Robert Upton II

1944 - 2023

BORN

1944

DIED

2023

About

Dartmouth College

Robert Upton Obituary

Robert Upton II

Bridgton, ME - Bridgton – Robert William Upton, II, 78, passed away on March 10, 2023, from Alzheimer's disease complicated by a short illness. Rob was born in 1944 in Concord, NH, the son of Frederic and Jean Upton. He attended Concord schools and was a 1965 graduate of Dartmouth College.

Rob graduated from Boston University School of Law in 1968 and began his legal career in Manchester before joining the Concord law firm then known as Upton, Sanders & Smith. The firm was founded by Rob's grandfather and namesake, Senator Robert W. Upton. Rob would spend the rest of his 50-year career in private practice with the firm, now known as Upton & Hatfield, practicing first in Concord and later in North Conway.

Rob's long-time law partner, Gary Richardson, described Rob as a consummate, all-around lawyer, who advocated for his clients with passion, integrity and diligence. Gary recalled a challenging product liability case they tried early in their careers, where a defective lawn tractor caused grievous injuries to a Claremont teenager. After an unsuccessful first trial, Rob had the brilliant idea to call a former Concord High School classmate, a small engine mechanic, to testify as an "expert" witness at the second trial. The classmate's analysis of the lawn tractor's condition was just the testimony needed to persuade the second jury in favor of Rob and Gary's client.

Concord lawyer Bob Larsen described Rob as one of his favorite opposing counsels, a true New Hampshire lawyer, home-spun and folksy, but also wise, honest, and trustworthy; one who occasionally wore his Bean boots at public hearings to great effect.

Later in his career, Rob was recognized as one of the leading NH lawyers representing towns and governmental authorities in complex taxation and municipal law disputes, arguing before NH's highest court on some of the most consequential cases in this field in modern times. Along the way, Rob would always say how much he had learned from and valued practicing law at the firm with his father, Fred Upton, and uncles Richard and Gilbert Upton. He would also be quick to add how much he enjoyed working with many wonderful clients, colleagues and opposing counsel.

Rob was an avid skier and loved to play golf with his good friends in Concord and North Conway, but fly fishing was his most beloved pastime. His long-time friend and fishing pal, John Barrett, remarked how Rob could out fish and outlast anyone on the water. John also recalled how Rob loved to follow up long days at their favorite retreat on the Miramichi River with a taste or two of single malt.

Rob is survived by his wife, Lorri Hill Upton of Bridgton, ME; and his children, Abigael Upton Brown and her husband Ben Brown of Cottekill, NY; Emily Upton Saunderson and her husband Zac Saunderson of Arlington, MA; Samuel M. Upton and his wife, Sarah Lake of Jena, Germany; Molly J. Upton of South Portland, ME; and Alison F. Upton of Austin, TX. Rob was also blessed with four grandchildren whom he adored: Fiona, Isla, Hannah and Angus.

A public memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rob's memory to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or Jen's Friends Cancer Foundation in North Conway, NH (jensfriends.org). Wood Funeral Home in Fryeburg, ME, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.woodfuneralhome.org

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Concord Monitor on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Upton

8 Entries

Daggett Williamson

March 21, 2023

I only knew Bob over about a 10 year period, from when he was about age 15 to 25. From our high school ski team days, I remember that he was a great skier. I also remember that he was energetic, bright, and funny and that I always enjoyed is company.

Condolences to the family.

David Bean

March 20, 2023

Knew Rob during our college day Summers with two other CHS buddies. Many good stories that will remain untold but are fond memories.

Marcia Hudson Scarponi

March 20, 2023

Rob was a good friend & advisor to me in the 1970's and 1980's.
I will always be grateful for his many endeavors for the Town of Canterbury, N.H.

Jonathan Hanson

March 20, 2023

Lorri, Abigail, Ben, Emily, Zac, Samuel, Sarah, Molly, Alison, Fiona, Isla, Hannah and Angus:
Although I have not seen Rob in recent years, he was always someone I knew I could call about anything and I believe he knew I´d be there if he ever needed my help in any way.

When I was a Bow Selectman in the `90´s, I had the distinct pleasure to work with Rob on the tax assessments and evaluations of the Merrimack generating station, also known as the "Bow Power Plant". On one occasion, Rob asked me to testify to the PUC on the history of the plant. As I explained to the Commission how the plant came to be built in Bow, how the formula of replacement costs less depreciation was used to establish the method for evaluation of the plant, the opposing counsel jumped up and said I couldn´t possibly have any knowledge of this process and Rob must be simply coaching me. I´ll never forget Rob sitting there smiling at me, knowing that at that time I did in fact know better that most how the plant came to be in Bow and how it was taxed. It´s been many years since that day, but my recollection is that Rob simply got up, said just a few words to counter this argument, and that was the last we heard from the opposing counsel.

The "Uptons", of which you are all part, is truly one of the unsung first families of New Hampshire. Rob was and is a major reason for your family´s place in our history. He was a great person, a true friend, a brilliant attorney, and I am honored to have known him. Godspeed, Rob.

Dan C.

March 19, 2023

As an opposing counsel, I always found Rob to be prepared, organized, intuitive and true to his word. I always felt confident that an impromptu oral concession would be enforceable and not later denied. His humor helped move things along and reduce the blood pressure of pa RT ties. He will be missed