Dear Ed, Betty and Bob My heart felt condolences to your entire family. When I read your Dad's obituary, I immediately thought of our families and the summers at Johnson Brothers. Hard to believe that was 50+ years ago !

I'll never forget the date...July 4, 1997. What was to be my first fishing experience off the coast of New Jersey became my last. The "Captain"...Grandpop Koos. First Mate...my father-in-law, Ed. Crew...Chris, my brother-in-law. I really had looked forward to my first coastal fishing adventure...to feel the surge of the Atlantic lift the boat...to taste the fresh salt air. It became more real as the coastline grew smaller...only 30 minutes in, I knew something just didn't feel right...that this "adventure" wouldn't be what I had imagined. Maybe it was the strange tingling I felt in both arms...that numbness between my hands and elbows...that uneasy feeling in my stomach as a I watched the shoreline grow smaller. It may have been that flat-faced bottom feeder that was reeled in...the one that had to be cut from the line, literally. I can't explain just what it was that had me second-guessing the whole trip. My thoughts: "The coastline doesn't look too far away...would they be willing to take me back to the nearest dock?...I'd find a ride home." "Could I possibly swim back to shore at this point?" Too late. That's when I began hanging over the edge..."chumming", if you will. "Let's get him farther out," Grandpop ordered. The more I hung over the edge, the further from the coastline we went. There was no turning back! For 8 hours, I hung over the edge...I was never more relieved to see the coastline...to feel solid ground beneath my feet. "It won't be this bad the next time...you're a real trooper," were Grandpop's last words to me that day. Although there never was a "next time," I'll never forget that trip. Thanks for helping me realize I have NO business on a boat off the coast of New Jersey..and thanks for the warm welcome into the Koos family!

Dear Ed, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, but what a great long life. I think of you and Susan every now and then but have really lost track of you guys and your whereabouts. I hope you and your family are doing well. I would love to hear from you or see you if you are ever up my way in the Rumson/Red Bank area. So sorry again. Your old friend, Dave Henderson

Bob and Noreen, I saw the notice and the great picture (!!) in the paper and was instantly transported back to the one time that I met Bob's Dad - moving things around in Brielle. I never forgot the grace, stature and good humor of him on that day - there was just instantly something about him that was just that remarkable. Ninety-four is one heck of a milestone. May we all reach his longevity and emulate those qualities I remembered all these years. God bless -- Jess Le Vine

May Almighty God of all Comfort and Tender Mercies Comfort the Koos family (2Co.1:3,4), The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and Come out, Almighty God will wipe out every tears from their eyes and death will be no more, Almighty God HOPE and PROMISE SOON TO BE ATTAIN, May these thoughts be of some Comfort. gingerrobinson@bellsouth.net

Dear Captain Wish I could have spoken with you over these last 10 years. I wrote you some letters but never sent them. Guess I was just venting but in synopsis they were a big thank you for all that you did for me as a child. You made me strong of mind and spirit. Some might say too strong ( chuckle ) but the strength has helped me through a lot of difficult things in my life. Where many would have given up, you taught me to finish every job that I started and to do the best that I could whether I liked it or not. Whether it was carrying wood, shoveling the driveway, fishing, homework, or a card game - we always had to play to 150. I remember too that you would not evem listen to me if I was not speaking the English language properly, Quite a lesson to a child when they get ignored - a useful tip to parents everywhere not to let children have their way. You were always there to look over my homework and I can honestly say that I cannot remember you ever telling me no when I needed your help as a child - of course as long as I tickled your feet for 1/2 hr or played cards with you. When I got a promotion with work and was asked to move to Maryland - i wasn't sure whether to take it. I remember taking you out to dinner because I wanted your honest feedback to help me make that decision. Although you were not my biological father, the lessons that you taught me since I was five years old of working hard, playing hard and standing your ground on your morals, etc - I hold to this day. So if this is the only way that I can say "thank you", here it is. PS - Thanks for going to Betty Anne's whenever I had my high school parties :-) I brag about you often and feel very lucky to have had you in my life. I have a Captains bell that I bought for you many years ago and never got to give you. I will be ringing it on Sunday with tears of happiness and joy because after such a long, fulfilling and lucky life that you have had, now you are in a better place and I will see you there someday ! Thanks for the memories and say hi to Mom for me!

Chuck and Mersene Stapp made a donation to United Presbyterian Church of Millstone

We are very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, our most heartfelt sympathies.

Elyse Engelhardt made a donation to United Presbyterian Church of Millstone