There are some bonds that outlast even death because they mean something deeper than just some lackadaisical relationship. Examples of those stand-out types of associations could be that of a partner in a committed marriage, or a life-long loving siblings rivalry, or yes, even that of old fishing buddies from an age since passed. 

In light of the recent losses of both former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (100) and one of Sullivan County’s very own Ed Van Put (88), the tie that binds was a love of fly fishing, which entangled the two forever back in 1984 when the 39th President and his wife Rosalynn visited the county for five days.

Acting as their guide, Van Put, along with his wife Judy, showed the First Family the best places to cast their rods in the area. In sharing the sacred spaces that were defined by their quality for the sport, the fly fishermen forged a fellowship that carried over from a five-day visit to a near 40-year-long mutual connection to the Delaware.

Upon the President’s departure at the end of the visit, which was marked by dinners, church services and countless greetings and goodbyes, it was recorded by Judy that Carter wished to one day return to the area and his newfound fishing buddies for “just a fishing trip.” 

It might make one sad to know that the trip never came to pass. However, the memory of their time together still lingers. Just as the river is still vibrant and flowing, that dream of returning to fish is held dear by countless people world wide. The shared love of the Delaware lives on through visitors and locals alike. 

And as the river of time remains at a steady flow, remember to take time this new year to live and make memories. After all, those are what remains caught in the net that we cast all throughout our lives.

But that’s up to the future. For this short moment, we want to look upriver behind us and extend our deepest sympathies to the Van Puts and the Carters, as well as all who have lost loved ones throughout 2024, as the world enters the New Year. While they both may have departed from this Earth, their shared love for the Sullivan Catskills River’s natural beauty lives on through memories and stories as ever flowing as the river itself.