Robert Harvey Beach, Sr.
Robert Harvey Beach, Sr. - Died in Naples, FL, on July 15, 2016, 36 days before his 97th birthday. He was born in Burlington, VT, the fourth child of Allen Penfield Beach and Harriet Jane (Bump) Beach. His young life was divided between summers at Basin Harbor and winters in Miami, FL, which his intrepid family first visited when he was a year old, traveling in a Model T Ford converted to a camper. He was educated at Kimball Union Academy and the University of Virginia before being was drafted into the US Army. He married the love of his life, Merle (Humphrey) Beach, whom he met while she and her parents vacationed at Basin Harbor, in 1944, and shipped out shortly after to join Patton's Third Army in Germany, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war ended, he made his home at Basin Harbor Club, in the family business that defined his life. Throughout his many years there, he touched the lives of many guests, employees and friends, who have fond memories and many hilarious stories. He was a Master Mason with Dorchester Lodge # 1, and a member of the Cairo Shrine Temple. He was a past President of the Vermont Hotel Association, and a past Chair of the Resort Committee of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Bob had an enduring interest in cars of all type, and antique wooden boats, including his treasures, Breeze and The Wave. He loved golf and was thrilled beyond words by the opportunity to play at Augusta on several occasions.
He is survived by his children, Pennie and Robert H. Beach, Jr., Wendy (Fisher) Beach, and his grandchildren, Hasket and Sarah Morris, and Merle and Daniel Beach, and by his dear friend, Suzanne Morrow Long. He was predeceased by his wife, Merle, and his three siblings. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice , or simply enjoy a game of golf or a cruise on Lake Champlain and think of him. A Memorial Service will be held at Basin Harbor Club on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at 2 pm.
He is survived by his children, Pennie and Robert H. Beach, Jr., Wendy (Fisher) Beach, and his grandchildren, Hasket and Sarah Morris, and Merle and Daniel Beach, and by his dear friend, Suzanne Morrow Long. He was predeceased by his wife, Merle, and his three siblings. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice , or simply enjoy a game of golf or a cruise on Lake Champlain and think of him. A Memorial Service will be held at Basin Harbor Club on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at 2 pm.
