Laconia-----Robert H. Irwin, 88, of 1382 Old North Main Street, died at his home on Sunday, September 21, 2014.
Mr. Irwin was born August 16, 1926 in Laconia, the son of the late James R. and Ella (Henry) Irwin and was a lifelong resident of Laconia. He was a graduate of Laconia High School, Tilton Prep, the University of New Hampshire and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII.
Mr. Irwin was “civic minded” and was a business leader who started a Lincoln-Mercury car dealership, Robert H. Irwin Motors, in 1952 when there was a grand total of three Lincoln-Mercury car registrations in all of Belknap County. At the time of his retirement, he was an automobile dealer for Ford-Lincoln-Mercury-Toyota-Hyundai-Scion.
Mr. Irwin was a member of the Laconia Rotary Club, the Laconia School Board and was a Director of the Indian Head Bank. He and his wife, Susanne, were avid golfers and played at many clubs and in many tournaments from Maine to Florida and beyond.
“Most importantly, he smiled; he laughed; and, above all, he cared.”
Survivors include wife of 64 years, Susanne Eakin Irwin, of Laconia; a son, Peter Irwin, and his wife, Sarah Gage Irwin, of Laconia; two grandchildren, Christopher Eakin Irwin of Meredith and Kara Gage Irwin of Boston, MA.; a sister, Dorothy “Dottie” Touart, a brother, John “Jack” Irwin; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Irwin was predeceased by his brother, James “Jim” Irwin, Jr. and his two sisters, Elinore Adams and Margaret Irwin.
There will be no calling hours.
A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 29, 2014 at 11:00AM at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Rd., Gilford, N.H.---Followed by a reception at the same location.
Burial will be at a later date in the family lot at Bayside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Central New Hampshire V. N. A. and Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or a charity of one’s choice. A very special mention goes out to “Central New Hampshire V. N. A. & Hospice” for their extraordinary care and concern.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.