Today, the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance (NJOA) pauses to rememberand honor a Father, Marine Vietnam Veteran, Author and legendaryJersey Shore Fisherman Robert ‘Bob’ Popovics. A cherished friend andconservationist who has left an immeasurable impact and legacy with allof us who knew him and benefited from his “Endless Passion to Give”. We can talk about his legacy as a world-class fly tying innovator, artist,naturalist, the accolades are endless and very much deserving of a manwho was looked upon in awe by common folks as well as fishingcelebrities far and wide. Above all a teacher; when we reflect upon special people like Bob and try to learn from them we inevitably find ourselves drawn to their essence, their hearts. No man had a bigger giving heart than Bob. His warmunselfish welcome, his desire to pass-it-on to anyone who sought hislesson is a testament of his faith in human nature. When a dad or mom brought their child for his or her first fly tying lesson,that young person saw a smile overlooking a table full of buildingmaterials, magically transformed into a piece of functional working art. Allyou need to do is watch Bob’s eyes glisten when he looked into the eyesof that young person whose eyes begin to shine as he or she becomesfilled with carefully crafted color and shape. The child’s mind drifts to themoment when the big-one is landed, the excitement and smiles turn fromwitness to the birth of a next generation fisherman/women. We hope to carry his legacy forward by embodying Bob’s long list ofspecial values, vision and memory of his countless contributions to allsports people across the entire state of New Jersey and beyond. Ourthoughts are with Bob’s family and loved ones as we honor his memory. At this time we also wish to commend N.J. State Senator Carmen F.Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre for their submission of a Legislative Joint Resolution designating June 1st of each year as “Robert‘Bob’ Popovics day in New Jersey. Thank you and thank you very much Bob.
