Robert H. Southmayd, 83, of Londonderry NH died peacefully Saturday, December 6th, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born in Manchester, NH February 8th, 1931 to Beatrice Hutchins Southmayd and John H. Southmayd.
Bob graduated from Central High School – class of ’49 and NH College with a degree in Accounting and Finance. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953.
In 1951 Bob married his high school sweetheart the “love of his life”, Ann Adams. Together they raised four children who loved and adored him.
Bob’s education and financial background lead him to senior positions such as Vice President of Putnam Investments and other consulting firms. In 1975 Bob and Ann started their own consulting firm in Boston MA and he was very successful later retiring in 1993. As President and CEO of Southmayd Associates Inc., Bob was credited with employing over 100 employees during those years and being a “pioneer” in the Retirement Plan industry.
An active member at the First Baptist Church of Derry since 1967 he served as Chairman of the Trustees, Finance Director and head of several business groups and committees. Bob loved his church devoting much of his time ensuring its success.
Bob had many interests and hobbies in his life. In his younger years he could be found on Pleasant Pond in Contoocook fishing with his brothers and friends or hunting up in the White Mountains. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling and motorcycle riding. His favorite places include fishing in Pittsburg NH, Table Rock Lake in MO and striper fishing in Portsmouth Harbor along with any good restaurant.
A wealth of knowledge, he loved to inspire others and was a mentor to so many.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Ann of 63 years and four children, (JoAnn Fowler and husband Steve, Kathy Schettino, Lynn Burton and husband John and his son John R. Southmayd. Bob is survived by his brother Allan Southmayd of St. Louis MO. Bob was preceded by his brother Walter Southmayd.
Bob had seven grandchildren; Michael Schettino, Starla & Jennifer Lynn Hamill, Sara Kerr, Tyler Fowler and Corey and Kyle Southmayd in addition to 10 great grandchildren.
Words cannot express the love, honor and respect his family and friends had for him. He was a man of strong ethics, values and integrity and always put others ahead of himself. He will forever be loved and deeply missed by all who knew him. As the Patriarch, Bob was the “King of his Castle” and is now fishing peacefully with the Lord and Savior.
Special thanks to the Hospice Team, along with his many doctors and nurses that took such great care of him over the years. Bob never missed an opportunity to show his love and appreciation to his wife, his children and grandchildren.
This world lost an amazing man this weekend but gained another angel. Rather than mourn the absence of the flame let us celebrate how brightly it burned.
Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church in Derry at a later date in January.