Updates

May 5th,

Hello Everyone,
Just in case you have not checked the Red Rooster site lately I wanted to let you know there will be a memorial service on the Red Rooster to honor Jorge May 30 @ 1 PM.
If you feel comfortable to share a story or two about Jorge this is your chance. If you have any old photos of Jorge this would be a good chance to give them to the Family. Jorge's wife Nancy, and children Dr. Anna Cristina, Gina, and Jorge Jr. have been invited to attend. The may be our last tribute to Jorge, but none of will forget him. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who knew Jorge. Thank you.
Ralph Cox

April 29th,

Dear Friends,
 
For many months I have been writing many of you with "Jorge Updates". I am very, very sorry to report Jorge's passing April 21@ 7 AM in the hospital in Tijuana. Many of you may already be aware of this news, but just in case I thought I should send an email.
Jorge first became ill on the Rooster July 14, 2007. He was quickly diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, a rare and quick growing malignant brain tumor. He had brain surgery and treatment soon started. At the time I looked at Web MD and it didn't take long to see that this was horrific and incurable and treatment could only slow it down and NOT cure the disease. As I read on it looked as though with treatment the disease could be slowed, but that was the best we could all hope for and the fact remained that his life would be limited to from 9 months, to 19 months and Jorge's life was virtually terminal.
 
Since this news was shared with his Family from the beginning they all understood the seriousness and time frame of the disease. I am not sure how they worked things out, but it was obvious and agreed to that they would provide Jorge with the very best medical care, positive reinforcement and loving support possible. To witness their sensitivity during his illness was something to behold. Never, ever have I seen a Family pull together to make each and every day one of caring, love, providing comfort and constant company 24/7.
 
Treatment of Chemo and Radiation was tough on Jorge and the Family, but he never complained. His concern was for his Family and MAYBE one last trip on the Red Rooster. Some of you called and many of you wrote, sent cards and donations. These things along with love kept him going. I have no idea what sort of treatment he may have had without help from Friends and Family and the entire Family was very thankful for the blessings of generosity and messages of compassion. Along with his treatments he also had several serious infections as his immune system was beginning to be compromised...........all resulting in fluid on his brain, infection of his bladder (bladder was removed 12-07). As the swelling increased, many other parts of his body encountered difficultly to operate normally as it became impossible for him to walk, function properly, talk or do many things we take for granted. Many of us called Jorge "The Mule" as he was soooooooo strong, but towards the end he continued to battle and gave it his all, but the disease was too much to overcome.
 
I hope the updates on Jorge's condition and treatment were helpful? I want to thank those who rode down with me to either Tijuana or Ensenada. Joe Davidson made many trips, along with John Young, John and Rosie Loftus, and Carl Newton and of course my wife Judy. We logged a lot of miles these past 9 months. Thanks for riding along. I also have to thank you for your good thoughts or prayers as they were a comfort to the Family. Special thanks should also go to some VERY generous Friends who donated monetarily or goods to help raise money. I will name a few, and if I forgot someone please forgive me as I was NOT totally aware of all the donations. Thanks go to Jerry Brown, Ross Wheeler, Rob Tappert, Jack Nielson, John Loftus, Larry Martin and many, many other fellow fishermen. I know my list is incomplete, so forgive me for not listing everyone. Scott MacFarland was also instrumental to put ALL the auctions together for Allcoast. com. Scott, along with donated fishing trips and merchandise donated for Jorge's auction literally raised THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. Linda Palm-Halpain of the Red Rooster also donated a number of fishing trips. Jim Keeney also donated two Penn 80 2-speed reels and Jerry Smith donated two custom rods for the raffle done at the Fred Hall Fishing Show, which also raised thousands of dollars. Thanks also to Rolf Johnson for his computer work, setting up Jorge's websites and providing updates about Jorge's condition. Ed Zieralski of the San Diego Union Tribune and Rich Holland of Western Outdoor News were also instrumental in putting out the word on Jorge's condition. On behalf of the Nicifore Family, THEY THANK YOU DEEPLY and I believe they now have an idea how many lives Jorge had touched.
 
In January Jorge was once again hospitalized and again in February. In between he had 24 hour nursing care while he was at home. Jorge's Family participated in all aspects of care giving, some of which must have been very difficult to do, but they gladly and willingly did what needed to be done.
 
Judy and I had been planning our "dream vacation" for the past 5 years of going to Australia, NZ and Fiji. Date of departure March 27, 2008 and at that point Jorge was not doing well. I felt like a real deserter to go away on vacation, but there was no way to cancel at that point without completely forfeiting our full payment. I felt like a heal, but Jorge's Family was aware of our trip and wanted us to go. Their feelings were that Jorge would have wanted it that way. All during the trip I wondered how he was doing, but was afraid to call home and find out. As it turned out Jorge passed away April 21 and we arrived home at 5 PM April 22. Jorge Jr. called me and said the funeral was to be in Ensenada Wed. April 23, so Wed. off we went. Somehow we got the time of service wrong which was to start at 1 PM at the Church. We arrived at the Chruch at 12:59. Jorge Jr. pushed me forward to help grab hold of the casket and and act as a Pallbearer. I felt very, very honored as I was the only Anglo or non Family member asked to assist. After the funeral things moved along to the cemetary.......no graveside service, just a few words from Family and Friends and it was over.
 
