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Robin WALBRIDGE Obituary

WALBRIDGE, Robin dearly loved captain of the HMS Bounty, has gone to his eternal rest, and passed from this world to the next while following the passion of his life. Robin was born Oct. 25, 1949. From the start, Robin charted his own course and followed his own stars. His course led him across the globe, but he was anchored in four loves: youth, the sea, the HMS Bounty, and his beloved Claudia. His passion for teaching held no bounds. From taking adjudicated "hard core" youth to sea, to developing training programs for children with disabilities, Robin believed that ships were living classrooms. Countless scores of children and adults found purpose in their lives while on the decks under Robin's tutelage. Robin, nonetheless, believed that the sea was the true teacher-a place where those who searched could find meaning. His love for the sea had early childhood beginnings: a mother who encouraged him to smell the salt air, to touch the slippery seaweed and examine the seashells. Since the day he borrowed a sailboat at age 18, "the sea cast its spell on him and held him in its net of wonder" for the rest of his life. He went on to chart an amazing nautical career that spanned the gamut, beginning as a field mechanic on Miller houseboats on the Suwanee River. He went on to mate and captain such vessels as the Governor Stone, the Bill of Rights, the Heritage of Miami, and the HMS Rose. The highlight of the captain's stellar career was the two years and 15 voyages training the crew of the U.S.S. Constitution. Robin was honored by being asked to be at the helm of "Old Ironsides" as the guest Captain/Advisor for her "awe inspiring" first sail in 116 years. For Robin, the HMS Bounty was a labor of love, an extension of himself. After taking the helm in 1995, under different owners and multiple crews, Robin took a near derelict movie prop vessel and helped transform her into an ambassador of peace and goodwill for hundreds of thousands of adoring fans worldwide. Under Captain Walbridge, the Bounty has spanned the globe, highlighted by ports of call in Boothbay Harbor, Barcelona, Scotland, Norway, Halifax, and Gdansk. Despite his world travels, Robin cherished the quality time spent with the love of his life, Claudia. In his spare time, Robin was also an excellent amateur photographer, and a master craftsman of furniture and kayaks. An accomplished story teller, he enjoyed swapping tales of his adventures with his many close friends. Robin, son of the late Howard and Anna (Palmer) Walbridge, is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate, Claudia McCann; step-daughter, Shelly McCann; and granddaughter, Tara McCann, both of Fall River MA; his step-mother, Alice Walbridge; his sister, Lucille Walbridge Jansen; step-brother, Steve Patterson, all of Vermont; and a sister, Delia Walbridge-Gosik of Poland. Wherever his next adventure may take him, we know that this gentle soul, this quiet, self-effacing man, will have only one request: "A tall ship, and a star to steer her by." To celebrate his life, Robin's family will be holding a private memorial service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tampa Bay Times on Nov. 6, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robin WALBRIDGE

Sponsored by For Robin: from the Bounty family and friends.

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A shipmate and a good friend

December 3, 2024

Not forgotten.

November 4, 2024

On December 1st, twelve years ago, we held a memorial for you, Claudene, and for the Bounty, herself, at the Maritime Museum in Fall River, MA. After that moving memorial, wreaths were tossed onto the waters. Your spirit is mingled with the waters of the world; the Bounty lies deep under the water. We all wish that this was not the case; but that was not to be. So, we will continue to remember and miss you. That is all we can do.

Michael Walbridge

November 1, 2024

I remember our conversation several years ago, it was so amazing to talk with you. You will be missed!

Barbara

October 31, 2024

We will never forget you.

A shipmate and a good friend

October 30, 2024

I will never forget you, Robin; especially thought of you these last several weeks. Wish you were still with us rather than soaring through the skies on seagull's wings.

Barbara

October 31, 2023

I'll never forget you Robin.

A shipmate

November 1, 2022

Ten years gone... seems like no time at all.
Nothing's forgotten...

Barbara

November 1, 2021

Love and miss you Robin.

A Friend

October 31, 2021

Still think of you to this day; can't believe that it has been nine years since you were lost at sea. My thoughts go out to your family; hope they are doing okay.

Robert Fedeli

October 27, 2021

We remember well the day we met you standing at the capstain... The enthusiasm of being the Captain of our beloved Bounty was your passion . Continue steering by the stars the old way as you enjoyed .. RIP Captain Robin & Claudine ... Condolences to your families....

