Bob's gone fishin'!
Channel: Hospice Dreams
Date: 27/04/2012

Bob Williamson is a 94-year bachelor, and he likes it that way.  Bachelorhood gave him more time to fish.  And fish he did - all summer, every summer for most of his life.  But his fishing trips ended when Williamson's health declined and he moved into an assisted living facility at age 88.  And although it'd been almost ten years since Williamson picked up a rod and reel, fishing is very much still a part of his life.

"Fishing is just a part of you," said Larry Kirchner, who manages the bait shop at the Broken Oar Marina.  "He's still a fisherman."

And a fisherman he was on April 23rd, when the Broken Oar hosted Williamson for a special outing through the non-profit organization Hospice Dreams.  He was recognized as the 'fisherman of the day' and received a Broken Oar baseball cap, a guided tour of the Fox River's best fishing spots and complimentary lunch at the Broken Oar Bar and Grill.

"It's our pleasure to have him," said Bonnie Miske, the Broken Oar's General Manager.  "He's a special guy and he deserves this."

Local resident Patrick Gilboy donated his pontoon boat and acted as captain to give Williamson and his family a spring cruise on the river.  Larry Kirchner's expertise as a fisherman helped Williamson hook a bass and two perch from the river's shallow banks.

Afterward, Williamson's favorite chicken salad sandwiches were served by special request from the Broken Oar's restaurant.

"It's a nice day," he said.  "It's a very good day."

Williamson's niece, Robin Toomin, agreed.

"I haven't seen him smile like this in a long time.  I know he's really enjoying it."