Robert G. Chase

He was born on February 10, 1960, in Keene, son of the late Henry Hamilton and Dorothy (Gorham) Chase. Bob was the youngest of 6. He was always tagging along with his father to job sites from a young age and traveling with his father in his small plane used for work and pleasure. At a young age traveling was a fun adventure with family vacations on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and skiing up at Okemo. Bob attended Keene schools, starting his education at Jonathan Daniels Elementary School, and graduating from Keene High School with the Class of 1978. During his school years he could be found playing Ice Hockey and riding his minibike and motorcycles everywhere. Following high school, he attended the University of New Hampshire and graduated in the spring of 1982 with a Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree.

Bob dabbled in a career in insurance and worked for his father at Clean Way Industries installing rooftop solar and clean rooms but found his true career passion in truck driving. He was a long-time employee of both Brattleboro Haulage and Alberts Organics (UNFI). He loved driving all around New England, meeting new people and seeing unfamiliar places. While working for Brattleboro Haulage he built up a small rental property portfolio in Marlborough and Keene.

Bob constantly observed everything that was going on around him and easily noticed when someone was in need or could use a hand. He was the first person to jump in to assist whether it be a neighbor changing a tire or helping someone while out shopping or boating. He also always made time for children whether it be his own, his grandkids, or any kids needing a hand. Bob enjoyed driving his boats and fixing them. His mechanical and mathematical mind may have drawn him to spend more time tinkering, but he still managed to find time to enjoy boating out at Spofford Lake, his peaceful retreat, with family and friends.

In 2003, Bob married his loving wife, Hien T. Chase. Together they made many trips to her home country of Vietnam to visit extended family and see the rich history and beautiful scenery of the country. Even with the language barrier, the nephews and nieces and family friends’ kids were the highlight of each trip.

Bob will be dearly missed by many, including his wife: Hien Chase of Keene, NH; 5 children: Jennifer Chase and her significant other Eric Jerman of Keene, NH, Robert J. Chase and his wife Lieu Le of Keene, NH, JohnMichael D. Chase and his wife Tayla of Bellingham, MA, Brian T. Chase of Keene, NH, and Sara L. Chase of Keene, NH; grandchildren: Jesse, Ethan, Joseph, Brantley, Teddy, Harper, and Myla; siblings: Fred and Vanthia Chase of Naples, FL, David and Callie Chase of Cumberland, ME, Carol and Robert Craig Of Philadelphia, PA, and Susan Springer of Fort Collins, CO; dear friends: Jeff and Ha Burbank of Sullivan, NH; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends near and far.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Thomas Chase.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date that has not yet been determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to be made in Robert G. Chase’s name to the Cheshire Children’s Museum, The Center at Keene, 149 Emerald Street, Unit C, Keene, NH 03431 (www.CheshireChildrensMuseum.org), or to “pay it forward” and do a kind deed as Bob would have done.