Later, after the cemetery, some of us were asked to go back to the Nicifore home for a meal and a little visit. We all talked about a few funny stories Jorge was involved in. Made me think about each of us and how much we had learned from Jorge over the years. Without exception EACH of us has learned some aspect of fishing from George. Knots, lure making, bomb lure making or just flat out techniques to catch a big one. We will all carry that knowledge with us for our remaining days and have Jorge to thank.
 
Linda is planning a Memorial Service for Jorge the day before the June Heat departure. The date of the service "MAY" be May 30th. Please watch the Red Rooster website for date and time. Hopefully we will have good attendance. Bring good stories, old pictures and each of us will have an opportunity to speak (if we wish to) . It would also be a good opportunity to pass along anything you believe is appropriate to the Nicifore Family. They still need our good thoughts (and prayers if you like). Correspondence can still reach them at: The Nicifore Family, 710 E. San Ysidro Bl., Ste A, PMB 1755, San Ysidro, CA 92173, USA.
 
And now our Friend is at rest. Whatever your beliefs might be I hope we all feel he is in a better place, pain free, maybe visiting old members of his Family, AND pulling on a 300 pound WAHOO!!
 
It was indeed an honor to know him......................Adios and see you in the next port of call My Dear Friend.
 
Ralph Cox, aka Rafa
 
Any questions or comments? Ralph Cox,
Cell 714  319 8914

April 22nd,

Hello to all,

I have profound sorrow to give the news that my father died on 21 April 2008. We already a profound sorrow, but also a great joy of that we know your love, friendship and its all the best his life. Want grateful friendship we given for many years and the help that we yours prayers and in the last month.
For your information that the funeral will be the day of 23 April 2008 in the city of Ensenada in a time of 12:00 hrs. If you go to stay we us are welcome but we know that many living away, with their are your prayers.

THANKS

CRISTINA NICIFORE AND FAMILY

PHONE NUMBER

011 52 646 1783774

011 521 6646753156

011 521 6461716682

April 22nd,

Wednesday, April 23rd, there are funeral services for Jorge in Ensenada.
If anyone is interested in going, meet at the Red Rooster III office at 9am and the plan is to Caravan down there.

In addition the Red Rooster III is also going to have a Memorial Service on the boat on the 30th of May. Details to follow.

April 21st,

Jorge Nicifore, born 6/25/1945 passed away this morning.

A man who touched many in his life will be missed. It was an honor to share the deck on the Red Rooster III with you for the past 23 years. Long Range fishing won't be the same with out my fishing buddy and my friend. I know there are many more who feel the same.

Rolf Johnson

April 14th,

Hello,  Linda and Cristina and friends,.
I am grateful for the interest for the health of my father, I they must inform that it he continues in the hospital, he is in a coma, already he does not speak, and almost it he, does not move, if he listens, but already we do not know if it he recognizes the voices.
We do not know all the time it he was continuing this way, the time is unpredictable since all his organism except the brain stem working well.
Any thing we will warn.
If they want to visit it in the hospital, they can do it

thanks

greattings

cristina nicifore
 

March 17th,

Hello everyone.
 It is a pleasure to greet them, and simultaneously it( gives me sadness to have to report to them that my father this one very badly of health, the tumor growth and my father is hospitalized again, this one in a coma, even it he recognizes our voices and reacts to the tact, but already he neither speaks nor moves very much.
All this process has been too exhausting in all the aspects for my family and for my, and is very painful to see as such a happy, strong and hard-working man goes away  little by little.
If I dare to write to them it is for that that each of you to been report of the life of my father and that has love them very much and you to also.

My family and I want to be grateful to them for the whole support that they have offered to us, we will never be able to forget it.
For that my father had wanted to be grateful to them and to say goodbye of each of you, for what I give him my voice.
Thank you so many years of friendship and for so many good moments in these unforgettable trips, thank you for your) help in the moment more difficult of my life.
Good-bye friends.
We meet in the following port.
Jorge Nicifore 

 

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING

CRISTINA NICIFORE AND FAMILY.

 

Oct. 29th,

Hello,

Just came back from San Diego to see the Red Rooster III return to port from their most recent trip.  The main reason for my trip down from Las Vegas was to give my buddy Jorge a big hug and tell to keep up the fight.   Jorge is a little thinner and does not have his strength back but is in great spirits. He had many well wishers at the dock.  I think there were more people there to visit with Jorge than came to look at the catch.  It just shows how much people love Jorge.

