In Remembrance of Dick Grosbier, IBS Vice President

We are sad to announce that Richard (Dick) Grosbier, who served as IBS Vice President and webmaster, has passed away. He died unexpectedly at his home last Friday, May 12, while recovering from neck fusion surgery. He was 72. A memorial service was held on May 16th. We offer condolences to Carol, his wife of 38 years, and to his family members.

Dick Grosbier was one of the stalwarts of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS) who gave countless hours to our sport. Jeff Stover, IBS President, notes: “Dick was serving as the 1st VP of IBS and was the Match Chairman. Dick worked tirelessly on behalf of our sport. Dick was very well known in benchrest, especially in the Score discipline. He has been the IBS webmaster from Day One. He was a central figure in the IBS and Benchrest as a whole.” Jeff adds that Dick’s passing leaves “a pronounced void in the world of Benchrest. He was a good man. We shall miss him.”

Many benchrest competitors have expressed their sadness at Dick’s passing:

“He was one of the most helpful and concerned people I have met in benchrest, an enthusiastic and helpful shooter with as big a heart as anyone I have ever met. I thoroughly enjoyed my numerous phone conversations with him over the years. He will be sadly missed by all his Maine friends.”– Greg P.

“Dick did a lot for the sport. It’s going to be hard to replace a man like him.” — Dick Wright

“We are truly diminished. He will be missed. My condolences to family and friends.” — James Mock

“I had met Dick several times as I traveled around in my shooting career. Dick gave freely of his talents and time to support the sport he dearly loved. Dick made a difference in the World. It’s a better place for him having been here.” — Al Nyhus

Honoring Dick Grosbier at the White Horse Range in West Virginia
The day after he died, Dick’s friends and fellow shooters honored him. On May 13th, at the 1000-yard match held at the White Horse Range in West Virginia, Stanley Taylor, David Matthew and the other competitors all took one shot at a special target placed at 1000 yards, which they all signed. The group then said a prayer and held a moment of silence for Dick. It was a thoughtful and fitting tribute to a fellow shooter. The match directors are planning a Memorial match for Grosbier later this year.

R.I.P. Richard Roland Grosbier
Dick Grosbier was a man of many talents and interests. Here is a quote from his Obituary in the Frederick (MD) News-Post:

After high school Dick joined the Air Force, from 1965-1967 serving as an Aircraft Electronics Navigational Equipment repairman. This training enabled him to begin his life’s work in the electronics field, first with Heathkit Electronics in Rockville, and later with Industrial Photo of Silver Spring.

Dick enjoyed many varied activities. He met [his wife] Carol at a sports car club, and they participated in many car rallies. He was very interested in computers[.] He was Vice-President of the International Benchrest Shooters and enjoyed benchrest target shooting at many rifle ranges up and down the east coast. He was also very involved in model railroading[.] Dick loved to travel and with his wife made several coast-to-coast trips across the U.S., visiting almost all the lower 48 states, and Hawaii.