The Man That Was
Hank Parker pays tribute to fishing’s greatest
gentleman, Forrest L. Wood, who passed away
in January at age 87
By Hank Parker with Joe Sills
My two friends had never been in the same place at once. Though we’d been mem-
bers of a hunting club in Texas for years, Forrest Wood and Dale Earnhardt – the men
I was closest to – hadn’t actually met. In the winter of 1988, that put me in an uncom-
fortable place. I was protective with Forrest, the kindest and most generous man I’d
ever met. I didn’t want Earnhardt, “the Intimidator,” to make him feel less than.
I still remember flying down to the property with Dale in his plane and telling
him, “Look, Dale, I know you’re a big deal and all, but I promise you’re nowhere
near as big a deal as Forrest Wood, so don’t go in there cocky and not be humble
around Mr. Wood. I mean, you better be on your best behavior, or you and me are
going to have it out.”
Dale just laughed, which made me more nervous. I didn’t know if he got it.
A few hours later, I’d find out that he did, as the pair wandered off into the woods
without me, laughing and chatting like they’d known each other for ages. Forrest
Wood had that effect on people. He didn’t care a thing about racing, but he did care
about people. Whether he’d just met you or he’d known you forever,
Forrest genuinely cared about you. It was his special gift.
APRIL-MAY 2020 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING.COM | FLWFISHING.COM
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