Rolf Johnson

Oct. 13th,

Hi
Have been speaking with Jorge and Jorge will be at the docks Oct. 28th to greet the boat on its return for its first 14 day trip. He would like to see as many of his Friends as possible.  So if you have the time and would like to see Jorge and check out the Red Rooster's catch, drop by the landing on Oct. 28th. 

Ralph Cox

Sept. 9th,

Hi Everyone

Spent most of the day in Tijuana with Jorge, his Wife and Daughter. It is special to see the good care George is given by his Family. Everyone remains positive and Jorge works daily to get stronger, and it's working. Strength in his left side continues to grow stronger and his walking has improved dramatically. He still needs a little help, but not much. He is able to get out for car rides and weekends at his home in Ensenada.  I think soon he will be walking on his own but as for the future we do not know. Say some prayers if you are so inclined as he continues to need them.

Jorge still likes to talk about the many good times spent on the water with many of us. Funny stories and fish tales continue as well as some great laughs. He is very lucky to have such a wonderful Family.

He is still getting a few donations, but that has slowed a lot. I don't know how he will do it as his insurance does not cover the meds. and his income is very limited. His wife stopped working so that Jorge can receive the attention he needs. The donations made by many are so very much appreciated. I wish we could declare Jorge as a dependent for tax purposes, and therefore able to donate more. I know each of us will do what we can whenever possible.

Jorge still doesn't get many phone calls and would LOVE to hear from his Friends. Once again he can be reached at either of the two phone #'s below.

01152 66460 83038  OR his cell 001521 64614 87560. He is still very easy to talk with, just call and tell him who you are and he can pretty much take it from there. Just because our Friend is sick we cannot forget him..........please stay in touch with him.

If anyone out there still needs Jorge's address it is:

Jorge Nicifore

710 E San Ysidro Blvd Suite A PMB 1755

San Ysidro CA 92173

His Family picks up the mail about every 2 days.

Everyone take care. If you have questions or need other information I may have about George, give me a call. Thanks.  714 579 1825

Ralph Cox

Aug. 12th,

Hi Everyone,
I saw Jorge in TJ yesterday at his daughters home and was able to  have about a 4 hours visit and a wonderful lunch prepared by his lovely  wife. He does plan to be down at the docks August 19, hanging around the  docks near the Rooster's office. Wants to see as many of his friends as  possible.  He is most appreciative of any donations still coming  in.

There is an auction on AllCoast Sportfishing Message board.  Lots of great items to bid on and proceeds go to Jorge.  Jorge  Nicofore Auction
They have  however accomplished yomans work in raising money for  Jorge.
 
However he is still bored and hasn't received many phone calls.  Keep trying folks. Phone # at Daughters condo, best place to reach, is 01152  66460 83038
or his cell 011521 64614 87560. The first # is the one he can be  best reached on. Try to call him after 1 PM anytime during the week.
I will be out of town for 2 weeks, so you  folks please keep up the good
support.
Ralph Cox

July 25th,


I just spoke to Scott MacFarland at All Coast fishing website. He has put together a raffle for accurate reels, cal star rods, 2500 yds of Jerry Brown spectra (80 Pounds), two smitty rod belts and plates, izorline package, and Linda is doing a $500 gift certificate good on any future Red Rooster trips. This is amazing and will really help Jorge.

It should ALL be online Wednesday, July 25..............take a look at       http://allcoast.com/,       this is amazing!

 

Ralph

July 19th,

Hi again one and all,

 

Spoke to Jorge just a little while ago. Sounds strong but bored. Now he is saying to go ahead and give his phone #'s to anyone who might want to call him. This includes Scott @ Allcoast. I was surprised after his last position, but it's OK to pass them along to anyone who wants them, so here goes:

 

He said all is quiet at the hospital now and he would love to talk to his Friends, so...............call now if you wish.

Out of hospital Sunday, July 22......Until then, phone # at hospital 01152 6646848112    Room 3

 

New Cell #     001521 64614 87560  - Note, there is an extra "1" after 52 in the number. I found that if you are calling a cell phone in Mexico, the 1 at the end of 52 is REQUIRED.

 

Beginning Monday, July 23 Jorge can be reached at his Daughters home phone # . Her name is Dr. Anna Christina. It is a regular phone so no extra #'s required. The # at his Daughters is 00152 66460 83038

 

Thanks to all

Ralph Cox

July 17th,

Your letters, donations and prayers are all a help and give him a lift of sprits.

He wants to thank you for your calls, your concerns and for passing info along to his Friends. His biggest worries continue to be for his Family and ability to pay his bills. Hope you find this info a little helpful even though there are not many specifics, but I am trying to honor Jorge's wishes.

Hopefully by Fri. or Sat. he will be discharged and staying with his Daughter in Tijuana. In his mind, he's still ready for a big tuna or wahoo and will work towards getting back on the water. That is his hope and I know we all hope he gets there.

Good night to all,

Ralph Cox