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I have created a list just for posting remembrances of Skipper Bob for the members of the various groups that love trawlering.For me and possibly many of you all, Skipper Bob was my first introduction to the possibility of cruising Americas waterways and living aboard. His guidebooks have been used by practically everyone cruising the Great Loop and the ICW. Anyone lucky enough to have seen his presentation know his love for the cruising life. He made what was only a dream for many into reality by showing them the how-to of cruising. Greg and Susan Han We all gave him high marks. His ineffable personality, his bubbly enthusiasm, his flashing brown eyes and outrageous shirts and Santa Claus belly were his trademark. And all of us respected his marksmanship. His guides are the essence of cruising information – no fluff, no nonsense just sensible Bob getting to the truth of the matter. Elaine called us and gave us the news of Bob’s passing. It was sudden, unexpected, the surprise of surprises in the lead up to Christmas. He was going to get the Christmas tree up but never got around to it. Elaine had had a rough night and Bob had been by her side. In the morning he admonished her to stay in bed, take it easy. He kissed her, tucked her in and left the room. When she went looking for him he had gone to his everlasting rest. He was only 66. Some voices we think we’re going to hear forever. And then there’s silence… and a deep feeling of loss. How we loved him. Bless those whose lives have blessed us; and blessings to Elaine who knew every word on every page and was with him through all the adventures and the seminar presentations and the rewrites and the updates. His words will live on for years and Elaine will continue to distribute the latest editions, which propitiously, were completed before his death. Our kindest thoughts to Skipper Bob’s family. He was a great friend and supporter and we’ll sorely miss him. Ron & Eva Stob, Directors Skipper Bob did most of his cruising and writing on a Kadey Krogen Manatee he named "Snug." We also have a Manatee named "Ugly Duckling" and don't cruise anywhere without Bob's books aboard. These are fantastic boats, but heading into much of a sea with wind forward can make a wet ride. I was able to chat with Bob a number of times at various events, and once asked him what he does about going to windward with a good chop on the water. His reply was immediate and with a smile: "What are you doing out there? You don't go when the weather is like that. Cruising is for enjoying every moment, not beating yourself up." Well said, except when one has to go!! - Which on more than one occasion I have sworn not to do again regardless of the circumstances. Lamar Neville Cindy & I were deeply saddened to hear of Skipper Bob's passing. We too are Krogen Manatee owners and I first came to know Bob when we were looking for our boat. He was a wealth of knowledge and information about Manatees, gladly and freely given. Through the years we corresponded now and again and when we met up at TrawlerFest we always had a good gam. The cruising world is a better place for all that he gave us and I, for one, miss him already. Our deepest sympathies to Elaine. Randy Pickelmann When Mona and I bought Skipper Bob's Krogen Manatee "Snug". We agreed on a price. A couple of weeks later he called us and said he was refunding $10,000 of the purchase price. He said he had done further research and now feels like he overcharged us $10,000.00. The Skipper was beyond honest. He also was kind and gentle. He never turned anyone away that asked for his help. If you looked like you needed help he would ask, "Do you need help?" During our 10 years of cruising we would never leave port without a full set of Skipper Bob Books. They are the best aids for cruisers. They will remain the best with Skipper Elaine's authorship. Chief Judge Leo Oxberger and Mona Merryman We first met Skipper Bob and his wife, at the 2003 Trawler Fest in Melbourne. We were "in between boats" and looking for our first trawler. The Skippers inspiration was true to his form. It never mattered "who" you were, he always took the time to talk to ya. The quote from him that rings in my ears even today is "don't by the biggest boat you can afford. Buy the smallest boat you feel comfortable on". Another favorite relative to navigation is "If you know where you are all the time, you won't get lost!" He taught simplicity. When I heard of his death, I was floored. He is like a member of the family. "What would Skipper Bob say"? My wife and I are two weeks from departing civilization on our "lifes dream" adventure. We looked at each other and reminded ourselves again how precious life is and especially how short. AAARRRGGGGHHH Skipper Bob! Ken and Edi Williams We will remember Skipper Bob with the greatest admiration and gratitude. When we brought our brand new Sabreline 42 home to Wisconsin from New Jersey in 2003, it was his books that guided us through the Erie and Trent-Severn Canals. My copies are highlighted, dog-eared, waterspotted and torn but we would not leave the slip without them. We will be making the same trip next spring and will think fondly of Bob as we make