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Hello Fellow Cruisers: This past Monday, December 11, Bob Reib weighed anchor for the last time in this life, and we are all the lesser for his passing. Almost every cruiser who has ever plied the coastal waters east of the Mississippi knows Bob Reib as "Skipper Bob," cruising guide author, and seminar giver extraordinnaire. Bob was one of a kind, and we shall not be meeting his like again. This is a sad Holiday Season for the cruising community. We have lost one of our brightest lights! No-more can we attend those marvelous lectures, where Bob would have all of us rolling in the aisles. No more will Bob and I be sharing a booth at Trawlerfest. And, no more will Bob be taking the time to answer any and all questions put to him by fellow cruisers. His loss to all of us is like a newly opened wound, and, for me at least, it will take some time to heal. There are really only a few of us left who are involved with this strange business of writing independent cruising guides. Not only was Bob one of the best, but he was also one of the most generous. I remember like it was yesterday, sitting down with Bob for lunch at a Solomons Island Trawlerfest a few short years ago. A fellow cruiser came along, did a bit of a double take, and then observed, "you two must be very friendly competitors." Before I could even get my mouth open, Bob had launched into a spirited account of why everyone needed both our different styled guidebooks aboard. Now, how many other authors would be generous enough to point out all the good aspects of another writer's books? I had the good fortune to share a booth with Bob and his first-rate, first-mate, Elaine, at Trawlerfest two years ago. I was the real winner in that bargain. Hundreds of cruisers stopped to ask Bob a question, or make a comment. And then, Bob unfailingly sent everyone of those people my way with a "and you need Claiborne's books as well." Skipper Bob was not only generous, he was also incredibly unselfish when it came to sharing information. Over this past year, Bob has graciously allowed me to place any number of his thoughts on the Salty Southeast Cruiser's Net. And, when either of us detected something new along the Waterway that was of a concern to the cruising community at large, it wouldn't be long before we were on the telephone sharing the news. I will miss Bob's wisdom and humor more than I can ever say. And so, with many a backward glance from this writer, I bid Skipper Bob a most heartfelt goodbye. Bob, may the wind always be at your back, and the road rise to meet you, and may God hold you in the palm of his hand Claiborne S. Young Not only has the boating community suffered a terrible loss but also anyone who ever came in contact with Skipper Bob. He was a genuinely great guy in every aspect. We had the pleasure of hearing him speak in Grand Haven, Michigan, and also had the honor of sharing a dinner table with him and Elaine. When I think of that time together I will always remember the colorful print shirts and Elaine's jokes. What precious memories we have of that time. Nancy & Bill Braun When I looped, THE Skipper warned me about taking the Mississippi all the way to New Orleans. He told me I'd be making the worst mistake. Unfortunately, he had never done that trip and was only advising on hearsay. I did go that way and thought it was the BEST leg of the entire loop. Last month Skipper Bob wrote and asked me to write a page or two on that section of the Mississippi for his forthcoming revision. Unfortunately, that book will never be published. Too bad, I always looked to him for advice and trusted his word. Tommy Bob and Elaine spent several months here at Midway Marina on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway about 10 years ago, before he became known as Skipper Bob. Their boat was a Krogen. We all had many fun times together, especially the night of our annual Halloween party. Gerald and Elaine danced the night away. Elaine and Bob are both very talented in many ways. Elaine made draperies for the houseboat we had just bought and Bob installed them. Just a few weeks ago, the owners of the same houseboat finally replaced them, although they were as good as new. We have kept in touch all this time. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to Elaine. Ginger Conner When we bought our boat in Houston in June of 2005 my wife sent Skipper Bob an email to ask about recommended stops on the trip from Houston to Kentucky Lake were we intended to berth it. We did not know him and had never contacted him before but had seen his emails of the T&T list. Skipper Bob responded with a detailed trip plan and two additional pages of hints. He had no reason to do this other than to help a fellow boater! Bill and Mary Anne Osborne |
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Tributes from fans of Skipper Bob |
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