Robert Griffith Herndon

Robert, who traditionally asked, “Who called this meeting” at every family gathering, called for a final meeting on July Fourth at his home in Sandwich. “Big Bad Bob,” as he was affectionately called by his children passed away in the early morning of July 5th after a lengthy sunset, and Fourth of July celebration with his wife Barbara and four generations of family who gathered to celebrate his life.

Robert was born in San Francisco, California to Zita and Robert Herndon II, on July 29, 1929. He grew up with older sister Jeanne and younger brother Richard and served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He worked in the packaging industry for most of his career. His jobs included Regional Sales Manager for Crown Zelerback, and the Director of East Coast Sales for Boise Cascade. He moved from the West Coast in the early 60’s and eventually settled on Cape Cod where he has lived with his family for the past forty years. He continued his involvement in the packaging industry by starting Griffith Company in the mid-eighties.

Bob was also a well-known wood carver who carved and sold decoys from his Duckworks Shop in East Sandwich. He had many talents including painting, mosaic art work and wood working.

Robert Herndon is survived by his wife of 55 years Barbara, sons Randy Simon, Rod Simon, Jeff Herndon and daughters Shelly Paine, Debbie Quinn and Kristen Coons, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family would like to give special thanks to Bob’s caregiver Annette Armstrong, who has provided the family with amazing support and care the past three years.

Bob’s ashes will be inturned next summer at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to Hope Hospice, 765 Attucks Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601.