Bob Thorne VideoAny Speed
Bob Thorne ObituaryClick Here
Arthur Libby’s PoemRead Poem
A few years back, I wrote an article about Bob Thorne when he closed his Sebago Fly Shop. Well, Bob passed away a week or so ago. Bob was a man that I admired deeply. I was not the only one who felt this way. His shop was small. His flies were all hand tied by him. Little did he know that I never went into his shop for the flies, although they were very good. I went into his shop to rejuvinate my soul. Bob would always, in a very subtle way, share his words of wisdom. Typically, his words of wisdom would be disguised as fly fishing chatter. However, I always knew that the things he shared with me were more relative to life in general. My wife and I visited Bob when he was closing his Sebago Fly Shop. The video above is from that day. In the video, I read one of Bob’s favorite poems, written by his long time fly fishing companion Arthur Libby. I will also share the textual version of that poem. I have so many beautiful Salmon flies that Bob tied and invented. I also have poems and pictures, but the things that I will remember most are not things that can be read or hang on a wall. The things I will remember most about Bob are found in the way I feel and all the things that surround me when I am fly fishing. Good bye Bob. I will be sure to use your “special” Arctic Char fly when I someday make it to Labrador or Quebec. I know it will work as good as you said it would, and I will hook a few for you.
Wether you knew Bob or didn’t I hope this article and related content is something you, as a fly fisherman and person, can appreciate. I should note that the poem, which I originally thought was written by Bob, was in fact written by his long time fly fishing companion Arthur Libby. Either way, it was something that was given to my by Bob and something that certainly captures the essence of how the man lived his life. It sadens me that there are no entries in his online guestbook on his obituaries page. If you have a moment, take the time to post an entry. I am sure his family would love to see how his life and his work impacted people. I just posted a comment and it takes a couple hours for them to verify that it is not malicious content. So, you will see mine appear in a few hours. I hope to see other posts from people who knew him and also people who did not know him throughout time.
Click Here To Sign Bob’s Guest Book
Bob Thorne, helped me select my first flyfishing outfit. He put together the combination all the time chatting about flyfishing and the type of fishing I told him I would be doing. When the exchange of money and equipment was made he told to come to his shop before opening for 2 or 3 Sundays, and he would take me to his private pond and give me casting lessons. So for a couple of early Sunday mornings I had the privelage of casting a fly with Bob Thorne. Although I did read the obiturary I am embarrased to say I did not see the quest book. I will sign it today and take a moment to remember the man that gave me my first experience with a fly rod, and next week when I travel to Quebec I will use that rod and see if I can “hook a few” in his memory.
Jeremy, Thanks for the article
Great story. Brought a tear.
Although I only stopped by his shop a couple of times he was a very nice man to talk with. I went camping in that area a few months back and wondered what had happened to his shop. Thank you for the story another true fisherman lost but not forgotten.
A very nice tribute to someone who I’m sure must have been quite a guy.
Very touching story and video. Makes you think about whats important in life to you.