Philip Castleman

Dear Joel,
On this anniversary date of your Dad’s passing I know it seemed like yesterday. Time goes by but we never ever forget the best of times with our Dads. Although my Dad passed when I was a mere 21 old kid out of college I remember like yesterday the things we did together and talked about. The “words of wisdom we received from them will always remain crystal clear and will never fade away.
As you are reminded of this hurtful week focus on your best of times with your...

Dear Joel,
We have just within the last two weeks returned from Florida and received a call from Vermont regarding your Dad. I was saddened to hear of his passing as my caller remembered that I knew you and your Dad as he told me a story of a book club he is in with his daughter wherein the late great Phil Castleman is written about in The Feather Thief. Of course it brought to mind many stories over breakfast at the old coffee/ breakfast nook in the alleyway near the courthouse in ...

Joel
It is with joy that I read about the wonderful life your dad lived and the fact that I was a small part of it. His tales of fishing and travels made for many a memorable lunch hour with you and your dad.

I know you take pride in sharing a large part of his legal life.

Richard Morrissey, Esq.

Dear David, Joel, and Ann,
Your dad made me feel like an adopted son. So did your mother, Mary. Sweet sweet Mary. Your whole family has been such an enrichment of my life. I can't possibly feel the depth of your loss, but my prayers are with all of you. Many others, besides yourselves, are also in tears. Though I live far from all of you, my house is your house if you are ever in Michigan. I will always be with you in spirit.
Sharing your sadness that none of us will ever shed,
Ron...

Sincere condolences to the Castleman family.
Phil was such dear friend . So energetic, a dynamic personality and very kind. Always busy. His motto if you stop, you drop. Loved his family, loved life. Loved Drambuie and a cigar! May all wonderful memories of him comfort you now. A life well lived.

What can you say about a man who was both friend and mentor?
Besides being an icon in the fly fishing world, Phil had a lifetime of experience to impart . A life lived to such fullness that stories of his experiences are still told and retold.
He was kind, generous, at times irascible and never shied way from the truth. I only wish I had more time to know him better. Men like Phil are rare and you don't fully realize it until they are gone from you. I will miss him.

Joel,
I'm sorry for your loss of your father, my prayers are with you and your family.

David and Joel,
One of the pleasures of fly fishing at Camp Bonaventure web site is meeting so many people who have shared their lives and experiences around the dinner table and rod room. It was my pleasure to meet all of you and share stories. Phil was a treasure, truly unique and a joy to be around. Having known him enriched my life. Hope to see you again at Camp Bonaventure. My deepest sympathy at your loss.