Win Underwood, who lives at Marquis Assisted Living in Forest Grove, takes to the high seas

It was time for Win Underwood to stop telling fish stories and to experience one instead. Last month the resident of Marquis Forest Grove Assisted Living did just that.

Underwood "had a wish to go deep sea fishing in hopes of catching a big fish," said LaRayne Barrios, activity director at Marquis. "As a veteran, having served in the Army Infantry from 1952 to 1958, he did spend time on the open seas — four times on a military ship to Germany and to battle in Korea, but never just for fun.

"One of Win's favorite hobbies is fishing and he has fished many a river, lake and stream, but never the big, blue ocean."

After a couple setbacks with his health, the date was set for Underwood's wish to finally come true. "He quickly rustled up a contest between other fishermen to see who could hook and land the biggest fish," noted Barrios.

On June 6, a beautiful, sunny day in Depoe Bay on the Oregon coast, Underwood was joined by Marquis friends and family members aboard the Tacklebuster, a 50-foot charter boat that operates out of Tradewinds Charters. Although he didn't get the prize for the biggest fish, he did bring home a catch of 57 sea dwellers, including ling cod, cabezons and a variety of other rock fish. He ended his day with a meal of fish and chips at Mo's in Lincoln City.

He was treated to a fish fry back at Marquis in late June, Barrios said.

"Words can't explain how great the fishing trip was," said Underwood. "It was marvelous — the best day of my life."

Barrios expressed thanks to Captain Turner and the Tacklebuster crew for making this wish, part of the Marquis New Chapters Program, possible.

For more information about Underwood's wish or the New Chapters program, contact Barrios at 503-357-7119.