Ashley Hupke was recently visiting SwittersB’s site and checking out the trout tattoos. She remarked on her own tat and I asked her to share her tattoo and how it came about. I hope some of us can be a worthy enough example to the children in our lives to warrant such respect as Ashley has for her grandfather.
“My Grandfather was born in Mapleton, IA July 11th 1937 and died in Boulder, CO May 13th 2009. He was the father I never had growing up. When I was about 3 years old he started taking me to the lake close to his home and taught me how to fish. During our fishing trips we have taken throughout his lifetime and mine we have mostly fished for trout. I decided that a rainbow trout was a perfect match to remember my grandfather not only because we fished for them but because the bright original colors bring back happy memories. (my tattoo has strips of color if you look closely you can see forest green, orange, red, and pink) The last fishing trip I made with my grandfather before he passed away was a family trip to Maloney Lake in Nebraska. He was my inspiration and I am thankful for every moment spent with him. Even if the time I had was short I will cherish his memory for a lifetime.” (Ashley Hupke, September, 2009)
SwittersB & Exploring 
Ashley, you were lucky to have know him, and he is part of you on the inside and now on the outside. I haven’t met my granddaughter yet, but I hope she’ll be like you.
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great reason. great tattoo. i have many and that is the theme im trying to wrap up with my next large piece.
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Ashley,
I am a Grandpa, and hope I can have as substantial an influence on my boys as your Grandpa had on you. I am truly sorry for your loss. Fishin won’t bring him back, but his lessons while fishin will help you remember who and what he was.
Chris Harker
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Ashley, you have honored your grandfather with your beautiful tattoo. I am 62 years old and I was very fortunate to have my grandfather take me fishing when I was growing up. Mostly we fished for steelhead on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia, and small mouth bass at the mouth of the Snake in Washington State. I have wonderful memories, and a few small black and white photos, of the great times spent fishing with my “Bepa.”
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