<p>It was with much sadness upon hearing the sudden passing of my friend Pete Bergman. I'd like to pass along this letter to all of Pete's family and friends and share my condolences.</p><p>A little shy of a year ago I placed a phone call to a fellow fisherman, but complete stranger. His name was Pete Bergman. Being from NY and new to the area I had a couple questions about the local boat ramps and parking situation. As luck or destiny would have it Pete was just leaving the water and answered my call. We had a quick conversation and Pete said he was heading to the Cougar Bar & Grill for a burger. He invited me to meet him there and that is the day I became friends with "Muskie Pete".</p><p>Being the avid Tiger fisherman I am Pete and I instantly hit it off. Pete even invited me to join him on his boat the next day offering to show me the hazards on the water and some spots to fish as well. I soon found out how passionate, skillful and overjoyous Pete was when he caught his favorite big fish!</p><p>Fishing with Pete was fun, relaxing, entertaining and a great learning experience. I often joked with Pete about his "Hawaiian" style of fishing. On a typical hot sunny day you'd see Pete casting away without a shirt, shoes or landing glove either. He always performed what I called the "Hawaiian Hold", lifting fish with his bare hand even though they always did a number on him.</p><p>Pete and I became friends beyond the fishing aspect. Pete invited me to his home and I was in awe of his surfing pictures. In particular was a pic of Pete surfing a wave while he held a woman above his head with one hand! Pete also showed me his love for woodworking. He made everything from a simple woman's hair pick to extravagant interior home furnishings. Pete loved the area he resided in and gave me a tour of the Salmon Hatchery on the Columbia river and the nearby town of Hood River. Last but not least, Pete introduced me to several members of the NW Tiger Pac and encouraged me to join the club. He mentioned highly of the club, Its members and goals as well.</p><p>Though I had only known Pete for about a year it felt much longer than that. I'm personally honored to have known Pete, fished with Pete and became friends with him as well. I imagine right now if there's a Tiger Muskie lake in heaven, Pete's already casting away!</p><p>My condolences to Pete's family and friends, Mike Crisanti</p>