Robert ‘Bob’ A. Barnard

AMHERST – It is with great sadness the family of Robert ‘Bob’ A. Barnard, Sr, of Amherst, NH announces his passing at home on Friday, April 9, 2021, at the age of 95. His loving wife Ann (Spirio) Barnard of 62 years was at his side.

Bob “Pops” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend – with his warm and kind smile to everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.

Bob led a long life filled with many accomplishments. He was a World War II veteran, proudly serving his country in the 63rd Infantry Army Division – Expert Rifleman. He was a self-taught musician, who played saxophone with the Globetrotters 423rd AGF band during his time in the service. He would later continue his love of music by playing the saxophone at clubs around the Boston area where he lived most of his life.

He had many artistic talents including a great love of photography.

Bob was honored in June of 2014, being invited to participate in the New England Honor Flight at our country’s capital in Washington, D.C. It was an experience that filled him with excitement and pride – on his feet for twenty-one hours and still going strong.

Bob’s love of all sports led him to take up golf where he participated and excelled in the 1982-1983 Senior Olympics. He continued playing golf, a passion in his life until the age of 90, rarely using a cart preferring to walk the course. He greatly enjoyed the daily challenges of Sudoku and found no puzzle too tough to solve – he was amazing.

His faith in Christ was an important and central part of his life.

Bob was predeceased by his son, Gary Lelievre of Nashua, NH

He is survived and will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Antoinette (Spirio) Barnard of Amherst, NH, and his children – Robert A. Barnard, Jr. of Naples, FL, Christine Barnard of Middle River, MD, Nancy McCue of Leicester, MA, Patricia Turcotte of Lowell, MA, Steve and Karen Barnard, and Alan and Heidi Barnard, all of Merrimack, NH; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Amedisys Hospice Care, 8 Commerce Drive Unit 101, Bedford, NH 03110 or to the NH Veterans Association, 208 Lakeside Ave, Laconia, NH 03246.

Services for Bob will be held for the Family at the NH Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH.

Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.