our way. Sally and Oliver Miller Condolances to Elaine and Family. What a great contributer to the boating community! Fond memories of t/w Rob and utilizing his wonderful pubs. HE'LL BE MISSED!! Tom & Gerry Clare We have had the pleasure of meeting Skipper Bob and Elaine at their presentation at the Trawler Fest in Stuart. We have avidly followed his guide books and web postings during our GL trip this year and kept him advised by email of our observations. He has been so kind and responsive to our individual email questions. A great loss to all of us in the cruising community. Sandy and Joe Chernow When I first announced to my family that I was planning the Great Circle Loop trip in 5 years, and was asking them (who have already been to Fla and back to NJ several times) about traveling the ICW, and anchorages, etc. I kept getting the same answer....Skipper Bob....You need to get the Skipper Bob books. It will have everything you are asking about. So I started with his book Cruising Comfortably On a Budget, which I just completed reading about two weeks ago. I really enjoyed it. I have emailed Bob a few times with some questions, and he always responded. I liked his simple approach, and his low budget solutions. Ralph Yost He was one of the largest personalites in a room, marina, or Trawlerfest. And nearly every person who ever met him, knew him, as one other person said he took the time to be personable with any willing ear. You wanted stories, you got them, sayings, that too.. He was so willing to pass on the knowledge that he had, I'm sure thats how he started his guides. There was just too much demand for a person with that much information inside him. He recognized the huge whole that wasn't in guides way back when, and created his very simple, easy to use, extreamely knowledgable guides. Like others who have stated before me, we were looking at Trawlers when I first met this man. And acted as a guide to help me in the mountain of information that the Boat Manufacturers throught at me. His guiding light in his stories, Guides, and stories will be sorely missed by me.. I'll miss you skipper bob.. John Ford I am so happy that we spoke with you and personally thanked you for your guidance along our waterways while at Joe Wheeler. You always answered my questions. I remember telling you that some of us referred to you as Skipper God and how you laughed. Your last advice to us was "To take the Rim Route" . Well we did take the rim route and it was lovely and we had all the water we needed and then some. Once again we Thank You for guiding us through the unknown. We will miss your smile and wonderful talks along with the sound advice you provided to all who asked. Farewell Phil & Rose We were shocked to hear of Skipper Bob's passing ,especially having just seen him at the fall rendezvous of AGLCA in October. Condolences to his wife and family and all who knew him and were touched by him. We value his guidebooks and have appreciated his seasoned advice on the cruising lifestyle. His passing is yet another reminder that life is precious and it's so important to seize the moment! In sincerest sympathy Pam and Tom Frech Carol and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. As a fellow cruiser and having had the opportunity to meet both of you over the last several years, all we can say is that this experience certainly enhanced our time on the water. With our trips back and forth on the ICW from the Chesapeake to Florida and cruising the Chesapeake the "Skippers" books are always front and center. Later with his addition of the Loop books, these books are a "must have" when cruising anywhere. His love of the water, his knowledge so selflessly given, his stories that enthralled all who listened and love of family and life will be sorely missed. Our prayers are extended to your and your family, the "Skipper" will be watching over us all now. Dennis and Carol Gustafson A true Gentleman that I will always remember. Adagio3 A giant of a man and mind. He and his books fueled my desire to travel by water. Next month we go to the Bahamas because his expertise reduced the apprehension of the unkown and heightened the anticipation of the beauty of the waterways. I want a Skipper Bob shirt!!!!! Milt and Fran Ohlsen Bob, May you have fair winds and following smooth seas. You have enriched the lives of many of us. It was my pleasure to know you and Elaine and share a few meals with you both at Trawler Fests. You will be sorely missed. I hope that Elaine keeps on the publication of the excellent books you made. I feel that you are one of the real pioneers and motivators of Great Loop cruising. Love from We share your grief and celebrate a wonderful life. Last year when we were panicked about moving anew boat across the GCICW and up the Tenn-Tom to GTB, Bob took the time to put together a detailed travel schedule for us which we followed diligently. His love of the water, people and boating will long live in our hearts and on our bookshelves. