Robert Thorn Lamkin

1928 - 2024

Robert Thorn Lamkin
September 13, 1928 - January 31, 2024
Robert "Bob" Thorn Lamkin died on January 31, 2024 at age 95. Born in Brooklyn, NY, the only child of Robert and Amy Lamkin. He was predeceased by his son, Billy, in 1979, and his wife of 44 years, Caroline Ellsworth, in 2005. He is survived by his daughters, Melissa and Leslie, and grandsons Chase, Robbie and Jamie Kuesel.
Bob's family moved several times during his childhood, settling in Arlington, VA. Bob graduated from the University of Virginia, served in the Army as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean War, and then obtained an MBA from Wharton.
Bob spent the majority of his business career in NYC, initially in media sales and advertising. But it was a friendship formed through sailing that led to his defining career at Southern Star Shipping. Bob relished nearly three decades at Southern Star, overseeing a transport fleet of grain and oil tankers, one of the world's largest flour mills in Lagos, Nigeria, and a grain elevator in Corpus Christi, TX, among other operations.
Bob's love of the water was woven into his life. After marrying in 1961, and starting their family in Larchmont, NY, he and Caroline were thrilled to find a home on Holly Pond in Darien, CT, in 1972. He was a member of the New York, Larchmont, and Noroton Yacht Clubs, and earned his place in the Storm Trysail Club during a Trans-Atlantic Race and multiple Newport Bermuda races. In his 50s, Bob took up competitive rowing and spent many early mornings practicing out on the pond before heading into the city for work.
With family and friends, Bob also enjoyed travel, classical music, history, skiing, and bridge. He was committed to serving others through volunteer work at every organization he took part in, including St. Luke's Darien, Darien Community Association, and Noroton Yacht Club. Bob particularly enjoyed volunteering with Person to Person (P2P) of Darien. Highlights included driving the donation truck and his role as "Captain Bob" when taking the P2P campers out boating in the summer.
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Darien on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Person to Person, 1864 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820.