Lura J Bullard

October 26, 2021

I remember you back when sailing was your dream. I was so happy for you when it came true. I still think of you often. Love you and may you be at peace.

Cpt. Jay

April 21, 2017

Remembering my good friend every day.

Capt. Glenn horton

April 20, 2017

Rest in peace..rest in peace

December 5, 2015

Remembering you.

October 30, 2015

Never forgotten.

December 1, 2014

Remembering you, Robin and your beautiful tall ship HMS Bounty.

November 1, 2014

Remembering you and HMS Bounty; what a great loss.

Debra Kellogg

October 31, 2014

Miss you Capt. Robin. Thinking of you, and thankful to have known you. I will never forget. Calm seas my friend
Capt. Debra.

October 29, 2014

Hard to believe that two years have already passed since the Bounty went down and you were lost. Think of you every day. Miss your Captain Robin. Wish you were still with us.

A shipmate

October 28, 2014

Nothing is forgotten...
<3

October 28, 2014

Fair winds always and enjoy the calm sea,s on the Bounty.....

jj Hunt

October 26, 2014

Claudia I think of you often, and of course with every reminder of the loss of the great ship 'The Bounty " as well as The Captain, your Robin come to mind, such a tragedy. I hope you have peace & calm in your life today!

October 25, 2014

Miss you Captain Robin.

Robyn Marwick

December 7, 2013

I think of you every day Captain, you gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and I will always be so very grateful, I love you and miss you,

October 30, 2013

We will always remember and love you Robin.

Holly Garcia

October 29, 2013

Remembering you today, Robin, and your beautiful ship HMS Bounty. One year ago today we lost you both. You will be in our hearts forever.

jay borden

February 16, 2013

such a tragedy, the world lost a great man and the sea lost a great sailor..i never met him personally but from what ive read and heard he was larger than life and will be missed by all who knew him, may you rest in peace captain!

December 11, 2012

Now it is 2 months later since the BOUNTY went down and we lost you. I still find it hard to talk with others and tell of what a fine, dignified leader and friend you were to me. From my first 10 weeks aboard in 1998 to my last sail with you in 2010 we shared many good stories, yarns and events. You were a sea captain cut from the same cloth as those from the Great Age of Sail! In your quiet way... you were bigger than life. My life is richer for knowing you Robin. My wishes go out to Claudia and her daughters. Fair winds, my friend...

Katie DePrato

December 11, 2012

Robin thank you for all you have done for me, came on boat as a kid left bounty as a women. My thoughts and prays go out to your family

Jane Pereira

December 11, 2012

Claudia you and your family are in my prayers

Steve DaCosta

December 10, 2012

Robin you gave me so much. God keep you.

Holly Garcia

December 7, 2012

Thank you "A shipmate" for keeping this Guest Boook for Robin online for another year. Yesterday was way too soon to let go of this comforting site. I was not even a crew member, yet I think of Capt. Robin and the Bounty every day. Thanks again "A shipmate".

Playing Chess with Robin on the Brig Niagara was awesome!

Al Sorkin

December 5, 2012

Robin sailed with me on the Niagara in 2000

Al Sorkin

December 5, 2012

Barbara

December 3, 2012

Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family. I love you Robin and I will never forget your kindness. See you in the next port.

Capt. Debra Kellogg

November 24, 2012

My sympathy to the family of Capt. Robin from Capt. Debra Kellogg. He taught me everything I know about the sea and boats. He was my mentor and friend.
Capt. Debra Kellogg

Maggie Hopkins

November 21, 2012

Sincerest sympathy to you and your family. My husband, Bill Hopkins, was President Emeritus of the Bounty Foundation. He also was enamored with this great ship and his friend Capt. Robin.

Kristin Anderson

November 19, 2012

I had some of the best days of my life on board the SV Governor Stone on Apalachicola Bay with Captain Robin. We miss him here.

Sharon Decarolis

November 17, 2012

My condolences go out to Robins family. He loved this magnificent ship and will forever we with her. I have loved the Bounty since I was a little girl-this HMS Bounty was beautiful. May you rest in peace.