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill and Mary Anne Osborne We first met at a Trawler Fest and I became a student of his cruising philosophy. . Cruising On A Budget was my early favorite publication and taught me that you didn't need a mega trawler or a large budget to do what we all love: crusing. Please continue his work. Capt. Stan The most respected authority on cruising America's waterways, Skipper Bob's knowledge and sage advice, always give freely, will be sadly missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Bob Upshon Wow what a loss!!!.....Boy do I remember his big smile, funny jests with his wife, gracious manner, and the clear vision that others like us could in fact accomplish cruising the Great Loop with reasonable preparation. We traveled some 3000 miles to Florida for the Trawler Fest where we met Bob and his wife, who greatly impacted our view of what could be possible , which led to our starting the loop with Bob's daily input leading the way Well done Bob and thanks !!!.....We will see you in a peaceful anchorage some day.............. Geri DeHart We're so sorry to hear of Skipper Bob's passing. We know he will be missed by so many whose lives he has touched. He is the third person in many a boat doing the loop or traveling our beautiful waters...how often we've heard the phrase, "But Skipper Bob says..." and then everyone listens and nods their head. He has spoken. Thanks, Bob for making all our trips a bit easier, a bit more adventuresome and a bit less expensive. And thank you, Elaine for carrying on the legacy. We know you will miss him most of all. Jim and Linnea Wise To Elaine, the family, and to all his friends; we extend our deepest sympathy. Skipper Bob provided us with the method to turn our ambitious spark into a bonfire of adventure. In life, he provided us with the guidebooks for our traveling journey. Now, as he commences his own journey into heaven, we hope that there will be the perfect guidebook for him to find that special, peaceful anchorage. We think it might read: Mile 000.0, {0.0}, Skipper Bob Cove, (444444): Proceed peacefully through the Pearly Gate, continue straight ahead to the most beautiful and peaceful place of all. Wonderful protection and surrounded by Love. Always to Remember, What a fitting and touching tribute to a man who helped so many! Jack We first met Skipper Bob and Elaine in 2003 at Grand Haven Trawlerfest, where we both were presenters. As we travelled the Great Loop aided by his wonderful line of books, we met Bob and Elaine many times at other events. I was honored when he asked me to contribute to his Lake Michigan book; the Master choosing an apprentice! There have been many discussions on the various bulletin boards where differences of opinion are often expressed. The only certainty was that when Skipper Bob contributed to a discussion, there was little dissent....we had heard from the Master. He was always available for and encouraged individual consultation, and his answers were universally trusted. The cruising community has lost a powerful resource as well as a wonderful friend. Elaine, our hearts and prayers go to you and your family. Bob and Carol Kunath We made great use of Skipper Bobs publication during our 5000 mele trip in 2003. His publications were always the most up to date material we could find. He will be missed. Rich and Laurie Ward I was first introduced to Skipper Bob when we hired a captain to help bring the boat from MI to Annapolis. His guide book went along the way as we transisited the Erie Canal. After we purchased our trawler one of the first books we bought was Skipper Bob for the ICW. It pointed out many good anchorages we have used. We in the cruising community will miss him. May God bless you and your family. Stephen Starling It was with great sorrow that we learned of Skipper Bob's passing. Many times we would have questions and wrote to him individually and within a very short period time we would have the answer. It was only two weeks ago I sent him an email about the crossing of the Gulf of Mexico and Bob took the time to lay out all the necessary details. He was a gem of an individual and always there when you needed him. Bob, you will certainly be missed. May you have the most pleasant of voyages with the calmest of seas and weather. To Bob's family we send you our sympathies on the passing a truly wonderful individual. Bob and Ann Levine I never knew him personnaly, but respected him for his knowledge of the cruising area I love, and his ability to pass on accurate information about that area. He obviously was a gentleman. We will miss his comments. Tucker Coxwell May he rest in peace, and watch over us as we use his wealth of information as we realize our dream of cruising the Great Loop. GOD bless his family and friends,if the world was full of people like SKIPPER BOB,THERE WOULD ONLY BE PEACE. Joe and Mary This GENTLEMAN was an inspiration and a guide to our travels. We have every book. One of the most important reasons to attend the Rendezvous was to hear Skipper Bob's latest and good wit. We will miss him. Elaine, our hearts are with you and we were pleased that you will keep up the good work on the Skipper Bob publications. God bless you and Skipper Bob. Bob and Dianne Barry on the Free Spirit Esther and I both knew Skipper Bob and Elaine well from our several year association with TrawlerFest events, first as co-presenters, and later as we were staff, and Bob was among the most