Rob Graves RIP

[Monty&Melo]

We were notified on Tuesday of Rob Graves' passing. It has taken a few days to process this, and we are still in shock. It was like a punch to the gut?absolutely heartbreaking. When Monty and I got married, we went to Jamaica for our honeymoon. That was the beginning of a love affair with the country. We enjoyed our visits to Montego Bay, but knew we wanted to venture out, specifically to Negril. That?s when Monty stumbled upon Negril.com, run by none other than Rob Graves. Monty read and researched everything on Rob?s site daily.

Our first trip to Negril was in 2009 and we never looked back. I can?t remember the exact time we met Rob, but I believe it was when we attended one of his livestreams from 3 Dives. Our kids were young, so they would watch it with their grandparents just so we could wave at them from Negril.

From there, our friendship grew. Every visit to Jamaica included multiple outings with Rob and Lisa. Our usual routine, after landing in Montego Bay, was to text Rob to let him know we were heading his way. Before even checking into our hotel, we would meet him and Lisa at Red Dragon then proceed to Collette?s, finally arriving at our hotel.

We met them for drinks, dinner, and multiple pub crawls ?the other way? over the years. Rob even officiated our 25th anniversary renewal of vows while Lisa ran the Facebook live so people could watch from home. We were privileged to work with them during Covid to help bring some relief to small businesses who were struggling. It was Rob?s idea to do the t-shirt and we all shook our heads saying, this will never work. But, boy, did it ever and then some!

Rob lived his life to make Negril and her people better. He brought countless numbers of people to visit time after time. He created new friendships and connections with people who would never have met without Negril.com.

Negril will never be the same without him! My heart is breaking just thinking of our next trip without seeing him. We were blessed to have spent time with him in August. We love you and will never forget you, Rob. Our hearts go out to Lisa and Rob?s family!

We promise to continue doing what we can to help the people of Negril, as you would have. We will lift a Red Stripe in your honor every visit.

Fly high friend! Until we meet again.

With much love and respect,
Monty and Melo