On Sunday, 21 June 2026, Hastings Fly Fishers lost a valued friend and founding member, Bob Dove.
To many of us, Bob was much more than a Life Member of Hastings Fly Fishers. He helped shape the club from its very beginning. Without his enthusiasm, vision, and determination, the club may never have existed.
Bob’s passion for fly fishing brought people together. Through the years, he helped create a community built on friendship, knowledge, and shared experiences on the water.
Bob loved all aspects of fly fishing. He enjoyed tying flies, casting a line, and sharing stories with fellow anglers. His enthusiasm for the sport was infectious.
In recent years, Bob’s health prevented him from actively fishing. However, his interest in the club never faded. He continued to follow our activities and took great pride in seeing Hastings Fly Fishers continue to grow.
Bob’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our club. Every outing, fly-tying night, and new member welcomed reflects the foundation he helped build.
Those fortunate enough to have known Bob will remember his contribution to the club. They will also remember his friendship, generosity, and quiet passion for fly fishing.
On behalf of everyone at Hastings Fly Fishers, we extend our sincere condolences to Bob’s family and loved ones.
He will be greatly missed. He will be fondly remembered. He will always remain part of our club’s story.
“Who, me?”, says Bob. | High five or five prizes? | Don at the BBQ – Bob is pictured taking lessons from Don
Middle row:
2012 Christmas Party – Alan, Dawn, Bob, Julian, Nancy, Tony and Ron.
(Then) VP Ron and Bob | Too much mucking around – Bob, Ron and Brian.
Bottom row:
Bob presenting the Club Person of the Year Award President David (VP Julian accepting it on his behalf).
Bob being introduced to newer members Michael and Cheryl Kowalski.
This was possibly Bob’s last attendance at a Club function.
A Tribute to Bob Dove
The following tribute to Bob Dove was prepared by David Spencer, with assistance from Alan Rogers, Terena Druce, and Janice Jones.
Many of our members knew Bob as a keen fly fisher, a Life Member, and one of the founding members of Hastings Fly Fishers. Many people may not have known about the remarkable life Bob lived before he helped establish the club we enjoy today.
A Childhood Shaped by War
Bob was born in the United Kingdom on 3 January 1940 and grew up in Fulham, London, with his brother and sister. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, Fulham was a regular target for German bombing raids during the Second World War. German bombing raids destroyed many homes in Bob’s street. A photograph published in Time magazine is said to show a young Bob standing with another child on the rubble of what had once been a family home.
Like thousands of other London children, Bob was evacuated to the countryside for his own safety. After returning home, he resumed his education and earned a scholarship to attend one of the United Kingdom’s prestigious private schools – a remarkable achievement considering the hardships of his early years.
Service, Adventure and a Calling to Help Others
After finishing school, Bob began his career as a journalist, a role that reportedly took him to conflict zones in several parts of the world.
His love of travel eventually brought him to Australia in his early twenties, although he later returned to Britain to join the British Army before transferring to the Royal Marines as a Commando.
As a Royal Marine, Bob undertook demanding operational roles, including reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, rapid deployment, and specialist support missions. He served in several conflict zones, including Somalia, where he witnessed first-hand the devastating realities of war and humanity at its worst.
Like many veterans, those experiences left lasting impressions that remained with him throughout his life.
Building a Life in Australia
Bob returned to Australia in 1981. While living in Sydney, he met Janice, and the two remained devoted partners for the rest of his life.
After working in several different roles, Bob decided to further his education, completing a degree in Social Sciences. He then joined the Department of Youth and Community Services (now the Department of Communities and Justice), dedicating his career to supporting vulnerable children and families through Child Protection and Foster Care.
Bob spent many years in Muswellbrook as an Assistant Manager, where he and Janice formed lifelong friendships with Alan and Trish Rogers. He later followed Alan to the Mid North Coast, continuing his work with Family and Community Services in Port Macquarie and, for a time, Taree—where I had the privilege of working alongside him.
Following a distinguished career in public service, Bob retired in 2003.
A Passion for Fly Fishing
While Bob’s professional life was one of service to others, many of us knew him best through his love of fishing.
His passion began in childhood in England, where, even during difficult times, he would happily fish using little more than an old antenna as a makeshift fishing rod. Bob carried his love of being on the water throughout his life. After settling in Australia, he combined this passion with his enjoyment of the outdoors.
Together with Alan Rogers, Bob developed a keen interest in fly fishing and began exploring ways to share that passion with others.
Bob and his missing flathead, Bob and Ron inspecting a popular fishing spot, Bob catching a nice bass.
Founding Hastings Fly Fishers
Those conversations eventually led to the formation of Hastings Fly Fishers.
In July 2009, Bob, Alan Rogers, Dave Wiggins, Brian Walker, John McLeod, and Ben and Rod Hicks met to discuss creating a local fly fishing club. In the weeks that followed, Tony and Terena Druce, Pat Wiggins, and others joined Bob and the founding members in their efforts. Together, they soon established the club.
The vision for Hastings Fly Fishers was clear from the beginning. It would be a family-oriented club that encouraged people to learn and enjoy fly fishing while promoting sustainable fishing practices and good stewardship of our waterways.
Bob was instrumental in shaping that vision. His enthusiasm, determination, and quiet leadership helped establish not only the club itself but also the welcoming culture that continues to define Hastings Fly Fishers today. Although declining health eventually prevented him from taking an active role, he remained immensely proud of the club and continued to follow its activities with great interest.
Terena Druce reflected on Bob’s contribution:
“Bob did an awful lot to promote the Club behind the scenes and was very proud of the club and its family focus. His passion was deeper than just throwing a rod out. He also became a Fishcare volunteer and worked with other club members replanting seagrass.”
President Dawn presenting Bob’s with his Life Membership badge.
David Wiggins congratulating Bob on his Life Membership.
A Lasting Legacy
In recent years, Bob’s health declined significantly, limiting his ability to enjoy the activities he loved most, particularly his fishing.
Apart from Janice, Bob had little immediate family in Australia. Bob’s sister, who lives in the United Kingdom, survives him. Unfortunately, her own health has also declined. Throughout this difficult time, Alan and Trish Rogers have been as close as family to Bob and Janice, offering their friendship and unwavering support.
Janice’s love and devotion sustained Bob through his later years, and our thoughts are especially with her as she mourns the loss of her husband and lifelong companion.
Bob lived a remarkable life. He showed courage, served others, gave generously, and maintained a lifelong passion for the things he cared about. Whether serving his country, helping vulnerable families, or creating a place where others could discover the joy of fly fishing, he always sought to leave things better than he found them.
The club we enjoy today stands as part of his legacy. Every gathering, every outing, and every new member welcomed into Hastings Fly Fishers owes something to the vision and commitment of those founding members—especially Bob.
Thank you, Bob, for everything you gave to our club, our community, and the many people whose lives you touched.
You will be greatly missed, fondly remembered, and forever a part of the story of Hastings Fly Fishers.
