FC. Smokes Creek Syris McGee 1998-2004

[Tom Shannon]

Rick, you know how I felt about Syris Mcgee as do many others.I will mourn his passing for years to come. I want to thank you and Syris for being the kind of friends that you have been. I will always remember the first time I saw him run, and the last. He made beagling history and noone can take that away from him. I have always felt honored that you allowed me to a small part of that by taking him to some trials and handling him. I met a lot of people along the way with Syris and even more through you and I appreciate that also. I cemented the foundation of a rabbit hunting future for several young boys with Sy's help and I know they will never forget him or you for letting us keep your triple champion and just running and gunning fun. How many people would have done that? I will always be thankful that while others were talking about him or arguing about him and his accomplishments I was watching him run and breeding to him. I will do all I can to let my three Sy pups follow in his footsteps. As you know one has a good start, placing in 3 registries in 3 trials! So my friend, you know you have my deepest sympathy for your loss and thaks again to you both and Woofie for all you have done for me and so many others as well as the future of my kennel.

[jack pirowski]

To my friend rick. The loss of Sy is not only a loss for you but a loss for the sport of beagling.After reading the replys of so many you can see how well known and what a champion he was. I only wish that i could have had the chance to see him in action.I would also like to thank you for the oppurtunity to having sys and woofies dogs in my kennel .I feel your loss because i know you love your dogs.I will see you with max, woffie and my future champ ottie on SMOKES CREEK WHERE HUNTING DOGS ARE MADE. Your Friend Big Jack

[Bill Damiano]

Hey Ricky,
It so tough trying to say how much we are all hurting for you because we knew the special bond you and Syris had. You know we are and will always be friends and no matter how many miles or people are between us I am always your friend. I loved the times with Syris ,Woof, Sammy and old Scooter over at the winery running for 8 or 9 hours in a day. Those were good times and gave me great memories. I remember handeling Syris at his ARHA trials and the look on everyones faces When he dusted off the competition.. You have promoted The Smokes creek bloodlines through hard work and dedication and with you driving Syris all over the country to run him against the "best of the best" it only made him tougher and his reputation grew and grew. I always said you could start a fight in church but when you called after it happened I knew you were hurting and my heart goes out to you. My offer still stands come over and pick out any Smokes Creek Little Sammy puppy that strikes your fancy and make a champion out of him. Only time can heal deep hurt but I'm sure the Max pup will show he will be the next in a great lineage of dogs. good luck and God Bless
Bill Damiano and family...Bells Run Kennels

[redneck from wilson]

Sorry to hear the news about Sy. He'll be missed by everyone. Give us a call when you have time.

[Schag]

Rick,

Sorry to hear about the loss. I only had the opportunity to watch Sy go one time. However, I remember talking to you Rick. You are a fine man. Once again, sorry. Drop me an email if you get the chance.

Jason Schag

[Jessy Foster from Wilson]

§ I am sorry for your loss, I remember when me you , my dad , Craig and Colleen went to run the dogs and Sy was always in the front howlin' away !
Sy will always be remembered here as the best hound around !! Come out soon, or give us a call. I will ALWAYS remember Sy ! [/b]

[Guest Shane IL]

Rick, Very Sorry to hear the news about Sy. He was a special dog to many people. A true Champion in many ways Not only for his many accomplishments in the field but in the kennel as well. Thru him My son, Daniel, and myself have made lasting friendships with many fellow beaglers, and many memoriable runs with some of his offspring. If there ever was a book published of who's who in beagling I'm sure that you and sy would be at the top of the list. I would like to thank both of you for introducing daniel and myself to the big leagues of beagleing. you are truly a big league player!!!! if there is ever anything that i could do to repay all those favors im only a phone call away! until next time my friend good huntin , shane F. IL.

[Dan F.]

Rick im sorry to hear about your great loss and others loss as well.. syris was one of the finest house to ever compet in the sport of beagling and no one will ever forget him.. and i want to say thanks for everything that u have done for me, for letting me bread to that fine hound and giving me advise and giving me support along all the way when it was hard for me and not only did u give me a free breading to syris but u treated my family great by treating us to breakfest and giving me an I love New York T-shirt but most important to me was the trophy that u gave me that was one of syris's first LP trophies that he won which i will charish forever along with all the memories like the first time i met syris and your self along with many other great people and friends... and i hope that one day syris son (Magic) turns out to be half as good and famous as syris was and always be...and if there is anyway i can return all the thing that u have done for me im only a phone call away... so keep your head up and keep runnin...
Daniel F.

[Todd Bromley]

Sorry for your loss Rick,Sy was one of a kind.Todd

[windy hollow]

Our simpathy goes out to you and your family. anyone that ever lost a special beagle in their life knows exactly how hard it can be, and time will not heal the hurt, but as time goes by the hurt will be replaced by fond memories of how a truely great hound should be.

Charles & Kay Coles of Windy Hollow Beagles

[Bopeye]

Rick G. or Jamie H. My Syris female had pups this morning. Your welcome to any pup you want free of charge. It's the least I can do for having the honor of owning a daughter out of Syris.

She had 6 females and 2 males. Take your pick.
They are all beautiful. I hope a few of them look very much like Sy.

[Koontzy]

sorry to hear about the loss.... I know how great this dog was.