Kathryn Sowder

November 17, 2012

I met Captain Walbridge in Norfolk VA at Harborfest, and had the very great honor to spend the night aboard the Bounty on two occasions. Captain Walbridge was an amazing person who seemed to belong to another era. The last time I saw him, he was sitting in the galley area mending his sails with a needle and thread. I asked him to sign a poster of the Bounty and with a big smile he said "I will"! I am horrified at the loss of the Bounty and of Captain Walbridge, and I wish his family and friends the Good Lord's peace and comfort at this very difficult time.

Ron Casey

November 16, 2012

My prayers are with the Robin's family. I knew for over 15 years and had the Bounty stop in many Atlantic Canada ports. We lost a GREAT man and Ship RIP Robin

Darlyne Schugars

November 15, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you Claudia. I will always remember Robins warm welcome for Katie and I on the Bounty in Fall River, it was
Great. Love you. Sugar

Mark Meninga

November 14, 2012

I always lifted my eyes skyward when in a port town hoping to see the masts of the Bounty, so I could hop on board and say "Hi" to Captain Robin again.

I will always remember the kindness, fairness, and friendship he showed me when I was Bosun on the Bounty in the Summer of 2003.

My deepest sympathy to all of his friends and relatives.

Sarah Bennett

November 14, 2012

Robin the Captin,
Robin the Diplomat,
Robin the Mechanic
Robin the Leader,
You always lead by example and got right in there to get the job done,
But most or all you were our friend and all round nice mr guy,
Every memeber of every crew who sailed under you; We all miss you, rest in peace x

Captain Walbridge in Port Washington, WI, 2010

Stephen Geis

November 13, 2012

Green Bay WI Tall Ship Fest 2010

Sharon L. Dowis

November 12, 2012

November 12, 2012

Rest in Peace, Captain!!

William Chinnock

November 11, 2012

Captain Walbridge was a great man. May he inspire us to be our best. He led an accomplished life.

Holly Garcia

November 11, 2012

Thank you, Captain, for bringing the Bounty back to her breathtaking glory and for sharing her with the world. All of us who stepped aboard and marveled at her beauty thank you for an incredible experience. May you and your family be proud of all that you accomplished and how many lives you touched.

November 11, 2012

AS a former crew member of the Bounty, I am heartbroken. God's peace, Robin.

Robin Wood

November 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Captain Robin. You and the Bounty will also be a part of our community.

Elizabeth Endsley

November 11, 2012

I had the honor to meet Robin when he sailed the Suwannee Belle. I have thought of his sincere kindness he always showed, even while under duress. Our prayers go out to his family and his crew.

Bill Foster

November 11, 2012

My deepest sympathy to you and your family during this sorrowful time, It was with great sadness that I heard of BOUNTY's fate. Robin taught me the basics of square-rigger sailing when I was preparing for command of USS CONSTITUTION ("Old Ironsides") in June 1999. He was a masterful teacher with deep respect for the sea and those who are drawn to maritime professions. It was an honor and privilege to have known Robin.

Captain Wlliam F. Foster, Jr., USN (Ret.)
66th in Command
"Old Ironsides"

Christine Beattie

November 9, 2012

I had the pleasure of a working with Robin when he worked for the same company as I did in Myrtle Beach years ago. A true gentlemen with great integrity and values! May the family find comfort in memories and the world has another angel looking over us. You will be greatly missed Robin!

Daralyn Troutt

November 9, 2012

Sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family.

Steven Brown

November 9, 2012

My deepest sympathies to Robin's family for the loss of such a kind man. It was my pleasure to have met him and I only wish that I could have met him again.

Barb Johnstone

November 8, 2012

Robin - many, many years ago, when you were a Mate on HMS Rose, you welcomed aboard a person whose prior 'sailing' experience, up to that point at least, had consisted of paddling a canoe and being a passenger on a ferry. You treated this excited, albeit nervous, new sail trainee with infinite patience, warmth, and kindness - always happy to share your knowledge of, and love for, sailing a square rigger. What a memorable foray into the world of sailing one of these beautiful tall ships that became for me; a voyage that, as a result of your generous encouragement, would prove to be the first of many such exciting tall ship sailing adventures that this person hailing from the landlocked Prairies would embark upon in future years. Thank you Robin, my friend; I will cherish those memories. You helped to instill in me a love of tall ship sailing that continues unabated to this day. Had hoped to get a chance to sail with you on the Bounty some day; sadly that will never happen now.

