Melanie Smith described her marriage of 20 years to her husband Bob as “the best years of my life.”
Robert “Bob” Smith led an extraordinary life full of adventure, dedication, and love. His sudden passing at the age of 71 on October 5 left behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. Bob possessed a strength of character that is rarely encountered in modern days; his commanding presence and generous nature garnered the respect of both men and women.
Bob grew up in the sun-drenched beaches of Florida, where he developed an early passion for surfing and motorcycle riding. At the tender age of 15, he volunteered at a local fire department, igniting a lifelong love for service which included four decades as a firefighter paramedic and countless volunteer roles. In 2022, a visit with family to his old fire station brought back a flood of nostalgic memories as he saw pictures of the old fire truck he once trained on.
“Before meeting Bob for the first time, he asked if I liked skydiving,” shared Melanie about her husband’s love for adventure. Being in her 50s, she replied, “Heck no! I have children and a grandchild.” She told him she had vague memories of enjoying hiking, fishing, skiing, and motorcycle riding before devoting herself to raising her children. “I realized that I was a family person in every way and thought I might not hear from him again.”
Well, it turned out Bob was interested and Melanie knew right away at their first lunch that he was the one. “We really clicked — as you know, Bob can talk to anyone and we had that spark.” After courting for a year, the couple married in Las Vegas. “It was very romantic and I was wildly in love with him.” The love remained throughout the years.
Motorcycles were a passion that had Bob taking summer rides with a BMW club, embarking on exhilarating 3-4 day trips. His love for motorcycles included ownership of a Ural — a camouflage-colored German motorcycle with a sidecar — that he often took on trips through the woods. On one exhilarating journey through Oregon, Bob and his beloved sidecar traversed back roads and were often greeted by curious onlookers who enthusiastically snapped photos. There’s no doubt in Melanie’s mind that Bob and his sidecar are fondly remembered by those who crossed his path over the years.
One family adventure remains etched in her memory — a trip to Glacier National Park where she, Bob, and their 10-year-old daughter camped out. They rode the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road only to find themselves in a heart-pounding encounter with a bear. Dubbed the “Spam in a Can” experience by Bob, it was a testament to his humor and resilience.
Bob and Melanie shared a special connection from the moment they met and built a life full of love and devotion. 
Bob’s sense of humor showed in many ways and his ability to put others at ease and make them smile was one of his many endearing traits. 
A poignant memory of Bob with his daughter Haylie on the day she married Jason in 2020. 
Bob waves during a break from work when the range was fully paved for the first time in the summer of 2023. John Mahin, FRGC President (center) and David Shrader, FRGC Maintenance Officer (right). 
Bob and Melanie enjoy a sunny day with two of their granddaughters. 
One of Bob and Melanie’s many adventures together in February 2017. 
Bob truly enjoyed many outdoor activities. 
Bob with daughter Haylie and youngest granddaughter. 
Bob was a proud grandfather and loved to share stories about his granddaughters. 
Bob Smith, Founder and Director Fernan Rod and Gun Club, December 2023. 
Bob with one of his five granddaughters. 
Bob cherished his family and reveled in the joy his youngest granddaughter brought. 
“My handsome hubby, Bob” Image: Melanie’s FB page.
Melanie described how Bob’s meticulous nature extended beyond his adventures. “He maintained his skis and backpacks for over 20 years, always preferring to repair and polish rather than discard.” This meticulous care also applied to his relationships, “Bob cherished long-time friends, stayed in touch with his elderly parents’ friends after they passed, and ensured every conversation ended with the other person feeling valued.”
“As a husband and father, Bob’s unwavering support and respect were the bedrock of his family’s happiness,” she continued. “He worked tirelessly to maintain these bonds, never allowing negative interactions to fester.” Not only did the couple take pleasure in their simple and quiet time together, but they also “dabbled” with great success in real estate; transforming dilapidated properties into clean and affordable rentals.
Over the last decade, Bob was able to embrace an ambitious bucket list which included a solo ride on his BMW motorcycle to the North Pole, a ride to Arizona to visit friends, and an eventful hunting trip that bagged an elk — the antlers still adorn the director’s office at the Fernan Rod and Gun Club, a place Bob devoted his talents and skills into building over the last 40 years. His love for fishing never waned and his treasured fishing pole, which his father gave him when he was 12 years old, was a part of every fishing trip.
Bob’s adventurousness extended to the skies — a lifelong fascination with planes fueled an eager desire to gain an encyclopedic knowledge of aircraft, a pilot’s license, and, of course, many skydiving jumps.
What Melanie is most thankful for was the home life Bob created, a reflection of his deep love for his family. “He ensured our home was a welcoming haven for our growing family, filled with grandchildren’s laughter. Everything Bob did was with full integrity and beauty.”
“Despite the demands on his time as the Director of the Fernan Rod and Gun Club, Bob always found time for family, making holidays and special occasions truly memorable,” she shared with a gentle smile.
Bob was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a kind smile and a generous heart, and a fierce defender of Americanism and the Second Amendment.
“Even though we are devastated from this loss and wonder what life will look like without this beautiful man, I believe that love brought us together in this life, and love will bring us together in the next.” Melanie shared to a gathering of over 200 at her husband’s outdoor memorial service on November 12. “We love you, Bob. I love you, Bob.”
