Robert Woollard

Robert Woollard SURRY - Robert Woollard of Scotland Wharf passed suddenly from this life to a place of smooth swells and constant breezes Nov. 12, 2008. A native son of Portsmouth, Robert graduated from Churchland High School in 1968 and from Virginia Military Institute in 1972. Robert was active in his community and was owner of Scotland Wharf Enterprises. He was a member of the Surry Volunteer Rescue Squad and of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Surry. Quick with a smile, friendly to a fault, and always inquisitive, he was an irrepressible and skilled sailor, adventurer and traveler. He lived, sailed and visited throughout the world. He was a member of the crew that sailed a full-scale replica of the Jamestown ship Godspeed on its recreation of the voyage from England to Virginia, as well as numerous other blue water passages. Wherever Robert was, there was sure to be saltwater close by. It is difficult to gauge the positive impact that Robert had on nearly every life he touched. If he was around, it was impossible not to know and like him. And for all that he was, he was foremost a family man; for 25 years he was the beloved husband of Brenda; devoted father to Melissa McCarter, Melanie Hagan and her husband Mark, Amanda Woollard and Jake Woollard; dear son of Gertrude Colligan and the late Edwin F. Woollard; cherished brother of Eleanor Woollard and Paul Woollard; and loving grandfather of Cassidy Dietz, Michael Hagan, Benjamin Hagan and Laura Hagan. A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Sturtevant Funeral Home, Bennetts Creek Chapel, Route 17, by the Rev. Jim Browder. There will be an opportunity to say goodbye to Robert and to visit with the family today from 5 to 7 p.m. in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to these organizations which were near to Robert's heart: The James River Association, 9 South 12th Street, 4th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 or the Surry Volunteer Rescue Squad, 45 School St., Surry, VA 23883. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.