Robert Garmirian

Amherst, MA — Robert (Bob) Edwin Garmirian of Amherst, MA died at his home on August 25, 2021 after a 2 -year battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 72. The son of Rachel and Edwin Garmirian, Bob was born in New York City on March 27, 1949. He lived in Bayside and Douglaston, Queens until 1972 when his family relocated to Montrose, New York.

Bob's love of adventure and passion for the outdoors was evident at an early age, and sharing it with others would be his life's work. As a child, many of his most cherished experiences were as a camper and then counselor at Deerfoot Lodge in Speculator, N.Y. Bob attended Hope College and graduated from Franconia College, where he majored in Outdoor Education. He then began his career at Albuquerque Academy and The White Mountain School in Littleton, N.H. In 1979, Bob became the Director of Athletics and Outdoor Programs at Hampshire College, where he would stay for over 35 years, until his retirement in 2015. Bob climbed extensively in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, guiding, training, and sharing this love with friends, family, and students.

Bob will be most remembered for being a wonderful father and grandfather. His delight and constant love for his daughters, and the way his eyes lit up when he talked about them, will live forever. He will be remembered for his kindness, his adventurous and bright spirit, his wonderful sense of humor, and the care and compassion he shared with his family and friends. He touched so many lives as he guided, listened to, and mentored the people he loved. He leaves a legacy of loving deeply, creating and conquering new challenges, and teaching others how to create and enjoy new adventures.

Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia and daughters, Jennifer (Brendan Childs), Lindsay (Scotty Kniaz), and their children Abigail Rose (5) and Theodore Edwin (2). Bob is survived by his brothers Paul (Camille), James (Barbara), and his nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Dawn who died in 2002.

A memorial service and hike is planned for Spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Pancreatic Cancer Society in his honor. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette from Sep. 30 to Oct. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Garmirian

8 Entries

Robert Dann

September 24, 2024

One of the nicest, most engaging men I have ever known. Easy going, great sense of humor, easy to converse with, sorely missed by those who knew him.
His cancer diagnosis and death were tragedies to all who knew him. Truly he was a great guy.

Ruth Pratt

March 7, 2022

I am reaching out to find news of spring memorial. thank you.

Ted Etheridge

December 16, 2021

Patricia and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bobs passing. He was very kind to me at Hope College and especially when I pledged the Fraternity. I remember well his Triumph TR 250, which was and is my favorite car. He was such a good friend to me and I think of him often. I know he will be missed by all of you, and wish you Gods Blessings this Advent season. He made a positive difference in my life!
Ted

Anthony Law

November 19, 2021

My sister, (one of four Hampshire grads in the family) just shared this sad news. I met Bob only once. It was about 1983, I was climbing Seneca Rocks, West Virginia on March break. The light was fading, snow was falling, my hands were freezing, and my friend Paul and I were the only ones out there. When Bob came along leading a group of Hampshire students. I suddenly felt less lonely and they invited us back to their motel for hot chocolate!

Jenny Law

November 19, 2021

I was lucky enough to be the student representative for the Outdoors Program while I was a student at Hampshire, from which I graduated in 1979. I remember the search for a new director very well and our enthusiasm when Bob's application arrived. I remember meeting Pat, and Jennifer when she was just a very little girl. Bob had boundless energy and a deep commitment to the field of outdoor education and leadership. His presence on this earth will be missed by all that knew him, but his legacy will be felt by generations to come.
Jenny Law

Chris Blauvelt (Jr)

November 14, 2021

Our deepest sympathies - Bob was a great neighbor and father. Thank you for sharing his story with us.

Jan Caswell

October 1, 2021

Dear Pat, Jennifer, Lindsay & families; It was with deep sadness
that I read of Bob´s passing. He was such a friendly, positive person when we would meet at our daughters´ soccer games.
Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of such a wonderful person.

May your memories of a life well lived console you on this difficult grief journey.

With deep respect,
Jan Caswell (Erin´s Mom)

Bob and Nancy Dann

September 30, 2021

Bob was a cheerful, delightful, and wonderful man who will be missed greatly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Rest in Peace Bob. You will always be in our memory.

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