Update on Nathanfan1

[ProudTVJunkie]

I have some sad news to share. Bobbie Anderson, aka Nathanfan1, passed away this morning. She got up and spoke to her husband briefly, then said she needed to go back to bed. She passed away a short time later.

Bobbie had been in declining health for some time. Steve says no arrangements have been made as of this time, but he will keep me updated.

Bobbie was my best friend. As much as I fear my world will be a much lonelier place without her, I know how much my life has been blessed by having her in it.

Fifteen years ago, we connected over Castle, which is why I hope to keep this board going...always.

If you have any questions, feel free to post them here or contact me privately. Thanks.

[geezer2008]

We are so very, very sad to hear of Bobbie's passing. She was a dear lady and will be missed by all of us who knew her. We bonded over Castle, Hallmark, and the Christmas novels that we read and loved. I will deeply miss my friend. 

[motowncf]

Bobbie was a dear friend and Castle sister. I always felt a special bond with her because of our shared birthday. She will be missed. 

[RG]

Oh my gosh, that is so sad.  Although I don't have the opportunity to get online like I used to, it was always a joy "speaking" with her here and through the several previous Castle sites. She was one of the very first to ever review my stories and I will miss seeing and enjoying her posts. Prayers to her family and all her friends here on the board. She will certainly be missed.

[tycho657]

Bobbie will live on with her friends and family as they remember her with stories and her wonderful quilts and sewing projects.
I will always remember how thrilled she was to actually meet Nathan and get a picture with him.

[marschg]

So sorry to hear thoughts and prayers to her family

[DrvrTrnr]

I was saddened to hear about nathanfan. Her posts were always interesting and fun to read. She will be missed. My condolences to her family.

[ProudTVJunkie]

The funeral will be held on Friday, June 14, with a viewing the evening of June 13th.

If anyone is interested in attending, please send me a private message and I will forward you the details.

Thanks.

[Fjordmom]

I am so sorry to hear of Bobbie's passing.  So many memories of the early days of Castle and all she contributed throughout the years.  And, my best memory is when she got me interested in watching Whiskey Cavalier!!!!  Loved the show instantly beginning with the opening music (Love Me Again -- John Newman) and moving on to a wonderful comedy/drama.  I just spent about an hour reading through all of our recaps, with the real bulk of writing and depth being contributed by Bobbie.  I would write my paltry take and then she would write these MASTERPIECES.....what fun it was!

I also admired her family and farm life, cooking, and especially quilt making. 

Thanks for all the great memories, Bobbie.  Rest in peace.

[ibmjas]

Such sad news. I got to meet Bobbie a few years ago when the Castle group came to town for a get-together. She had a gift for me and didn't even know she would see me! She was very sweet and her quilts were amazing! Probably one of the biggest Castle fans. So sorry for her family who lost her too soon. My condolences PTVJ.

[tefla]

I am unsure of how to word this:

Having never met nathanfan1 IRL I don't know if I can accurately describe how I feel. Reading the words from those that have had that privilege to know nathanfan as Bobbie, and not just a handle on the screen, I begin to wonder what it would have been like to know her.

I send my condolences to everyone who has been affected by this sad news...

- tefla

[ProudTVJunkie]

Well, I made the trip out for Bobbie's funeral, and I'm so glad I did.

Bobbie's husband, Steve, didn't know I would be there. During our last conversation he assured me that Bobbie would have understood how difficult it would be for me to make the trip on such short notice. I knew he was right, but I also knew I needed to be there.

It was a three-hour flight and then about a 45-minute drive in the rental car.

I made it to the viewing on Thursday evening, and when Steve saw me, he burst into tears and hugged me for several minutes. That alone made the trip worth it. I spent time with Steve, his daughters, and Bobbie's brother, all of whom I'd met during previous visits. But after a day of traveling, I was tired and decided to grab some food and head back to my hotel.

Bobbie mentioned a fast-food type restaurant called Culvers to me on several occasions. It was a favorite of hers. Since we don't have it in NJ, I decided to try it. Well, I'm happy I did. The burgers and cheese fries were fresh and tasty, and their custard flavor of the day was Devil's Food cake. Even their specialty root beer was good.

The next morning was another viewing and the funeral service. The church not only had flowers that friends and family had sent, but they also displayed many of Bobbie's quilts. There was a large screen at the front of the church that showed many, many photos of Bobbie from throughout the years, some of which had me and others from her Castle friend group.

Steve's eulogy was perfect. It was personal and loving and honored Bobbie well. There were stories of Bobbie's past I hadn't heard before, and I was honored that Steve even mentioned me. Even the pastor did a wonderful job with the service. Unfortunately, I've been to many funeral/memorial services where it sounded like the Priest/pastor was simply going through the motions. That was not the case here. Everything was very warm and personal.

Afterward, the church had a dining area where we were all invited to have something to eat and socialize.

Steve, Kim, and Kris (their daughters) treated me like one of the family. They insisted I drive with them to the cemetery where Bobbie's ashes are now buried in a family plot. The cemetery was positively idyllic. It's on a hill with lots of trees, and you can actually see the edge of their family's farm from there. It was very peaceful.

Over the two days, I was able to spend time with Bobbie's family and some of her grandkids and meet several of her friends whom I heard about frequently, and it turns out they'd heard about me. Bobbie's quilting group was incredibly sweet. Bobbie had been working on another quilt for me, and they promised to finish it for her and send it to me.

As sad as I am to have my best friend pass away, I'm relieved that she went peacefully at home with Steve by her side. Her daughters and I vowed to continue to keep in touch. And I feel that even in her passing, Bobbie's friendship and love continue to be a part of my life.

[tycho657]

So happy you were able to make it. I am sure Steve and her family appreciated the effort.
We have Culver's in Arizona. I love their fish & chips and the fried shrimp. I'm not a fan of any burger. Glad you liked it.

[ibmjas]

Incredibly thoughtful of you to make the trip. It sounds like it benefitted both the family and you. I'm getting to that age when friends are starting to have some serious medical issues. I'm not looking forward to losing any of them.

[geezer2008]

Thanks for sharing, Christine. You write so beautifully. Bobbie will be truly missed by many. Rikki and I were watching one of her favorite shows on Hallmark last week and shed a few tears knowing how much she would have loved it. Hope she has a great TV in Heaven