Well, let us tell ya…
Bob was a remarkable man who was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Bob was an amazing father, husband, businessman, and friend to countless who are blessed to have spent time with him, hearing a story and sharing a laugh.
Bob’s story begins on April 3, 1929, the oldest child of Robert McMuldrich Curdie and Agnes (King) Curdie. Bob was born in Concord, NH where he spent his childhood with his cherished little sister, Joan E. Earnshaw. He graduated from St. John’s High School in 1947 where he played basketball, baseball and football. While going to school, he worked nights at the Rumford Press, bringing home his sealed paycheck to his family each week. He joined the U.S. Navy in July 1948 and proudly served as the personal communications representative to the Commodore aboard the U.S.S. Rowe DD 564.
Bob kept the streets of Concord safe as a police officer, first as a patrolman and then, as detective on his return from the Navy. He met his first wife, Betty Jean, and soon after came little Robert, Kevin, David and Mary Beth. During this time, Bob found his calling in the insurance business. He was particularly proud of the fact that, despite having no education beyond high school, his business acumen and winning personality allowed him to rise quickly through the ranks, becoming a regional claims manager in record time at Firemen’s Fund where he met his second wife, Elizabeth (Twaryon) Curdie. The two married in 1967 and welcomed their devoted daughters Stacey and Stephanie shortly after. Fortunately for anyone who has ever been a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, despite Bob and Betty’s incredible dance moves, they chose not to put every other dancer to shame by going for the title….but they could certainly cut a rug!
Bob was a sportsman who loved to hunt, golf, and fish in particular. He loved the North Country and when he saw an opportunity to open his own agency, he headed to Bristol in 1982 where he made quite a splash as an active community member. In addition to being a business owner, Bob served three years as a Selectman and was also a member of the Zoning Board, the Planning Board, the Budget Committee and the Police Commission. In addition, he held the positions of Health Officer and Permit Coordinator, Zoning Administrator and Code Enforcement Officer and was President of the local Rotary and Lions’ Clubs.
Bob was a professional sports fan – often switching channels between the Celtics and the Bruins or the Patriots and the Red Sox. (Bob watched sports like it was his job and arrived at the Pearly Gates in time to ensure a World Series win for the Sox.) All of Bob’s grandchildren were the apple of his eye, but he played a special role in the lives of Hannah and Sam, who he helped raise. “Grampy” loved to spend time babysitting and reading to the kids when he wasn’t curled up with a good mystery himself, his faithful Cooper by his side. And while he wasn’t a world traveler, Bob couldn’t wait for his trips to Arizona to see his treasured niece, Sue Earnshaw. Bob loved breakfast at the diner with his son, David, football on Sundays with the family, and visiting with anyone who stopped by and had time for a story.
Loved ones who Bob joins are his father, Robert; his mother, Agnes; his sister, Joan; his son, Kevin; and his in-laws, Vincent and Ann.
Loved ones who will miss Bob until they meet again include his loving wife, Betty; his daughters, Stacey, Stephanie and her spouse, Robert, and Marybeth; his sons, Robert, and David and his wife Shirley; his grandchildren, Samuel, Hannah, Amy, Robyn, Kristen, Steven, Jared, Mike, and Marcy; numerous great-grandchildren; his niece, Sue and her wife, Velna; his nephew, William and his wife, Melissa; and friends and colleagues too numerous to mention.
Calling hours will be from 10am to 12pm with a memorial service at noon on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 N. Main St. Concord, NH.
At Bob’s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund for his grandchildren. Donations can be made to: The Hannah and Samuel Walton Education Fund, care of your local TDBank.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Curdie family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18