When we started to tie and present at different fly fishing shows, there were always special individuals we looked forward to seeing. One of those anglers was Bob Popovics.
Bob was a legend. He had every right to walk around with a puffed-up chest. Yet, he was a true gentle giant. He would walk around and take photos of every tyer. He would stop and talk to anyone. He was a love.
And sadly, he is gone.
In late September, Bob was hit by an alleged drunk driver while crossing the street in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The horrible irony of it all is that he was hit by a staff member of Bob’s popular restaurant, Shady Rest, started by his parents, located in Bayville.
Just like the Vietnam Veteran he was, he fought until the end. Sadly, he passed in the early morning hours of November 1st; the announcement made by Bob’s daughter on the Shady Rest Facebook page:
So very sad to announce that Bob passed this morning, Nov 1, around 3am. I will write a better post later, but I wanted to thank all who took the time to go visit him yesterday, and to all who were planning to but didn’t make it. With prayers and thoughts from around the world, he was able to transition peacefully and quickly to his next journey. Rest easy, Marine. Your watch has ended. -Alexis
In 2000, Bob co-authored Pop Fleyes with Ed Jaworowski. Another great, Lefty Kreh, called Bob, “The most innovative fly tier I have ever known.” He was a pioneer in the use of epoxy in fly tying and developing flies that were so lovely, you almost didn’t want to fish them. I say “almost” because you couldn’t help but use them because they were just so effective.
Bob will always have a special place in our hearts. He treated us as equals at the shows, even though he was fly tying royalty.
I will end this by asking everyone – please do not drink and drive. Bob was not just a fly fishing giant. He was a husband, father, Marine, Vietnam Vet, mentor, and friend. He was an entrepreneur and a positive influence on his community. And he is gone because an idiot was reckless. If you aren’t sure if you should drive home, trust me, you shouldn’t drive.
To quote Bob’s daughter, rest easy Marine. And thank you.