Robert Dowst

Robert Dowst of Strafford, NH died at his home on Saturday, November 20, 2010. He died peacefully in the presence of his family following a brief illness. He was 80. Bob was born in Salem, Massachusetts on October 18, 1930, the son of Margaret and Fred Dowst. He graduated from Spaulding High School and the University of NH, served in the United States Army in Germany in the 1950s, and spent his entire career as a civil servant and engineer for the State of New Hampshire. He retired as the Director of Public Works and Transportation in 1991. Bob's career with the State began in 1957 and included assignments as Project Engineer for road and bridge projects; Water Supply Engineer; Field Construction Supervisor; and Assistant Division Engineer before becoming Director in 1984. Some of his most significant projects included nearly 20 years on the Mount Washington Commission managing more than a dozen capital projects at the Mount Washington summit; Project Engineer for the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway; and several lift and trail projects at Cannon and Sunapee ski areas. He served on the Strafford School Board and volunteered for the Juvenile Court Diversion program and Homemakers Health Services, both in Rochester. Bob married Sylvia Hurlock in 1956. Their 54 year loving marriage was, and continues to be, an example and inspiration to family and friends alike. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and hunter, skier and hiker, a voracious reader, loving friend, father, brother and husband. He loved the State of New Hampshire and was glad to have spent his entire professional career and adult life in the state. He possessed a dry wit and infectious laugh that will be missed by all who knew him. His family extends its heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Dover Rehabilitation and Living Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Seacoast Hospice for their skilled and compassionate care, and especially to Dr. Alexander Smith. Their efforts and support of Bob's courageous and dignified battle provided great comfort both to Bob and his family. Bob is survived by his wife Sylvia; his brother Ronald; daughter Leslie Woodard; sons Perry and Jonathan, and six grandchildren. A memorial service and celebration of Bob's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Rochester on Saturday November 27 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Bob's name to The Homemakers Health Services, 215 Rochester Hill Road, Rochester, NH 03867, or to the Farmington Fish and Game Club, 64 Old Bay Road, New Durham, NH 03855.