Robin, you once told me that every seagull embodies the soul of a perished sailor; sadly you joined their ranks much too soon. May your kind and gentle soul find peace as you sail the winds of the sky as you once sailed the waves of the seas.

My deepest sympathies to Robin's wife, Claudia, and to all of his family. The world has lost a warm and caring man, and one heck of a sailor.

John Link

November 8, 2012

John Link

November 8, 2012

John Link

November 8, 2012

John Link

November 8, 2012

John Link

November 8, 2012

John Link

November 8, 2012

Robin was one of the best. Sailing with him and the Bounty in 2008 was a great experience which I will always be grateful for.

John Bailey

November 8, 2012

With fond memories in making your acquaintance in 2009 for a story I wrote about you and HMS Bounty. You crossed the seas in style.

Donna Arruda-Ferreira

November 8, 2012

Captain Robin, God Bless You, Claudia I am truly sorry for your loss.

Dwight Parker

November 8, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting Captain Walbridge many times when the Bounty visited Halifax ,Nova Scotia.July 2012 we had a great chat in the Galley about the original crew & he was pleased to hear that my Dad grew up with the previous Captain Hugh Boyd & he told me he was well living in Florida & that there was still about 6 of the original still alive.He was also thrilled to know that I roamed the decks at age 3 when she was being built here in Nova Scotia.
The Bounty,Crew & Captain Robin were like an old friend or a favourite Uncle when ever I saw her sail our waters.I will forever miss them all.God Bless.

DANI SETTLE

November 7, 2012

A HUI HOU- FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS
NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

Elizabeth Jurenovich

November 7, 2012

I never had the pleasure of knowing Captain Walbridge (nor seeing the HMS Bounty with my own eyes) but like so many, I have been deeply touched by the loss of this good man, and his beloved ship. I am so sorry for this tragedy and I am asking God to be with Captain Walbridge's grieving family, to comfort them and grant them that "peace that passes understanding." Shalom!

Nessa Davis-Henry

November 7, 2012

You know that the Great spirit needed a couple good sailors, and there they were! Never met the two of you, but those of us who have sailed these beautiful ships will keep you both in our hearts!

Ed Steiner

November 7, 2012

In as much as all the worlds oceans are connected, so shall we continue to be connected to Robin wherever we sail ....

Robin and Marcia in a meal conversation

Margaret Ramsey-Cosgrove

November 7, 2012

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with this Fabulous Captain for 10 years. He taught me so much about Life, Love and Giving. He was a generous man, he was my mentor. Robin was so faceted.... a treasure trove of stories who had an uncanny ability to speak on any subject. Robin was the life line of Bounty, his blood ran through that ship....He was the Bounty! We lost far more then a Ship and her Captain, we lost a treasure who knew no bounds

"Life is short, very short, and what are we doing here if not trying to become more generous and loving?"
— George Saunders

Thank you Robin for being the loving and generous man you were......you taught me well.
~Miss Margaret~

Jay Boland

November 7, 2012

Those who knew him can never forget the wonderful person robin was. I am consumed with this tradegy. Claudia and family, my deepest sympathy. Love. Capt. Jay

when met again in savannah,

Bob & Judith Fedeli

November 7, 2012

Godspeed Capt. ,I know your voyages are not over, Just set sail on this mast you are so familier with. The Bounty is ready

Dean Pike

November 7, 2012

Was a pleasure to meet Capt Walbridge in Eastport Maine in Sept '12. HMS Bounty was the centerpiece of our pirate festival.

Robin in the Great Cabin, September 4, 2012

L. Jaye Bell

November 7, 2012

Words cannot express the depth of sorrow that I feel for the loss of such a dear person. I only knew Robin a short time, but was so very impressed with one thing he said during our interview so much, it prompted me to ask if there were any chance of having media sail aboard. I am so blessed to have seen him in action. Robin said that the best part of his day were the rare times when he was lucky enough to hear a 5 year old say, "This is the BEST DAY of my LIFE!" I asked him if knowing he was going to meet a kid like that in nearly every port made it easier to get through dicey weather. He chuckled at that. Robin inspired many with his love of sailing, he taught without even trying; he was down to earth enough to be thrilled with making a kid happy. That says volumes for the character and heart of a person who will be missed, not just from the close knit Bounty and Tall Ships families, but in every corner of the globe.

