Robert W. Drinwater

Robert Ward Drinwater of Hampton NH passed peacefully on May 17, 2024, at Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover NH, with loving Family at his side. He was 89 years old. Summing a life well lived into a few simple paragraphs is not an easy thing to do. Bob was so much more than the brief words you are about to read. His impression on all our lives is deep and forever lasting, through generations to come - in the lessons he taught, the lectures he so sternly delivered and the amazing traits, qualities, and humor he has passed along. Bob was born on August 19, 1934, in Providence, RI to Admiral Dewey and Dorothy Ann (Ward) Drinwater. After graduating from Cranston High School in 1954, craving adventure and faraway places, Bob proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving primarily in Okinawa, along with his beloved Indian motorcycle. After an honorable discharge, he chose to settle in the Washington DC area, attending the University of Maryland and working as a Staff Engineer in R&D with National Scientific Laboratories and later as Senior Manufacturing Engineer in Aerospace Development with Fairchild Industries. It was in the DC area that he met his lovely wife Velma, marrying in 1962 and settling in Bethesda Maryland, to raise their family. Camping on the Eastern Shore, a ski trip to the Vermont Mountains, Ice skating in winter months, Ferry rides to the Jersey Shore, bike rides along the many canals and long country drives with the kids packed into the back of the station wagon, were normal parts of life in the early years. In 1977, deciding it was time for a change, Bob “retired” early and moved his family to Hampton NH, acquiring what later became the Blue Lantern Motel. Both Bob and Velma’s gift for hospitality ensured a successful enterprise, later adding the Royal Coach Motor Lodge to the family business. Never one to be idle, Bob served as Vice President of the Metropolitan Printed Circuit Association (Charter Member) in Washington DC. He was a former trustee of the Hampton United Methodist Church, was a Dad Advisor to the Order of DeMolay in Exeter, NH and as a 55+ year active member of the Freemasons, he was Past Master of Bethesda Masonic Lodge No. 204 A.F. & A.M, in Bethesda MD as well as Past Master of Saint James Masonic Lodge No. 102 A.F. & A.M. in Hampton NH. He was a former member of Royal Arch Chapter, York Rite Lodge in Rockville, MD; a member of the Lodge Council Chapter, Valley of Portsmouth – Dover and held membership in the Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Nashua, NH as a 32 degree Mason. He was Past Patron of Naomi Chapter No. 23, Bethesda, MD; Past Patron of Corinthian – Queen Ester Chapter No. 23 of Kingston, NH; Past Patron of Tide Mill Chapter No. 67 of Hampton NH and a member of Trinity Chapter No. 22 of Hampton NH, Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of General William Whipple Military Masonic Lodge of New Hampshire and a member of the East Gate Club of Seabrook, NH. He was a Senior and Life member of SME (formerly the Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of New Hampshire from 1981 to 1993. He also enjoyed operating various concessions at classic New England Fairs, spanning numerous Fall Fair Seasons. One of his greatest pleasures was being “Poppa” to his Grandchildren. Bobs’ sometimes rough edges softened just a bit more every time he saw them. He took immense joy and pride in being part of their young lives, watching them grow and mature into adults, each with families of their own. No matter how great the distance between them grew, they were always on his mind and in his heart. True retirement came in 2000, selling both Motels and buying a home in a quiet Hampton neighborhood, Bob enjoyed tending his gardens, early morning walks and just getting to know his neighbors. More than a dozen cruises to Bermuda fulfilled both Bob and Velma’s passion for travel to a warmer climate and, of course, collecting numerous new friends along the way. As long-distance travel became more difficult, the gardens and trekking to yard sales became Bob’s (and Velma’s) passion. There were always new Decorative and Holiday Flags to be hung (over 100 in his collection), both silly and lovely lawn ornaments to adorn the yard and gardens, new flowers to plant and so many things needing a fresh coat of paint (oh the painting…) - Even a portion of stone wall to be rebuilt (at the age of 87, in the dead of summer, wearing his best flannel work shirt). Taking immense pride in all his work, that wall is most definitely bound to out-stand every one of us. Bob also loved and adored his many fur babies over the years, all of whom most definitely and very wisely selected him to be their special human. Left to honor and remember Bob are his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Velma Mae (Settles) Drinwater; his daughter Dorothy Jo DeLong (and partner Rob) of North Hampton, NH and his son Earl Raymond (Wipaporn “Ad”) Drinwater of Sakon Nakhon, Thailand. Further surviving are his Grandchildren, Aria K. M. DeLong and her Fiancé, Aldana Knowles, of Maine; James M. F. (Chelsea) Drinwater of Wisconsin; Natalia A. (Patrick) Manning of Maryland; Ray “Red” Drinwater of Thailand and seven great-grandchildren, including his “Mini-Me,” Brewer Robert Knowles. Bob is also survived by his sister, Janet E. (Reverend Peter D.) Quinn and Family of Connecticut. In addition to his Parents, Bob was predeceased by a son Robert A. Drinwater and nephew Peter D. Quinn Jr. May his spirit, dedication and humor live on in each of us. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday May 29th in the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton NH 03842. Bob’s family would like to thank the warm and caring staff of Hyder Family Hospice House for the loving care provided to Bob in his last days. He very much enjoyed taking strolls in the garden, listening to the birds sing and watching the awakenings of spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s name to Hyder Family Hospice House in Dover, NH by visiting: www.friendsofhyderfamilyhospicehouse.org

Robert W. Drinwater

August 19, 1934 - May 17, 2024