Robert Michael Prout

Robert Michael Prout, 55, passed away on February 6, 2011 at his residence. He was born on July 26, 1955 in Boston, MA to William and May Prout. As a child, Bob enjoyed playing baseball and spending time with his grandparents. Bob proudly served 4 years with the US Navy, part of which was spent aboard the USS Independence. He later attended Bridgewater State College and then enjoyed a successful career, most notably with ABCO Automation and AMP, Inc. as an electrical engineer, where he had many close friends. Bob earned the nickname “MacGyver” from those closest to him because he was able to fix anything. Bob was known for making others happy and laughter followed wherever he went. Family was the most important part of Bob’s life. He was a loyal friend to many and was very protective of those close to him, remembered often as a “father” figure. He loved the Red Sox, The Who, golf, fishing, and spending time at the beach, but most importantly he loved his family and his country.

Bob is survived by his two sons, Matthew Prout (and wife Lisa) and Andrew Prout; grandson, Gavin and granddaughter, due in May; three brothers, Billy, Steven and Danny and sister, Susan ; step-daughter Mary Frances Shore (husband Nick Shore) and two step-grandchildren, Tovah and Zoe. He was also happily married to Elizabeth Prout for 14 years. Bob’s sister Kathy passed in 2009.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28210. A Prayer Service will be held Friday February 11 at 11:00 am at McEwen Pineville Chapel. Burial will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC 28144. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Bob’s honor to Metanoia, 2005 Reynolds Ave., North Charleston, SC 29405.

“Bob spoke fondly of the young people he met through the programming of the Metanoia Community Development Corporation (www.pushingforward.org). Metanoia identifies assets in distressed communities and attracts investment to those assets to produce positive transformation. He was fond of the program because it helped those in need, but it didn’t give them the money - yet made them earn it. This principal aligns well with the hard, honest work ethic that embodied my father’s life. The Prout family kindly requests that donations in honor of Bob be made to Metanoia. Donations can be made by clicking on the “Donate Now” button on Metanoia’s website or by mailing gifts Please put ‘in memory of Bob Prout’ in the memo line so Metanoia track the gift and honor Bob’s memory.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.