Graduating from high school in the early '60s, Bill made his way to southern California, where he learned the nuances of the restaurant business and the ways of the world. Bill also picked up open ocean sailing skills, which would serve him well throughout his life. By the late '60s, Bill had relocated to the Caribbean where sailing adventures continued, lifelong friendships blossomed and local business boomed. By the mid-'70s, Bill had opened a restaurant on St. Maarten, The Frigate, which enjoyed a 14-year run as one of the most successful restaurants in the West Indies. His passion was sailing and he sailed throughout the Caribbean and Europe, which were the happiest times of his life.
In the early '80s, Bill had the foresight to start the Autour du Rocher on St. Barts. A legendary inn and watering hole, the Au Tour du Roche enjoyed an adventurous and far-reaching clientele of rock stars, movie stars and shooting stars. Life was good. Running a business, enjoying island life and travel to Asia and Europe rounded out the decade.
During the '90s, Bill built a beautiful little restaurant, Capers, on the beach at Meads Bay on the sleepy island of Anguilla.
Eventually, it was time to change gears and move his family to Santa Barbara to start another restaurant. During a trip to the Mad River Valley to visit friends, Bill decided to stay and The Valley became his home on and off over the next 21 years. Commuting between Florida, the Caribbean and parts unknown, Bill retained his great spirit, always enjoying the places he traveled and the people that he'd work with and meet.
On a sunny morning last week, on his bicycle to check his mail, Bill collapsed from a massive heart attack. He never regained consciousness and passed within the week. He leaves those who knew him and loved him with endless memories of life lived to the fullest. He will be missed by all who knew him. Bill's ashes will be scattered in the Caribbean Sea.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 50 Maude Street, Providence, RI 02908. Please indicate that the donation is made "In the Memory of William M. Bove."
