LampreyObit5.7.08

Robert James Lamprey Jr.

60-year real estate professional, New Hampshire icon

CENTER HARBOR – Robert James Lamprey Jr., 90, died Tuesday, April, 22, 2008, at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia.

Robert James Lamprey Jr. was born in Boston's Dorchester section on Dec. 21, 1917, to Robert J. Lamprey and Mary Hunter Campbell.

Bob attended Moultonborough Grammar School and graduated from Meredith High School in 1935. He graduated from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., in 1939. Following graduation, he took a position at Penacook High School, where he taught history and science and served as athletic director until he was recruited by the Navy for Naval Training.

Bob married Elizabeth "Betty" Hecklin in 1948, with whom he had three children, Robert III, Mary and Thomas. In 1973, Bob married Margaret "Peg" Groff Hagan. Both former wives are deceased.

A veteran of World War II, Bob served in the Navy pre-Pearl Harbor, September 1941 until December 1945, as a chief petty officer. Bob was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center as an instructor for new recruits and did his sea duty in the Pacific Theater on the Island of Saipan.

Following the war, Bob and his brother Stewart returned to Moultonborough and began the partnership of Lamprey & Lamprey REALTORS®, Inc. In the 1970s, Bob adopted the gray Stetson cowboy hat, which became the signature for his company and gave him an unmistakable identity throughout New Hampshire.

Bob has touched the Lakes Region in many ways. Not only was he a successful real estate broker for more than 60 years, he also served his community and his profession well. Bob understood the value of conservation but also knew the need for progress. He understood that the area's wonderful natural resources would attract people and sustain our economy. He worked tirelessly to find a balance between his belief in the preservation of our historic buildings and rich history and knowing that he depended on real estate, as he would say, "to earn a living."

Bob loved tracing the history of the area and was very proud to be the ninth generation of Lampreys to live in Moultonborough. His interests included the collection of golf memorabilia associated with his famous grandparents, Willie and Georgina Campbell, who were among the first golf professionals in the U.S. He was a Civil War buff and also enjoyed putting together his collection of Native American art.

Bob's community service has become legendary and included his time as president and director for the Lakes Region Board of REALTORS®, president of Belknap Mill Society, member of the Meredith Rotary Club and recipient of the Paul Harris Award, charter member and president of Moultonborough Historical Society, Board of Directors for Boy Scouts of America earning the Silver Beaver Award, Moultonborough selectman for 15 years, member of the Moultonborough School Board, chairman for the United Way Campaign and American Red Cross fundraising.

Bob was instrumental in the formation of the Wellness Center and Head Start Daycare Program for Meredith/Center Harbor. He served on numerous clean water and conservation boards throughout the Lakes Region. Bob was a Member of the Grange and Moultonborough Methodist Church.

Bob made many things he touched more successful, whether as a teacher, philanthropist or businessman. In 2007, his book, "I Love to Tell the Story," was published. His energy and positive attitude have been an inspiration to all. For him, there was never a problem that could not be solved, and his motto became, "Never, never, never give up."

Robert is survived by his children, Robert III and wife Pim, Mary Lamprey Bare and husband Ben, and Thomas; his brother, Stewart Lamprey and wife Cynthia; three grandchildren, Russell and Patrick Bare and Britta Lamprey; and stepchildren, Richard Hagan, Christopher Hagan and Robin Hagan Kealey.

He was predeceased by a brother, William; and a stepson, Scott Hagan

Calling hours are May 23 from 4-7 p.m. at Mayhew Funeral Home, Meredith. A memorial service will be May 24, at 11 a.m. in the Moultonborough Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Moultonborough Historical Society (Robert J. Lamprey Jr. Memorial Fund), PO Box 134, Moultonborough NH 03254.

Mayhew Funeral Home, in Meredith and Plymouth, is in charge of the arrangements. For more information, go to www.mayhewfuneralhomes.com.

CENTER HARBOR – Robert James Lamprey Jr., 90, died Tuesday, April, 22, 2008, at Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia.

Robert James Lamprey Jr. was born in Boston's Dorchester section on Dec. 21, 1917, to Robert J. Lamprey and Mary Hunter Campbell.

Bob attended Moultonborough Grammar School and graduated from Meredith High School in 1935. He graduated from Springfield College, Springfield, Mass., in 1939. Following graduation, he took a position at Penacook High School, where he taught history and science and served as athletic director until he was recruited by the Navy for Naval Training.

Bob married Elizabeth "Betty" Hecklin in 1948, with whom he had three children, Robert III, Mary and Thomas. In 1973, Bob married Margaret "Peg" Groff Hagan. Both former wives are deceased.

A veteran of World War II, Bob served in the Navy pre-Pearl Harbor, September 1941 until December 1945, as a chief petty officer. Bob was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center as an instructor for new recruits and did his sea duty in the Pacific Theater on the Island of Saipan.

Following the war, Bob and his brother Stewart returned to Moultonborough and began the partnership of Lamprey & Lamprey Realtors Inc. In the 1970s, Bob adopted the gray Stetson cowboy hat, which became the signature for his company and gave him an unmistakable identity throughout New Hampshire.

Bob has touched the Lakes Region in many ways. Not only was he a successful real estate broker for more than 60 years, he also served his community and his profession well. Bob understood the value of conservation but also knew the need for progress. He understood that the area's wonderful natural resources would attract people and sustain our economy. He worked tirelessly to find a balance between his belief in the preservation of our historic buildings and rich history and knowing that he depended on real estate, as he would say, "to earn a living."

Bob loved tracing the history of the area and was very proud to be the ninth generation of Lampreys to live in Moultonborough. His interests included the collection of golf memorabilia associated with his famous grandparents, Willie and Georgina Campbell, who were among the first golf professionals in the U.S. He was a Civil War buff and also enjoyed putting together his collection of Native American art.

Bob's community service has become legendary and included his time as president and director for the Lakes Region Board of Realtors, president of Belknap Mill Society, member of the Meredith Rotary Club and recipient of the Paul Harris Award, charter member and president of Moultonborough Historical Society, Board of Directors for Boy Scouts of America earning the Silver Beaver Award, Moultonborough selectman for 15 years, member of the Moultonborough School Board, chairman for the United Way Campaign and American Red Cross fundraising.