Surf and Turf in memory of my Pop

CarolinaCrazy

My dad passed away this week. He was awesome and I'll miss him, but he was ready, and left us with a smile on his face and many, many great memories. So in honor of him I'm going all in for the family gathering tonight.  He had a couple things he LOVED to cook. One was North Carolina BBQ - he'd do whole hogs on an open pit, Eastern NC style, for picnics and special occasions; and the other was Pacific smoked salmon, something he grew up eating in Seattle.

So, I started a Butt Low and Slow last night, and this morning I just put 2 salmon filets in my homemade offset for some cold smoked salmon, Pacific northwest style with alder wood in a plywood box he built.

And I'm going to put on a couple racks of ribs later this afternoon.

Should be a fine feast, along with several Mount Gay rum cocktails.

tarheelmatt

So sorry for your loss @CarolinaCrazy.  Sounds like he enjoyed family by feeding them.  I am sure you found some peace within while cooking (and maybe a few talks with him too).  

Interested in seeing the end product.  

mslaw

I have great memories of my dad as well. Many days on the water or in the woods. He's been gone since Father's Day 87. I celebrate his life each Father's Day.
I can tell from your words that your father was a good man and that you are a good son.
I'd sure like me some of that salmon

PNWFoodie

What a wonderful tribute to your father! I'm very sorry for your loss, but glad that he left the way he wanted to. Please know that by sharing his story, you have passed on a bit of his legacy. I hope your father was a man who liked to make others smile, because your tribute quite literally put several smiles on my face. Your post spoke to me in three different ways. When I was active duty, I homesteaded at Ft. Bragg. The first time someone invited me to a NC "pig pickin" and explained what it was, I thought he was trying to mess with the Boston/Cali girl's mind. I now live in the PNW....and when you mentioned not just smoked salmon, but Alderwood smoked salmon, I smiled and thought "yep, that's Seattle style". Finally, my best vacation ever was in Barbados, where the Mt. Gay and/or Cockspur rum cocktails flow freely and are cheaper than water. In just your short posting, you were able to pass on his essence. Three heartfelt smiles your father's memory has given a complete stranger...he must have been one heck of a man.

Once again, I am sorry for your loss. I hope you and your family can find peace in the celebration of his life this evening. Let me know the time and I promise I will also raise my glass to him as well.

{{hugs}},

Sandy

Fred19Flintstone

Your Dad sounds like a great guy! I'm sorry for you and your family. Enjoy that feast tonight and all the good stories about your Pops!

Eggcelsior

CarolinaCrazy said:

My dad passed away this week. He was awesome and I'll miss him, but he was ready, and left us with a smile on his face and many, many great memories. So in honor of him I'm going all in for the family gathering tonight.  He had a couple things he LOVED to cook. One was North Carolina BBQ - he'd do whole hogs on an open pit, Eastern NC style, for picnics and special occasions; and the other was Pacific smoked salmon, something he grew up eating in Seattle.

So, I started a Butt Low and Slow last night, and this morning I just put 2 salmon filets in my homemade offset for some cold smoked salmon, Pacific northwest style with alder wood in a plywood box he built.

And I'm going to put on a couple racks of ribs later this afternoon.

Should be a fine feast, along with several Mount Gay rum cocktails.

Fixed that for you. Your Dad knew just what BBQ was.

MaskedMarvel

You're in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss.

Legume

I'm very sorry to hear this, but how great for you to have a shared passion that will always bring great memories to you.

TTC

Sorry for your loss, what a great tribute to his memory. I'll raise a glass to your family tonight sir

Mickey

Very sorry for your loss. What a way to honor him.

Phatchris

Sorry for your loss brother...awesome looking offset.

Egghead_Daron

Sorry for your loss man. What a very fitting way to pay tribute. Memories last forever. That also looks like some damn good eats for tonight. I would love to see more of the homemade offset setup.

Peace be with you and your family.

Jeremiah

It's funny how that works. My fathers favorite meal has become mine, seems like he's still there sometimes when I'm grilling.

There's nothing worse than losing a loved one. My condolences.

hapster

Sorry for your family's loss... He sounds like he was a heck of guy and would have loved the way you are honoring him today. Enjoy the meal... And "cheers" to your Pop

BYS1981

It's almost been 8 years since my mother passed away, and while I hate how young she was when she passed, I find myself to have been lucky to have 25 years of memories.

My condolences.

boochsr71

Sorry for your loss... enjoy the dinner and your fond memories

TNegg

I lost my dad this winter and I had a good cry after reading your post. Your tribute to him is so sweet. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

NPHuskerFL

@CarolinaCrazy‌ Respect!
I'm sorry for you and your family's loss. My wife's Father passed away recently very unexpectedly. I don't think we are ever truly prepared for this type of loss. Excellent homage for your Pops. O:-)

KiterTodd

Seems like a great way to honor your father with your family.   Well done.

jonnymack

Sorry to hear the news but sounds like it went as well as could be expected and you are appropriately honoring him.  I'm certain he would be proud of the feast you have prepared.