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Robert Yerike Obituary

Robert M. Yerike

Robert M. Yerike "Buffalo Bobby," 67 years old, died Thursday, Sept. 29, 2011 after climbing Nesuntabunt Mountain on the Appalachian Trail in Maine. He was born December 23, 1943 in Jersey City, N.J. Robert was raised and went to High School in Kearny, NJ. After high school Robert was educated at Emmaus Bible College, IL and McAllister School of Embalming, NY. He was a paratrooper and medic in the United States Army. After serving the Army, Robert worked as a truck driver for Preston and as an independent operator. Retired in late 1990s and worked with his son's companies, part time. His passion was hiking, this was his third "thru hike" on the Appalachian Trail. He enjoyed working out with his "Karate Friends"; he had a first degree brown belt Okinawan Karate. He was an avid reader, often five books at once, reading a chapter or two a day from each. One was the Bible, in which he walked the walk and lived his faith moment by moment. One of his greatest interest was in getting to know people. He always wanted to know what you did and how you did it, from the grocery store to the Appalachian Trail, and left them all with a chuckle and a smile. He also loved clamming, fishing, bird watching, gardening, and "tinkering" with the car and around the house.

Robert is survived by his ex-spouse, Edith Yerike; three siblings, Sandra, Kenneth, and Debra Yerike; six children, Dagny Fiore, Lisl Miner, Stephanie Rosario, Robert Yerike, Julie Cardoso, and Andrew Yerike; Robert is also the loving grandfather of eight grand-children, David Miner, Frances and Gabrielle Fiore, Shayna Yerike, Aaron Rosario, Myla, Paulo, and Juliana Cardoso. The family would like to thank all the people that helped in the monumental rescue of our father: Luke who hiked two miles for a phone signal, Hikers Rainbow and Fire Starter who stayed with our dad during the rescue process. Also Sgt. Bill Chandler of The Maine Warden Service (coordinated the rescue and contact for family), Lt. Kevin Adams of the Maine Game Rangers, The Greenville and Millinocket Fire Departments, EMS workers, and Millinocket Regional Hospital.

"All Men Die, Not All Men Live" (Buffalo Bobby) Dad you lived! Everyone will miss you and you will never be forgotten.

There will be a memorial gathering Thursday, October 6, 2011, 3-5pm with a Service at 5pm, at Weatherhead Young Funeral Home, 885 Mantoloking Rd. Brick, NJ 08723, 732-929-1811. Donations can be made to Appalachian Trail Conservancy, www.appalachiantrail.org In memory of Buffalo Bobbie (Robert M. Yerike).

Published by Asbury Park Press on Oct. 2, 2011.
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Heading out to Trail Days in Damascus, VA tomorrow and my thoughts are with the great times Bobby and all the hikers who knew him had on the trail in 2003, 2007 and 2011. We met in late March 2011 and hiked together until he left us on the trail he loved in September. I know I'll meet many this weekend who's life is just a bit brighter because of their encounter with him along the AT. Trolley Stop

Roger Gorey

May 14, 2015

Yesterday I was online looking up appalachian trail stuff and I came upon the story of a hiker who died on his third thru hike twenty miles from katahdn .... It was buffalo bobby! Dear man what a fellow, this guy was of the finest. 'Aristotle' 07

June 8, 2014

Today, I just found out Bob passed away, and so I'm late signing this guest book. I used to talk to Bob while at my gym, and he was one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. He really inspired me to savor the world we live in. I have never seen someone with so much passion for life and such a genuine interest in other human beings. He was so excited about his third trip on the trail and at least he passed away while being somewhere he loved. God bless you, Bob.

Tina H.

December 15, 2011

This summer I took my three boys (ages 10, 13, 15) on a few day backpacking trip into the Mahoosics. We met Bob at both the Full Goose and Spec Pond shelters. He was a wonderful spirit and loved the fact that I was out on the trail exposing my kids to the natural world. He was so friendly with them and they all remember meeting him. On a beautiful morning, we all hiked the open ledges toward the summit of Old Spec. He and I talked as we rested and his zest for life was apparent. On the way down from Spec, he met my wife (coming up the trail to meet us) and she shared a homemade Chocolate Chip cookie with him. I hope that I continue to enjoy life as much as he did!

