Bob “Bomber” Bombardier, 45, of Craftsbury, Vermont and seasonally of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, passed away on March 12, 2018 in Nicaragua after being fatally struck by a drunk driver.
An avid snowboarder, mountain biker, surfer, and sailor — Bob lived for outdoor adventure and inspired others to do the same.
Bob grew up in Seymour, CT where he loved spending time with his friends in the area woods & fishing. He also loved time with family on his Gramp’s nearby farm and gathering with extended family.
His love of outdoor adventure grew from learning to sail on Long Island Sound with his dad, Ed, riding BMX & dirt bikes with friends, gardening, snowboarding and family camping vacations. His love of nature and passion for creating a better world was inspired in great part by his mom, Laura. A graduate of Seymour High School, he was known by childhood friends for limitless energy, passion for music, fearlessness, and daredevil bike skills.
Bob graduated in 1994 from Western New England College w/a BS in Mechanical Engineering & worked for the R & D Dept for HearthStone, a Gas and Wood burning stove company in Vt. After several years there, Bob branched off on his own to form Wide Array Engineering and Computer Capabilities, an Engineering Design and Technical Writing business. In 1995 Bob became involved with the design and prototyping of Burton snowboards, contributing to the engineering of many of the boards on the market today. Bob also operated a 40 acre farm he created in 1997 – Wild Branch Organics – growing organic produce.
Bob was fiercely passionate about spending time in nature, and sharing that love with others. From extreme snowboarding down Mansfield, Tuckermans, mountains in BC and Chamonix, to sailing his Hobie Cat across Caspian Lake in Greensboro VT or sailing with his dad Ed on Lake Champlain, to building jungle trails for hiking and biking and also surfing in Nicaragua — Bob was most at home in the wild. Bob is remembered for his intense passion, dedicated athleticism, willingness to help others, and penchant for fervent intellectual debate — all things of legend. Also his unforgettable laugh and smile!
Bob is the beloved son of Laura Dikovsky Smith & Edward Smith of Willsboro, NY. He is also survived by his beloved daughter Andria Curtiss Channels prev. of Northfield, CT & her husband Stephen Channels of Clarksville, TN, dearly loved grandparents “Gramps” Basil & Nancy Dikovsky of Shelton, CT, “Gram” Janet Stevens Cronn & “Grampy” Steven Cronn Of Naugatuck, CT, and “Grandpa” Ernest & Sharon Bombardier of Milford, CT as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins & dear friends. He was predeceased by Grandmother Irene Bombardier & Great Grandparents Eugene & Nadezda Dikovsky & Wallace & Helen Stevens, all of CT.
Bob’s Celebration of Life is planned for June 2 in Watertown, CT. There will be a celebration in VT at a later date to be announced. For details on celebrations & to share memories please visit the Bob Nicafun Bombardier Memories FB group page.
Donations:
In lieu of flowers, to continue Bob’s legacy in land conservation & educating people about the natural world & living lightly on it, Bob’s property in VT will become the Bob “Bomber” Bombardier Nature Preserve & Nature Center & donations can be made to the preserve in C/O Laura Smith, PO BOX 1388, Morrisville, Vt. 05661.
