This morning on my way home from work, I recieved the phone call I knew was coming, but dreaded to answer.

My good friend, trad archery mentor, and turkey hunting buddy Bob Rezny, passed away about 9 am this morning after a very long and couragious battle with cancer.

Anyone who  knows Bob knows he would always tell you what he thought, never backed away from a debate, and often had a way of really irritating you in the process. Bob was a man who would not compromise his priciples for anyone.

But, unfortunately, those who only know that side of him miss out on a lot more. Bob was passionate about bowhunting, defending it, promoting it, and getting kids involved in hunting and archery. He was a strong supporter and promoter of Michigan Bow Hunters, although that didnt mean he wouldnt speak his mind his about issues he disagreed with.

Bob was a regular supporter of Camp Wilderness, and Benefit4Kids. He donated several Bear bows from his collection over the years to raise funds for both organizations. Bob and Cindy were always in attendance at B4K functions, and even when money was tight, He'd always dig deep to buy a thing or two in the auctions to help the kids.

Bob invited me to his place several years ago to turkey hunt,and made sure when Alex was old enough, he too was welcome to pursue his first bird at Bob and Cindys place. We hunted, shot our bows, fished, and had a great time every time we went to hunt turkeys with Bob.

Today, I am saddened at the loss of my good friend and mentor. Bob was truly one of a kind, and I am sure as long as I live, I'll never meet someone quite like him again. He collected and truly loved Bear bows. Today I will be spending some time in the woods behind my house with a Bear Grizzly I got from Bob, thumpin stumps, and thinking about my friend.

I thank God for the gift of such a friend in my life. I am a better person for knowing him. The Bowhunting and traditional archery community lost a good friend today. But I know all too well, eventually, the time comes when battling this dreadful disease, that the peace of dying is better than the pain of the battle. Bob was ready, although he fought it as long as he possibly could. He is at peace now, and his spirit rides the wind......

Thank you my friend, I will not ever forget you.

I also knew Bob well and he will be sorely missed by all who called him freind.

Our prayers are with he and his family.

Nice write up Autumnarcher. Always a sadness in the heart to hear news like this even though we had not met. I particularly like your last line.

Prayers for him and to his family.

His Spirit Rides The Wind....

Slipping through the woods,
In the mornings pre-dawn dark,
His Spirit Rides the Wind,
On the walk to Turkey Park.

The honking geese announce to us,
The coming of the dawn,
His Spirit Rides the Wind,
Across Mother Natures lawn.

While walking down a forest trail,
You hear a turkey call,
His Spirit Rides the Wind,
Through Summer, Spring and Fall.

As arrows loosed fill the air,
And the bow rests in your hand,
His Spirit Rides the Wind,
My friend, and ol' Fred Bear.

The gift of friendship can't be bought,
The lessons, jokes and smiles,
Tell us His Spirit Rides the Wind,
Through life's uncharted miles.

Sorry for your loss John.

Autumnarcher...awesome tribute.

Sorry for the loss of your friend.

My most sincere condolences for your, & his family's loss. He'll be with you, as your beautiful tribute says.

Sounds like a Man I would have loved to get to know...hang in there brother..prayers for all. My archer pal, Marco#78...Peace

The love for your friend shows in your words . Ive had alot of family and friends pass on also and I think a little of me dyes with each one of them . You will be in my prayers along with Bob and his family .


Mike