A very sad day for our paddleing community!!!

[Dis147]

All,

I don’t really feel right jumping in here, I didn’t know Bobby and I don’t know most of you, but I have been compelled to do so by all your input about this man.

It is so rewarding for me to learn about and be inspired by a boater I have never met, only read about. The post from all of you, sharing your memories of and describing Bobby, only make me want to become a better person. At the end of it all, if my family and friends can say things like that about me, enough said. That’s what it’s all about……………………

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to him……………

[babyharleyrose72]

I am glad I got to meet Bobby he was a happy guy and so fun to be around. I wish I could have gotten to be around him more. His family is in my thoughts, he will be greatly missed.

[Dean]

Unbelievable! Just saw this.
I met Bobby the second time I ran the Lil Mo at high water. We had both missed the previous group so it was just him and me. Not much talking but I remember the run well. Very pushy and holes everywhere. He was a very good boater and nice guy.
I’ve read about many close calls at Presbyterian Falls on the Mountain Fork. At high water it’s a keeper. Bobby knew this. I’m in total shock that it happened there.
See you on the other side friend!

[lbaker]

I did not know Bobby, but it's obvious from the posts he was loved and respected by those who did, and will be missed terribly. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Leigh

[shelbyjohnson]

All,

For those unable to attend.

The service yesterday was tough. Standing room only in the Chapel. The line backed out into the main entry of the Funeral Home, the parking lot left with no space, cars parked alongside the highway. There was a lovely arrangement of soccer mementos on Bobby's casket and his paddle and helmet leaned against an easel displaying the large sized shot of Bobby taken by Dan V. and another shot taken by Terry D.

Bobby's wife was heavy with grief, as were other close friends and family. Bobby's boys were both at their mother's side and over time she'll be comforted by them as it is obvious they were well raised and know how to take care of their mom.

There was at least enough soccer players there to fill out two teams, and to go with that a lot of paddlers - clear enough the two cultures that Bobby invested a lot of time in during his short time here.

Alex, Bobby's eldest son spoke a few words and what I remember the best was when he said, "Many of you will find this ironic since it is raining today, but pop was at his happiest when it rained because he knew it was time to paddle."

At the close of the ceremony there was a viewing and this community will be touched to know that Bobby's wife and family decided it would be best for him to be laid to rest wearing his paddling gear. His splash jacket ready for action on the next journey.

[tomcat]

I've been out-of-state since last Wednesday and come back to read such sad news.

Alex, nothing I can say will touch the pain you, your mom and family feel....but realize that your dad was a stand-up guy that many of us loved and respected. The fact that he was loved by so many speaks for itself. Just like water....his blood and memory will continue to flow through you, your family and all of us.


Tommy

[RandyJ]

The service yesterday was tough...

...At the close of the ceremony there was a viewing and this community will be touched to know that Bobby's wife and family decided it would be best for him to be laid to rest wearing his paddling gear. His splash jacket ready for action on the next journey.

But I'll swear, not even death could take that infectious smile off his face!

[Jim Krueger]

Thank you Shelby!

Best Regards
Jim

[Ryan Center]

It was hard to accept that Bobby was gone. As far as memorials go, it was great. It was awesome to see that Bobby made such an impact on others in this world and it showed yesterday. Alex, you did a great job speaking and it really touched me.

[Michele Jackson]

Thanks so much for the reports about the service. It sounds like he was loved by many, which comes as no surprise.

[Heath]

I would also like to thank everyone for the support of the family and Friends of Bobby, I know he is very proud of his son Alex for handling things the way he has, that is a very strong young man!

I also want to thank those that have been there for myself and Bobby Graves, It is wonderful to know that in the hardest times there are always people there willing to help in anyway possible.

Comeing away from this, I wasnt sure that I wanted to get back in a boat, but at the same time I know that is not what Bobby would have wanted. The one thing I do know is that when that time comes( hopefully sooner than later) He will be there with me, with that infectuios smile n his face.

[Bob Bo]

There are so many things I need to say but just cannot at this time but the one thing I can say is Bobby Bohn loved each and everyone of you that he shared that little cocked smile he had. I feel as if I know a little about everyone that hugged my neck and feel deeply sorry for your loss as much as anyones. Bobby talked about you all at work and on our truck rides to the rivers so the names I heard were just very moving to me. I really wish I could have met each and everyone of you on a river so you could have had as much fun as Bobby did laughing and enjoying the soul clensing rivers that are so infectious to our souls with me. Love and Peace

[ABohn1881]

I would really like to thank everyone for all they have done for my family. Those who attended, those who didn't, those who had met pop, and those who hadn't.... it doesn't matter I want you all to know my family appreciates everything ya'll have done.

[rickyrod]

Alex, you have the heart of a king. greatness is in your blood. I wish I was as stong as yourself. bless you. and it's your'e time to watchover them now.

[paddlinggoddess]

Jason spent an hour last night typing a message about Bobby only to lose it in Cyberspace. I will try to express some of his thoughts. He remember the smile, who doesn't and the energy. Jason and Bobby paddled a lot on the Tot, Baker, Crooked, and Little Mo. They paddled the whole Little MO in one day at 78 inches and had such fun. They paddled up North to and remember them on the EFLB and Bobby walking out. Jason and I both see him smiling at Dierks. I know that Jason has so many more memories and great times he just can't retype what he did last night. I know you will understand. He was loved and will be missed.

Jason Mellor