Bill Hinkley

October 19, 2011

What a special person in so many ways. We hiked together in '03 on both our first thru hike. In 2007 and this year I was fortunate to meet up with Buffalo Bobby and talk with him.
There are many wonderful characteristics of him that made all of us who knew him, appreciate our time together.
He smiled easily, laughed with gusto, was inquisitive about people and life in general, listened to what others had to say, and shared what he had with others.
One day on the AT in Connecticut I was hiking and there was a group of hikers up ahead. It was about 10AM and Buffalo Bobby had stopped to heat some water and share tea or coffee with anyone coming down the trail. So several of us enjoyed tea/coffee, talking, and viewing the surroundings. It was a moment to appreciate life, not hurry thru it.
Buffalo Bobby, I believe, enjoyed every day of his life. Being around him just eased any troubles you had to know that somehow things were going to be ok.
I miss him, but know he lived a rich life.

Doug "Wizard" Riddle

October 14, 2011

Doug "Wizard" Riddle

October 14, 2011

to bob u were a awesome guy we joked around together at the gym.i loved that laugh u have u always put a smile on my face and in alot of others too. rest in peace love you. jason

jason gorman

October 13, 2011

My family and I will always remember "Mr. Yerike", his beautiful smile, sincere listening, intelligent questions, love of coffee, offering us tomatoes from his garden, make us feel welcome whenever we pass by his house in Brick. My kids, Rolando Cajucom Jr. and Rowena Cajucom, love and respect Mr. Yerike a lot. Our sincere condolence to the Yerike family. May the Lord give you strength, peace and comfort in such a time as this. We will surely miss Mr. Yerike, he will always be remembered.

Cora Hicks

October 7, 2011

Brian The Iceman McCafferty

October 7, 2011

Bobby and I were hiking partners for many months in 2007. We crossed paths a few times in the beginning of our hikes but we soon found ourselves without our original partners. Hiker’s paces change as do their partners. Bobby and I found we could spend hours plumbing the depths of any subject as we walked along. What began as a few chance encounters led to a partnership with this wonderful, gentle soul.

I think we were more of an odd couple, with our differences in ages and temperaments, but we became fast friends helping each other through the long days of hiking. Bobby taught me to slowdown and enjoy the trail, while on our first full day of hiking together, I took Bobby on his first 25 mile run into town.

Go in peace my friend and walk the green mountains.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack. He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Godspeed,
The Iceman

Brian The Iceman McCafferty

October 7, 2011

To Bob, I light this candle in memory of you. Your endearing smile, warm heart and love for family & life will deeply be missed.

To the Family, May your strength and your loving memories comfort you during this most difficult time.

Our deepest sympathies are with you in your time of need.

May looking back in memory today, help comfort you tomorrow.

God Bless
Love,
Tara Risoli & family

Tara Risoli

October 6, 2011

In the past couple of days after hearing about the very unfortunate passing of "Buffalo Bobby" it has made me smile to have had the chance to meet such a wonderful man. On this last journey of the trail our Great Uncle Roger, "The Guardian" and "Buffalo Bobby" stopped to take a rest at our home in Knoxville, Tennessee. "Buffalo Bobby" was a kind soft spoken man that came into our home and instantly felt like family. He filled our dinner table with laughter and stories about his life and his family. He shared many of his trail gadgets and explained the trail to our family. We could tell that he had a sincere passion for what he was doing and was enjoying every moment of it. My family feels deeply honored to have met an individual like "Buffalo Bobby" and although our visit was short we will forever be touched by his kind soul and forever carry his memory with us. Our deepest sympathy and warm thoughts are with his family, friends, and others whose lives he has touched at this time.

Sincerely,

The Luning Family

Pamela Luning

October 5, 2011

I had the honor to meet Buffalo Bobby and his "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" on my thru-hike this year in Harper's Ferry for the first time. Even though this trail is so long and diverse - as the life itself - I ran into him several times again on our way to Maine. He is one of those hikers that immediately make you smile upon seeing him at a shelter, campsite or just at a nice picnic spot along the trail. Thank you for your contagious happiness!
Happy trails in hiker heaven!
Navigator.

Martin Jahn

October 5, 2011

Dear Yerike Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one, Robert. Although I did not know him personally; I wanted to express my condolences. I hope that you find a measure of solace in the fond memories you hold so dearly for Robert. May you find peace from the God of all comfort and strength with each passing day.

Cunningham

October 5, 2011

I am not known for being at a loss for words very often. But I am finding it hard to express the the thoughts and feelings I have about losing this wonderful friend. My heart goes out to Bobby's family and friends on and off the AT. We were all blessed to have shared a few moments of our lives with him! Happy Trails to a truly extrodinary gentleman!