popular of presenters that I could recruit in my position as Program Coordinator. Bob and Elaine were willing to drive nearly anywhere near the "Great Loop Cruise" route, and always filled the room to which they were assigned. Elaine always warned me well ahead of time that "We will need more chairs" and she was usually right! And she was always in the back of the room to quickly cover any omission that Bob might make. And, if the truth be known, on occasion she slightly inflated the number of tickets she collected and counted! They always were the table most in demand for lunches and dinners as everyone wanted to be able to have more time with Bob and Elaine. Both were most generous with their time as well as donations of Bob's books for our charity auctions, and they spent freely buying other's donations and supporting the local charity recipient. Bob's philosophy of cruising closely matched my own and Esther's. "Buy the smallest boat you can be comfortable on, not the largest one you can afford", was his mantra. I know of several couples who got into the life style without "Having to sell the farm" after listening to Bob's "Cruising on a Budget" talk. Bob was extraordinarily patient in dealing with the crowds in the "Vendor tent". Bob and Elaine, along with Claiborne Young, Fred and Joanie Myers, and Ron and Eva Stob often shared adjacent spaces in "The tent", and covered each other's space as needed. They all strongly supported first Georgs Kolesnikov, and later Jack and Millie Rose, in putting TrawlerFest on the boating map. Long distance coastal cruisers, Loopers, and others have lost a great friend, a wonderful resource, and an extraordinarily decent man. From another perspective, I suspect Bob would have been glad to pass on quickly and without long term complications, a feeling I share. I am very glad to hear that Elaine will continue the publication of the wonderfully informative and useful series of books that Bob initiated. I wish her well in that endeavor, and encourage cruisers to continue to update her on their observations. The last time I saw Bob, Esther and I were locked in Champlain Lock 2 in Mechanicville, NY, and he was researching the extent of damage from the floods in that area in late June 2006. Elaine was off on a "Red Hat Ladies" excursion. I sincerely hope she can continue to take the time to continue those kinds of fun activities! My heartfelt sympathies to Elaine and Bob's family. Dennis Elaine, I had the honor of sitting for diner with you and Bob at Trawler Fest down in Stuart several times. What a great time we all had. I lost my Mate, Susan, 3 months ago, so I have a recent feel for what you are going through. Remember, he helped countless cruisers, had a great life, a loving family, and didn't suffer. We should all be so blessed. God Bless Dave Smith It is with a heavy heart that we read about Skipper Bob's passing. Because of our initial purchase of the Great Circle Route we started out in our boat (new to us) from Florida last April and are now in Mobile, almost done. It was so wonderfull to have his books and guidance on this trip. The anchorages were amazing and the tidbits about locations so helpfull. I am sure we will all miss him... our hearts are with his family.. Erica and Kevin Burns The cruising community has lost one of our most enthusiast cruisers. He will be remembered by so many, as he was always willing to share his time, knowledge and stories of cruising. Jack and I first heard Skipper Bob at an MTOA Rendezvous in Baltimore in 1998. We were impressed with the way he put his knowledge and experience together and then delivered it with humor as well. We met again at our first Trawler Fest in Solomons that same year. The next year we ourselves were involved in Trawler Fest and got to know both he and Elaine much better. Bob was a mainstay of Trawler Fest, and we loved having them both there. Not just to give seminars, but because they both were so much fun to be with. While Bob was the "headliner", Elaine, was so much a part of his seminars, and they were a terrific team. Not only in cruising, but in life as well. Our deepest sympathy to Elaine and Bob's family. He will long be remembered by so many. Millie & Jack Rose Never met Bob in person, but lived by his Great Loop "Bibles" and e-mails when we were doing the Loop in 2002 / 2003. The cruising community has lost a great friend, but he is now cruising the best waters their are. God Bless, Ray, Camille, & Taylor Lesoine Without Skipper Bob's books Tom and I would never have done the Great Loop in 2000. I can still quote many of his guidelines -- particularly the ones that kept us out of trouble, like getting off Lake Michigan by Labor Day. All of us owe him a debt of gratitude! Thank you, Bob. And deepest condolences to Elaine. We'll all miss him! Stay well, be safe, and HAVE FUN! Life is precious! Ann & Tom Caywood Being relatively new to the trawler world-Skipper Bob was a great inspiration and help to me--you always felt comfortable with his books and messages because you knew you could count on their accuracy and his tremendous knowledge. We will all miss him very much. "Mighty PeJo" |
Tributes from fans of Skipper Bob |
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