During his career as a physician, Dr. Rob Stevens saved many lives.

His family and friends hope that through the legacy of the Doc. Rob Fishing Derby, that he will save many more.

On Dec. 10, 2017, at 49 years old, Stevens died by suicide.

In a letter to the community following her husband’s death, Terry-Lynn Stevens encouraged everyone to advocate for those suffering from mental illness, to create more awareness and keep talking.

“When you ask someone how she or he is doing, take the time to listen, really listen to the answer. Listen with your ears but also hear it, really hear it with your heart … Try and make it more of a Dr. Rob check-in. Look into people’s eyes and let them know that you see them and that you’ve got their back,” she wrote.

Even going through her own grief, Terry-Lynn said it was important to speak publicly and candidly about mental health.

And in discussions with those closest to Rob, the family decided to create an event to commemorate and honour his life, while also bringing attention to mental health.

Family friends Roxanne and Ray Priaulx suggested hosting a fishing derby in Rob’s memory.

“The first year shocked us and we talked about it, thinking if we made $250 and got 10 boats it would be just a fun day,” Priaulx said. “Because he loved fishing and that would be his legacy and then Terry-Lynn said we could raise some money for (a) mental health association.”

That first year more than 30 boats came out and $11,000 was raised.

“Because fishing is a sport that the whole family can participate in, that was important to us,” Terry-Lynn said. “We thought it was going to be an intimate gathering … for me it was about bringing awareness to mental health and to ensure Rob was never forgotten.”

Funds from the first tournament provided three SafeTalk courses and funds to the Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound.

Before COVID-19 took hold of the world, in January 2020 the family partnered with Canadian Mental Health Association Muskoka-Parry Sound for Top Shelf for Mental Health.

During that month, teams from all hockey levels in Parry Sound were encouraged to use green skate laces and green stick tape as a reminder to support mental health resilience.

“We’ve started the Doc Rob Hockey Award for bantam/midget-aged player and a Grade 12 graduation bursary for a student who has experienced mental health issues or who is going into nursing or career (in) mental health … We’ve done quite a bit of stuff in such a short period,” Terry-Lynn said. “I’m a firm believer that if we put money towards youth counselling then we won’t have as many doctor Robs.” While the group has big dreams for the tournament, they also want to keep that small, intimate atmosphere Rob would have wanted.

“Rob didn’t like the spotlight – he never, ever did. I know that after Rob died we were talking about the venue and where to hold his funeral. The initial plan was to do it at the Stockey Centre … and then, it was almost like Rob spoke to me and I said, no we can’t … he doesn’t want to be on the stage … he wants to be surrounded by the people close to him. I think with this fishing derby that’s the whole thing, it’s just intimate, we joke, and we laugh and we remember Rob … we sure know that he was well-loved and well-respected in the community.”

The fourth annual Doc Rob Bass Classic kicks off on July 10.

Reference: By Stephannie Johnson Parry Sound North Star