Skipper Bob, aka Robert D. Reib
Skipper Bob was a huge hit with boating audiences everywhere, always with wife Elaine offering support behind the scenes. Photo by Dennis Bruckel.
Robert D. Reib, 66 of York, Pennsylvania, died Monday, December 11, 2006 at his home. He was the husband of Elaine L. [Corfield] Reib with whom he was married for 27 years.
A remembrance service was held at Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, Pennsylvania, with full military rites provided by York County Veterans Honor Guard. Following the viewing, private burial took place at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.
Born June 2, 1940 in Titusville, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Glenn and Marian [Rowe] Reib, Skipper Bob was an Electronics Calibration Specialist during his 20-year military career with the U.S. Army. Following retirement from the army, he continued as a metrologist with the former EIL Instruments in Loveton, Maryland.
After cruising America's Great Loop with his wife aboard a Krogen Manatee, Skipper Bob started writing cruising guides, becoming the most popular cruising guide writer and speaker in the U.S. He produced more than 10 guides and books, including the best-selling Cruising Comfortably on a Budget.
Skipper Bob Publications will continue, operated by his wife and family.
Skipper Bob was a life member of the Red Lion VFW and will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather; who generously participated as a donor to the Gift of Life program.
He was a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer who earned numerous commendations and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
In addition to his wife, Skipper Bob is survived by a daughter, Roberta D. Reib Munsell of Glen Rock, PA; four sons, Glenn J. and wife Virginia Reib of Commack, NY, Daniel L. and wife Angela Reib of Bothell, WA, David L. and wife Paula Starcher of Reisterstown, MD, and G. Erik Starcher of Timonium, MD; eight grandchildren, Jordan and Dalton Munsell, Jacob, Ashley, Joseph, Kaitlin, and Michael Reib, and Joshua Starcher; a brother, John Reib of Glen Rock; and a sister, Elizabeth Showalter of Pittsville, MD.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local Salvation Army.
Funeral services were provided by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Home, 35 Gotham Place, Red Lion, Pennsylvania, telephone 717-244-6991.
See the column at right for links to tributes offered by members of the boating community.
Message from First Mate Elaine
Thank you all for your kind remembrances of my husband, Skipper Bob.
I knew he enjoyed broad support and friendship within the boating/cruising community, and I have been especially touched by the outpouring of love and support shown by everyone. Ultimately approachable, he enjoyed passing his practical wisdom on to all who were interested.
He was also a devoted, loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed not only by the boating community, but also by his family.
Skipper Bob Publications will continue the work he started and hopes to continue to enjoy the unflagging support of his friends, readers, and contributors.
I have not had the opportunity to read all of the messages posted, so I apologize for not getting back to all of you personally. Please know that they are very comforting to me and my family and we appreciate the outpouring of your affection for my beloved husband. We will all miss him.
—First Mate Elaine Reib and family
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