Bob Taylor & The R.D. Taylor Rod Shop
Donation protected
Legendary bamboo fly-rod maker Bob Taylor of H.L. Leonard and Thomas & Thomas lineage, lost his entire shop to a devastating fire on Dec 23, 2019. Frantic attempts were made to save it but sadly the entire building was overcome by fire. He has effectively lost everything in regards to rod making. The lathe, tools, materials and all of his vintage rods were lost. Thankfully no-one was physically hurt but there is serious pain from the loss.
Perhaps what stings the most was all this years Christmas presents. The entire families gifts were in the back room of the shop (so his daughter wouldn't find them in the house). Every last gift was destroyed in the fire - an estimated $800-1000 in gifts alone.
It is the hope of this campaign to raise enough money for Bob to open his doors to the rod making community once again. He has been producing and restoring the finest bamboo fly rods in the world for his entire life - hired at Leonard out of High School and trained by US Army Rangers he served in the Air Force during Vietnam. After spending twenty (20) years at Leonard and four (4) more at Thomas & Thomas, in 1992, he opened his own shop. It is estimated that it will take a minimum of $20,000 US to get him back up and running - Please help Bob and his family during this extremely difficult time.
Recently inducted into the CFFC&M Fly Fishing Hall of Fame joining the likes of Joan Wulff, Theodore Gordon, "Lefty" Kreh, Joe Bates, Paul H. Young and many other legendary people that have helped shape the sport of fly-fishing, he is an American icon. Prayers that this will not be the end of the R.D. Taylor rod shop - please help!
My name is Rob Smith and I was with Bob during the fire. For those that do not know me, I build Pentalux rods and live in Northern N.J. I have been friends with Bob for a few years now having first met him at one of the Catskills Rodmakers Gatherings. Feeling so utterly helpless during the event, this campaign is an attempt to do something. I must formally thank the Hobart, Stamford, South Kortright, Bloomville and member of the Bovina fire departments who responded to the fire. If it were not for them the house would have been lost as well. This campaign is to raise funds to help Bob ands family while he is unable to produce an income (he had about a $400 order in silver reel seat parts he was just finishing up for someone at time of fire) and to give him the ability to purchase new equipment and materials as quickly as possible.
Please note that the account has been transferred to JoAnn Taylor, Bob's wife as she handles the billing and expenses.
If you are unable to provide funds but perhaps know of Bob and his legendary work please take the time to send him a message of support. Bob is truly old school and does not have internet or an email address but anything sent to the old shop address will get to him.
R.D. Taylor
15525 Ct. Rt. 18
Hobart NY. 13788
Thank you and may God bless you for your time, money and efforts in spreading the word for Bobby!
Perhaps what stings the most was all this years Christmas presents. The entire families gifts were in the back room of the shop (so his daughter wouldn't find them in the house). Every last gift was destroyed in the fire - an estimated $800-1000 in gifts alone.
It is the hope of this campaign to raise enough money for Bob to open his doors to the rod making community once again. He has been producing and restoring the finest bamboo fly rods in the world for his entire life - hired at Leonard out of High School and trained by US Army Rangers he served in the Air Force during Vietnam. After spending twenty (20) years at Leonard and four (4) more at Thomas & Thomas, in 1992, he opened his own shop. It is estimated that it will take a minimum of $20,000 US to get him back up and running - Please help Bob and his family during this extremely difficult time.
Recently inducted into the CFFC&M Fly Fishing Hall of Fame joining the likes of Joan Wulff, Theodore Gordon, "Lefty" Kreh, Joe Bates, Paul H. Young and many other legendary people that have helped shape the sport of fly-fishing, he is an American icon. Prayers that this will not be the end of the R.D. Taylor rod shop - please help!
My name is Rob Smith and I was with Bob during the fire. For those that do not know me, I build Pentalux rods and live in Northern N.J. I have been friends with Bob for a few years now having first met him at one of the Catskills Rodmakers Gatherings. Feeling so utterly helpless during the event, this campaign is an attempt to do something. I must formally thank the Hobart, Stamford, South Kortright, Bloomville and member of the Bovina fire departments who responded to the fire. If it were not for them the house would have been lost as well. This campaign is to raise funds to help Bob ands family while he is unable to produce an income (he had about a $400 order in silver reel seat parts he was just finishing up for someone at time of fire) and to give him the ability to purchase new equipment and materials as quickly as possible.
Please note that the account has been transferred to JoAnn Taylor, Bob's wife as she handles the billing and expenses.
If you are unable to provide funds but perhaps know of Bob and his legendary work please take the time to send him a message of support. Bob is truly old school and does not have internet or an email address but anything sent to the old shop address will get to him.
R.D. Taylor
15525 Ct. Rt. 18
Hobart NY. 13788
Thank you and may God bless you for your time, money and efforts in spreading the word for Bobby!
Organizer and beneficiary
Pentalux Rods
Organizer
Glen Rock, NJ
JoAnn Taylor
Beneficiary