Janet Hensley

October 5, 2011

I met Buffalo Bobby on the trail this year in VA when he was part of Team Indecision. He was always so full of energy and laughter that it was contagious and you always felt better for having seen him. He was a true gem. The journey has been long and difficult. Sleep well my friend.

Ross "Double Bow" Garofalo

October 5, 2011

My life was made richer when I met Buffalo Bobby in '07 while hiking. We stayed in touch over the years & always at the top of his list was talking about his family. I had the pleasure of seeing him off on his '11 hike and we stayed in touch throughout the summer. He was the kindest, most genuine person & you always felt happy after a talk with him. We'll all miss you dearly.

Jill "Kokopelli" Pellerin

October 5, 2011

Stylin

October 4, 2011

Deepest sympathy to Buffalo Bobby's family. I met Bobby at Greasy Creek Hostile this year...he and his cohort Trolley Stop. I introduced myself as Stylin, however, with my accent, it always came out Stalin. Every time we spoke after this introduction, he always said my name wrong, and he came up with many. Made me laugh every time. I have a photo of him getting his first hair cut on the trail by 20%. Makes me smile every time I look at it. I know he touched many out on the trail. I'm thankful I was one of them.

Stylin

October 4, 2011

I met Bob and his son Andrew in Israel in 2005. He was a very special man, very kind and encouraging. He spoke often about his children and how proud he was of them. I was blessed to have met him and Andrew. My heart goes out to the entire family. Though your pain is great now because the Lord called him home, take hope that it is only for a time and then you will see him again on that day. May the Lord comfort you and grant you peace as you grieve this painful loss.

Muriel Vargo

October 4, 2011

Buffalo Bobby spent time with us in August, slack packing and hanging out. We are so happy we had the chance to know him. He was fun and full of stories and never without a smile. He was gracious and so thankful for the small things we could do to help out with the hike. He also spend time with my son and his family in Maine and now my grandson calls himself Buffalo Silas. It is good to know that he is a peace on Katadin. Our prayers and sympathy go out to his family as they grieve and deal with their loss. So long Bobby!
Marian & Fred Baser

Marian Baser

October 4, 2011

Buffalo Bobby was a really sweet fellow. In 2003, about mid-way through PA, Zero and I ran into him at a shelter. A father and his young son were also at the shelter towards the end of their annual summer 3 week hike. The son was about 10 and he had the energy level and intensity that 10 year old boys oftentimes have. He was bouncing around all over the place, after the long day of hiking, while thru-hikers were sitting around complaining about the rocks in PA. The young boy very earnestly informed the thru-hikers that the rocks were no problem at all, and in fact, the rocks made a good game to play while ya hiked. The boy had been leaping rock to rock all day trying to see how many rocks in a row he could hop on without ever "touching" the trail. The next morning we were hiking and saw Buffalo Bobby ahead on the trail and he was going 250, 251, 252, 253 etc. He was grinning like crazy and telling us the kid was right it was a fun game. THAT WAS BUFFALO BOBBY!!!!

Jonathan "YoYO" Guessford & Melissa "Zero" Lim

Jonathan Guessford

October 4, 2011

Rest well Buffalo Bobby...
you have earned it...
you represented the very best of the trail..
we we're honored to have hiked with you...
and blessed to have known you..
and so spot on when we wrote this about you..in 2007..
http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=206203

--WhiteBear and Cujo

ken&pat roberson

October 4, 2011

I met Buffalo Bobby on my 4th night out on the A.T. and continued seeing him on the trail over the next couple of months when I finally got off trail due to illness. Bobby was always so positive, always had wonderful words of encouragement and was just a very special person. It was always the highlight of my day when I ran into him on the trail. I was so happy to hear that his children were able to finish his hike for him and spread his ashes on Katahdin. What a wonderful memorial to him. To his children....I had a conversation with your father about his children one evening. You were the light of his life and he was so very proud of all of you. Sue Makrianis AKA PURPLE HAZE

Sue Makrianis PURPLE HAZE

October 4, 2011

My deepest condolences to the Yerike family from an Ardam. I never met Rob's Dad but I know I would have liked him. As others have said, he died doing what he loved and there is a great comfort in that. Peace to all.

Janet Ardam

October 3, 2011

Thank you for making my father's hike so wonderful. You will always live on in our hearts. Peace and love to the family.

