Robert Stair

Robert M. Stair 1934 - 2011 BENNINGTON, VT Robert M. Stair, 76, died peacefully on Feb. 27, 2011, at the Geer Nursing and Rehab Center in Canaan, Conn. Bob was born March 31, 1934, in Chicago, IL, son of Millington and Virginia Stair. He earned a bachelor's degree from DePauw University, and master's degrees from Drew University, and the University of Minnesota. From 1957-1967, he was the minister of both Methodist Churches in Sharon, Conn., and Millerton, N.Y., and then the Methodist minister in Hyde Park, N.Y. Bob then held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Henrietta D. Goodall Hospital in Sanford, Maine, for six years. He later moved to Bennington, where he had lived for the past 26 years. Bob was the Administrator of Weston Hadden Convalescent Center in Bennington for 15 years until his retirement. During his retired years, Bob could be found working and socializing at the Equinox Tennis Center in Manchester. While in Bennington, Bob was a member of the Health Policy Council, the Bennington Area Home Health Agency Inc., the Regional Affordable Housing Corporation of Bennington County, was chair of Community Assisted Independent Living Services, and member of the Bennington Recreation Commission. He was also a member of St Peters Episcopal Church in Bennington. Bob had a passion for animals and was the loving owner of many St. Bernard's over the years. Recently, he could be seen walking his dog, Luna, in the park in Bennington. Bob loved to play tennis, softball, and family football. He enjoyed watching sports, and was an avid Chicago Bears fan. He also enjoyed camping and boating in the Adirondacks. Bob will be missed by his family and friends for his quick wit, bantering ways, and his laughter. He is survived by his wife, Carole J. Stair of Bennington; his six children, Charles A. Stair of Newport, Maine; Sheryl L. Knapp and her husband, Mark, of Taconic, Conn.; Bob G. Stair, with Ellen Eschbach, of Falls Village, Conn.; David Stair, with Debbie Bennett, of Buckfield, Maine; Ryan Stair of Sanford, Maine; Lindsey Stair of Burlington; his three step-children, Scott Trafton and his wife, Kay, of Bennington; Sherri Trafton of No. Bennington; Todd Trafton of Wells, Maine. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Keri and Kelsey Markiewicz, and Erika Knapp of Taconic, Conn; Kaya Stair of Unity, Maine; Paul Stair of Sanford, Maine; and four step-grandchildren, Dale Bennett of Buckfield, Maine., Layne Trafton, Liah and Evie Roy, of No. Bennington. MEMORIAL NOTICE: A private family service will be held. Memorial contributions may be sent to: The Second Chance Animal Center, P.O. Box 620, Shaftsbury, VT, 05262 (Please state "Robert M. Stair Memorial"). Arrangements are under the care of the KENNY FUNERAL HOME in Sharon, CT.