Robert G. Holbrook

LACONIA - Robert G. Holbrook, 94, formerly of 28 Bois Circle, Taylor Community Home and 1176 Old North Main St., died at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton on Aug. 17, 2011.

Mr. Holbrook was born on July 4, 1917, in Manchester, the son of Harold A. Holbrook and Rachel Tuck Holbrook. He was a graduate of Keene High School. A bachelor of science degree was obtained from Springfield College in 1939.

Mr. Holbrook served four years as a link trainer in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He married Alyce Savard of Middleboro, Mass., in 1946.

Mr. Holbrook began his career in banking with the Mechanics Saving Bank in Manchester. Activities in the Queen City included being the president of the Manchester Chapter of the American Institute of Banking, a member of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the YMCA.

His musical talent included playing the violin and other instruments. He became assistant concert master of the Manchester Institute of Arts and Sciences orchestra. Mr. Holbrook came to Laconia in 1955 and served as treasurer of the City Savings Bank. He later became executive vice president and trustee. Community activities have been president of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, campaign chairman for the United Fund, director of the Lakes Region Mental Health Center and chairman of the Lakes Region YMCA. He also served as chairman of the original Laconia Housing and Redevelopment Authority and was the treasurer of the Taylor community for 22 years. He was recently recognized by the city of Laconia as "Mr. Putnam Fund" for his 44 years of dedication to the Putnam Fund Series of Free Entertainment.

Mr. Holbrook retired in 2009 after serving 44 years as treasurer of the City of Laconia. He also found time to spend 24 years as a state representative from Laconia. In 1997 he was honored by receiving the prestigious Irwin Award by the Greater Laconia-Weirs Beach Chamber of Commerce in recognition of his many years of active service in the community and the promotion of the Lakes Region as a great place to live and work. Mr. Holbrook was also active in the Congregational Church where he sang in the choir for 54 years and served as a church leader in many capacities.

His many hobbies included model trains, stamp and coin collecting, photography, antiques and art. For many years he owned and operated The Holbrook Gallery on Main St. in the Masonic Temple Building.

Mr. Holbrook was predeceased by his first wife, Alyce Savard Holbrook, and a sister, Ruth Holbrook Bubar of Mars Hill, Maine.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Helen Hollister Beaudet/Holbrook; a daughter, Janice Holbrook Gilchrist of Durham, N.C.; a son, Robert G. Holbrook Jr. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; a grandson, Patrick H. Gilchrist of Durham, N.C.; a great-grandson, Tanner Patrick Gilchrist of Durham, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Elaine Morrison, of Laconia; a stepson, Thomas W. Beaudet of China, Maine; a stepson-in-law, Albert L. Powers of Carlisle, Mass., and several step-grandchildren.

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SERVICES: There will be no calling hours. A military burial service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, followed by a memorial service to be held at 11 a.m. at the Laconia Congregational Church, 69 Pleasant St., Laconia. The Rev. Paula Gile will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to the Dorcas Fund of the Laconia Congregational Church, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia, 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Pauquette Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.