NORWICH – Robert W. McNitt, “Bob,” 68, a life long resident of Norwich and well known outdoor writer and editor, passed away Thursday evening, Oct. 20, 2011, in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Bob was born in Norwich in March of 1943, the son of Walter and Goldie Diamond McNitt. He spent his entire life in Norwich grew up on the family farm, where he soon discovered hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a 1961 graduate of the Norwich High School and from 1964-1966, Bob served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was in the Special Services in Germany, served as an MP and was a courier for NATO. Returning home he choose to further his education by attending SUNY Albany graduating with the class of 1968.
Bob’s initial profession was that of a businessman. Over the years he was employed by the New York State Police, Victory Markets, The Raymond Corporation and worked as an insurance broker. These all paid the bills, but his love of the outdoors drew him there at every chance he got and eventually motivated him to begin writing about his experiences. Many of his features were published in major outdoor magazines which eventually led him to become the outdoor editor for The Evening Sun, a position he still held today. An excellent taxidermist, he also did taxidermy for several years.
Bob was Past President and life member of the New York State Outdoor Writer’s Assoc. (NYSOWA), a charter member of the Professional Outdoor Media Assoc. (POMA), was a member of the New England Outdoors Writer’s Assoc. (NEOWA), was editor for the New York Sportsman Magazine, had been editor for the Northwoods Publishing, Petersen Publishing, emap-usa and Primedia. He was also Chairman of the Chenango County Environmental Management Council (EMC) and in 2006 was inducted to the NYS Outdoorsman Hall of Fame. He was also currently webmaster for the NYS Outdoors Writers Association and the Chenango County Environmental Management Council. Bob was also a life member of the Norwich Elks Lodge, BPOE #1222 and a member of the American Legion Post #189 as well as a member of the NRA (National Rifle Association).
On June 6, 1970 in Norwich, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Hill, who survives. Besides his wife Betty, Bob is survived by his sister Frieda (Bill) Coble of Earlville and Gloria Haggerty of South New Berlin, his special niece and nephew Heather Landers of Dayton, Ohio and Jon Landers and his wife Jennifer of Saquoit, along with several other nieces and nephews, his mother-in-law Ione Hill of Norwich, his sisters-in-law Linda Jones and husband Jerry of Whitesboro, Norma Smith of Winter Garden, Fla. and Bernice Smith of Phoenix, Ariz., and last but by no means least his special girl Abby, a German short hair pointer.
Bob was predeceased by his brothers Julian and Archie Smith.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. from the American Legion Post #189. The Rev. Brian Conover, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Norwich, will officiate. In keeping with Bob’s wishes there will be no calling hours or formal funeral service.
Please consider memorial contributions to NYSOWA Scholarship Fund, c/o Mike Seymour, 475 Miner St. Road, Canton, NY 13617 with checks made payable to NYSOWA Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.