Beth Young

October 3, 2011

I backpacked the Hundred Mile Wilderness this summer and, as an older hiker, I know how difficult it is. I was "bewitched" by the trail and can't wait to return. My heart goes out to Buffalo Bobby's family. I'm so sorry for your loss, but when I go, may it be out in the woods somewhere.....

Dr. J

October 3, 2011

I met Buffalo Bobby while thru-hiking in 2003. Never has someone I've been around for so short a time, had such a big impact. His temperment was so sweet and genuine, so kind and caring. My condolences go out to the family and I thank you for allowing the hiker community to have a chance to get to your Buffalo Bobby.

Liz "Constant Motion" Ulloa

October 3, 2011

Blue sky & Happy Trails BB ! May you rest in the Perfect Mountains....Sympathy to friends & family.....Dennis "Desperado" Pegg

Dennis Pegg

October 3, 2011

RIP Buffalo Bobby. We never met but we are in the same cohort. My wife and I completed a thru hike of the AT last year. Bless your family.

Richard Robinson

October 3, 2011

My eldest brother loved nature and alway looked forward to the challenge of this hike. He has 6 beautiful, talented children and 8 adorable and bright grandchildren, who are his legacy. You've done your job well, rest in Peace Bob.

Debbie Yerike

October 3, 2011

Buffalo Bobby spent several nights at our home while on his thru hike with iceman,it was an honor to have met him and shared the hot tub and several calorie packed meals while he and iceman slack packed for a few days thru Ct.

Marty & Kitty McKay

October 2, 2011

The last time I crossed paths with "Buffalo Bobby" was at Davis Path Shelter in Va. Just after Trail Days in May 2007. We had a lot of laughs that night. He was very cool and will be missed. My Condolences to the family.
- Mountain Man

Tony Jenkins

October 2, 2011

Shine On Springer Mountain

Shine on Springer Mountain on this Feburary day
As the lead man and the sweeper carry us away
Deep into your forest with its icy overlays
Into your winter wonderland here I come to play
The branches of the trees are bowed low in silent prayer
Magical little snow birds are flying every where
Off in the distance the red tail hawk begins to dive
He sees his supper out the corner of his eye
I was told of your beauty and now I know its true
Springer Mountain is the North Georgia Jewel
Timeless ancient hills what a story they do tell
All about the past and the people from every where
Climb up Springer Mountain she is one of a kind
Here on the trail if you seek you will find
The heart of Springer Mountain at her terminus it does lie
Waiting for the hikers to begin their solo flight
Singing take me Springer Mountain and wipe these tears from my eyes
For if I die tomorrow at least today I am alive
My feet have touched your summit and I will never be the same
I hear the Appalachian Trail calling out my name
Oh rock me Springer Mountain in your arms my soul abides
And send me off a smiling as I bid this world good bye
For come this time tomorrow I'll be north bound to Maine
By way of Springer Mountain is the last time I was seen


Dedicated to a fellow hiker.
Seven Thunders, Trail Overseer
Brookshire Gap to Justus Creek

Seven Thunders

October 2, 2011

A letter is on the way. I met Bob when he was hiking the trail in 2007. My son
(Iceman) walked many miles with him

Ursula McCafferty

October 2, 2011

What a privilege it was to have known this man...he was definitely one of the good guys on the trail. What a way to go, doing what you truly love. Rest easy friend!

Brian "Onager" Greene

October 2, 2011

I had the honor to be one of Bobby's hiking partners in 2007. He wa such a great guy. My condolences to his family...JB Ga-Me2007

Robert Davies, Jr.

October 2, 2011

I shared many miles, meals and memories with 'Buffalo Bobby'! I loved that his group "The Extraordinary Gentleman" had a little contest going with "Team Indecision" on which group could be more gentlemanly. They are all wonderful men and were all true gentleman on the Trail.
One of my favorite memories of 'Bobby' was the afternoon we hiked to the Eckville Shelter in PA. It was a rainy afternoon but the Trail was a beautiful old, what looked like, forest road in the woods. I was determined to get to the shelter and out of the rain so I put it in 'hi-gear' and was race walking. 'Bobby' was right behind me the entire way, holding his own. We had a good laugh that night about running through the rain.
'Buffalo Bobby' talked about his children all the time - truly the loves of his life. He emboddied the spirit of the Trail - making friends, always willing to assist and enjoying every moment of his hike.
He will always be one of my fondest memories of the AT.
May God Bless him and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kerry 'Scribbles' Smithwick

October 2, 2011

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