By Mary Miller
At the end of a few letters Harold sent to me over the past few years is the signature, “A fishing friend, Harold.” This title is how I frequently described my friendship with Harold Brutlag—my hometown fishing friend. However, he was so much more to me than that. After he passed a few months ago, I found myself reflecting more than ever on our relationship and all of the memories I was so honored to have with him. With what started as a summer fishing buddy turned into a connection that I will forever be grateful for. I only had the privilege of knowing one of my grandfathers, who passed in 2019. After this, Harold unknowingly filled this role in my life. He was the community member that became a close friend and then would later turn into family for me.