Anita Mixon

November 7, 2012

The sea has hugged a grand sailor and he shall be missed...

Godspeed Capt. ,I know your voyages are not over, Just set sail on this mast you are so familier with. The Bounty is ready

Bob & Judy Fedeli

November 7, 2012

Marcia Rennie

November 7, 2012

The call of the running tide, its a wild call and a clear call that cannot be denied.

Michael Walbridge

November 7, 2012

So long cousin...you will be remembered. Much love to your family.

November 7, 2012

Claudia I pray that God embraces you with his almighty power to ease your pain and sorrow and give you and your loved ones comfort in your days ahead, forever remembered Thanks to Denise.. for our introduction ..jj Hunt

mitchelL mallen

November 7, 2012

Robin opened my eyes to adventure and taught me how to live life. He invited me into a world where only amazing people exist :)

Elizabeth Sparrow

November 7, 2012

Godspeed to you, dear Captain. May you find peace on the seas of eternity. You touched the lives of many you never knew...you will be greatly missed.

Josée

November 7, 2012

So very sad to loose a friend in such a tragedy. Claudia, my thoughts are with you and I send you my love.

Evan Rickett

November 7, 2012

Robin gave his life to the thousands of young people he fostered on the Bounty. Having spent the majority of the last 18 years underway with no relief captain, I can think of no once else who more selflessly devoted their life to others. With every voyage Robin led, the crew would define their new Bounty community's culture unburdened by the histories and societies of the generations before them. The young rebel against such things and Robin bounced the ball back into our court to teach us the hard work of building communities rather than tearing them down. He taught us how to value our creation and the virtue of serving others to further our creation. There are many books written on who is the creator, what is creation, how it is created but damn few that we consider sacred. The Tall Ship Bounty Crew Manual that begins with a signed letter from Robin is one of those books.

In Memory of Captain Robin Walbridge

Marilyn Smith

November 7, 2012

RIP Captain Robin Walbridge.. My Deepest and Sincere Sympathy goes out to the Family and Friends from another Family member. I am the oldest daughter of Gerald Walbridge of Cabot Vermont. Knew Robin as Robert. Has been many years since last saw him. But have good memories of him when we were younger and of his family. Know he will be missed by many! God Bless you all. Sail on with the Angels

Aaron Buzzell

November 7, 2012

Capt Robin you will be greatly missed my time spent sailing with you and your bounty has tought me more than I will ever know rest well ribin

Stu. harris

November 7, 2012

Julie Letourneau

November 7, 2012

Robin will forever remain in my heart. He was a kind, gentle soul and will be greatly missed. Claudia, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Many blessings to you all. With love and best wishes -

Leon Gustus

November 7, 2012

All were enriched under your care.

Sandra Rozar

November 7, 2012

Deeply sorry for yar lost. The captain was a true matey, always smilin' ta me. I will never forget him.

-Caribbean Pearl

Marcia Fox

November 7, 2012

RIP Captain, your crew will love and respect you forever,

Stu Harris

November 7, 2012

As the Albatross on the wing, crosses the rising sun, you WILL be remembered Captain Robin Walbridge... safe passage.

November 7, 2012

Claudia and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My daughter sailed on Bounty for 9 months in 2009 and learned so much from the Captain, crew, and being aboard the ship. It was an experience of a lifetime -- one of many lives touched for the better by the Captain and his beloved Bounty. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are so very sorry for your loss. Please be comforted in God's love and fond remembrances.

Faron McLay

November 6, 2012

RIP Captain

Don Johnson

November 6, 2012

Captain Robin,
I can not thank you enough for all of your kindness. Know that you will always be remembered and never forgotten. Yes Robin, I will always have one clean engine room rag on hand for you.

November 6, 2012

Sending prayers!

DeeAnn Tokar

November 6, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss and for our loss as well. I remember Captain Walbridge when the Bounty was here in Cleveland. I prayers go out to all his family and friends.

November 6, 2012

Prayers,peace and blessings to the Walbridge family.

Dee Rittinger
Forty Fort, PA

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