first year, and by that time it had
became pretty clear to me, that you were one of those sticks in the club that someday I would like to be as good as.
I can't remember how I did that tournament, and don't remember how you did either, but I will never forget the day I
heard you, one of the best anglers in the club say, "It's about 80/20, 80 percent camaraderie and 20 percent fishing".
Funny thing is I was trying so hard to become competitive that I was missing the fact that it was already the camaraderie
that was so enjoyable about our sport. I was sitting right there enjoying the company of my new friends and it was not
even in my conscious thinking, until the moment you said it. Thank you for your leadership and adjusting my thinking so I
could come to love this sport and hence my fishing family as much as I do.
I could write paragraph after paragraph about the fun times we've had, but what has meant the most to me is your
friendship. You generously accepted my family as part of your own, and shared your family with us, the way we have
shared meals, drinks, time in the boat, and stories.
The day you stood and spoke at my Dad's funeral cemented it for me. You talked about how you and Dad didn't even
get along when you first joined the club, but how as you really got to know one another, you grew to love one another.
Again I remember the words you said that meant so much to me, You said, "Gene was the kind of man I hope to be",
and my friend, have no worries, you are that kinda man. One that loves his daughter so much that he only wants the best
for her, one that loves his friends so much that he will generously share everything with them, and one who's actions let his
friends know they are loved.
I have a saying, "The only true measure of a man is found in his actions" and one that loves a much as you did, is loved in
abundance and your life is the evidence. I am truly going to miss you my friend, I feel cheated like everyone around you,
but just know in our words how much we truly love you.
Your friend,
Steve Hastings
I can't remember the first time I met you, like a any new members of the club, you're head is a bit of swirl trying to catch
all the names, the jargon, and absorb the culture.
One my earliest memories of you, was sitting around a fire over at Banks lake my first year, and by that time it had
became pretty clear to me, that you were one of those sticks in the club that someday I would like to be as good as.
I can't remember how I did that tournament, and don't remember how you did either, but I will never forget the day I
heard you, one of the best anglers in the club say, "It's about 80/20, 80 percent camaraderie and 20 percent fishing".
Funny thing is I was trying so hard to become competitive that I was missing the fact that it was already the camaraderie
that was so enjoyable about our sport. I was sitting right there enjoying the company of my new friends and it was not
even in my conscious thinking, until the moment you said it. Thank you for your leadership and adjusting my thinking so I
could come to love this sport and hence my fishing family as much as I do.
I could write paragraph after paragraph about the fun times we've had, but what has meant the most to me is your
friendship. You generously accepted my family as part of your own, and shared your family with us, the way we have
shared meals, drinks, time in the boat, and stories.
The day you stood and spoke at my Dad's funeral cemented it for me. You talked about how you and Dad didn't even
get along when you first joined the club, but how as you really got to know one another, you grew to love one another.
Again I remember the words you said that meant so much to me, You said, "Gene was the kind of man I hope to be",
and my friend, have no worries, you are that kinda man. One that loves his daughter so much that he only wants the best
for her, one that loves his friends so much that he will generously share everything with them, and one who's actions let his
friends know they are loved.
I have a saying, "The only true measure of a man is found in his actions" and one that loves a much as you did, is loved in
abundance and your life is the evidence. I am truly going to miss you my friend, I feel cheated like everyone around you,
but just know in our words how much we truly love you.
Your friend,
Steve Hastings
"HE ALWAYS TOOK THE TIME AND MADE YOU FEEL SPECIAL" GONNA MISS HIM..
KIM JENSEN
KIM JENSEN
Rod Rinta....the animal lover, the hunter,
the coach, the umpire, the fisherman. He
will be a missed cousin, uncle, brother,
son, dad, and best friend. He was part of
our family, we loved him, and will miss
him more than i could ever put into
words.
Terry jensen,
tight lines all....
the coach, the umpire, the fisherman. He
will be a missed cousin, uncle, brother,
son, dad, and best friend. He was part of
our family, we loved him, and will miss
him more than i could ever put into
words.
Terry jensen,
tight lines all....
There will never be enough words that
can be said to describe a man like Rod
Rinta. When it comes to friendship,
love, laughter, hunting and of course
fishing, there is no better. Many good
times have been spent next to a campfire
telling jokes and stories and no matter
what, the FISH always seemed to get
bigger every time a story was told. A
fishing legend, a wonderful father and
great friend, you will always be with us.
James and Nan Sanders
can be said to describe a man like Rod
Rinta. When it comes to friendship,
love, laughter, hunting and of course
fishing, there is no better. Many good
times have been spent next to a campfire
telling jokes and stories and no matter
what, the FISH always seemed to get
bigger every time a story was told. A
fishing legend, a wonderful father and
great friend, you will always be with us.
James and Nan Sanders
"I'll never forget the day of my graduation party, walking out onto the deck and seeing
Rod's huge smile, and big loving arms open up to give me a hug. He told me how proud
he was of me, and gave me a stinging high five. I introduced my boyfriend to Rod, and
before my Dad could say a word, Rod had already put his arm around Jake, and was
giving him the "If you mess with Madeline, boy, you will be so sorry..." Rod was always
considered family, and he'll always be remembered and missed.
Madi Allis
Rod's huge smile, and big loving arms open up to give me a hug. He told me how proud
he was of me, and gave me a stinging high five. I introduced my boyfriend to Rod, and
before my Dad could say a word, Rod had already put his arm around Jake, and was
giving him the "If you mess with Madeline, boy, you will be so sorry..." Rod was always
considered family, and he'll always be remembered and missed.
Madi Allis
Here is a picture of me and Rod (thanks Jimmy) after a day of fishing the Bass
tournament at Lake Chelan. This was one of the funniest times with my brother
and a few of you, his bass buddies. He was a very special person that touched
many lives. I was the luckiest of everyone because I got to be Rod’s sister. I miss
him much how people who lose a limb must miss that part of themselves. As days
go by I am learning how to live my life without Rod. Some days are OK, but
many more days I still feel that pain that is there even if the limb is gone. I will
always miss the part that has been taken away from me but will learn how to go
forward. All of you meant so much to Rod. His family was always growing
because those that he met were quick to call him friend. He was a special man. I
love him and miss him very much.
Paulette (Rinta) Bridgewater
tournament at Lake Chelan. This was one of the funniest times with my brother
and a few of you, his bass buddies. He was a very special person that touched
many lives. I was the luckiest of everyone because I got to be Rod’s sister. I miss
him much how people who lose a limb must miss that part of themselves. As days
go by I am learning how to live my life without Rod. Some days are OK, but
many more days I still feel that pain that is there even if the limb is gone. I will
always miss the part that has been taken away from me but will learn how to go
forward. All of you meant so much to Rod. His family was always growing
because those that he met were quick to call him friend. He was a special man. I
love him and miss him very much.
Paulette (Rinta) Bridgewater