Robert Livingston Gaines

Robert Livingston Gaines obituary, Darien, CT

Robert Livingston Gaines

Robert Gaines Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lawrence Funeral Home - Darien on Nov. 7, 2025.

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Obituary of Robert Livingston Gaines
Robert Livingston Gaines, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Darien, Connecticut, on Monday, November 3.
Born in New York City on October 8, 1938, to John Strother and Helen Gabel Gaines, Bob was a lifelong gentleman known for his warmth, humor, and devotion to family and friends. A resident of Hawley, Pennsylvania, he cherished his time at the Forest Lake Club - a place that shaped his life from childhood and remained at the heart of his happiest days.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 47 years, Marjorie; his daughter, Elizabeth (Scott); his son, Robert (Nicole); five cherished grandchildren - Catherine, Will, Whitney, Willow, and Everest; his nephew, JC Ewing (Ruanne); and his nieces, Cynthia Ewing and Sarah Sagarese (Mark). He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Helen Gaines, and his sister, Betty Ewing.
Bob built a successful career in marketing and advertising, where his creativity and integrity earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike. His lifelong dedication to his alma maters - Choate Rosemary Hall, Sewanee: The University of the South, and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business - was a hallmark of his character. He served as class agent to all three institutions for decades, never missing a reunion and always keeping his classmates connected.
Bob was passionate about trains and took every opportunity to travel via rail. A longstanding member of the University Club in New York City, Bob spent many afternoons enjoying backgammon with friends. He was a prolific player and enjoyed teaching backgammon to anyone interested.
Above all, Bob will be remembered for his deep love of family, his loyalty to friends, and his joy in bringing people together.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Forest Lake Club in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Choate Rosemary Hall, The University of the South, or the Darden School of Business.

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

Sign Robert Gaines's Guest Book

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November 10, 2025

Richard & Barbara Kurz posted to the memorial.

November 8, 2025

John and Suzy Mikulak planted trees.

November 8, 2025

Tom & Lynn Keffer posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Richard & Barbara Kurz

November 10, 2025

We were so very sorry to hear about Bob´s passing. Our thoughts are with Marjorie and the family as you navigate this difficult time. Bob was such an important fixture at all FLC events and we will miss seeing him. We loved his postcards from his traveling adventures in Germany and elsewhere. And his passion for our community garden, voles and all! We know that Bob´s spirit will live on at Forest Lake forever. Richard & Barbara Kurz

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

John and Suzy Mikulak

Planted Trees

Tom & Lynn Keffer

November 8, 2025

Marjorie, Elizabeth, Robert, and family,

Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your husband and father. We find it truly saddening to imagine the Forest Lake Club without Bob. While we had known him for ten years - brief by club standards - he was welcoming and engaging from the start. He always had stories to tell about the club´s history and contributed many to The Chronicle. He enlivened dinners and gatherings with his unique sense of humor. He led the Grand March at the end of each season, linking baffled newcomers to the club´s long history. We looked forward to his post cards from his train travels. As we drive in on Orchard Road, we always appreciate Bob´s gardening enthusiasm. His contributions were many and we will miss him dearly.

Tom & Lynn Keffer

Holly Isdale

November 8, 2025

Dear Marjorie, Elizabeth, Robert and family,

What a tremendous loss for so many and yet, what wonderful memories are left behind to comfort us!

Bob touched so many lives and his joy in life will be missed. I am going to miss our chats about the garden, usually as we stood amidst the bounty, debating how to get the sprinklers to water "Just Right´ for the mix of gardens or gaining his insights on when and where to plant. Watching him go out on the hunts, always so excited when Robert would be able to join this annual activity, and his excitement over the communal dinners and companionship- this season will seem empty without him. I would be remiss by not mentioning his Oktoberfest tradition, complete with lederhosen, or how he rallied us through the pandemic, ensuring we could continue his beloved Grand March with a water parade instead!

Our conversations always included a tale from his travels, a nugget of FLC history, stories of his work as an alumni, each giving a glimpse into an amazing life. Throughout all these interactions and memories, his pride and joy was his family. He loved you so very much. Please be gentle with yourselves as you navigate this grief.

With love, and such sadness from his passing, Holly Isdale

Bambi and Jay Siegfried

November 8, 2025

Bob will be sorely missed. A positive "people person" who looked for and celebrated the good in others. His spirit and memory will live on.
-Bambi and Jay Siegfried

Peter and Linda Schultz

November 8, 2025

Dear Marjorie, Elizabeth and Robert;
You have lost a loving and proud husband and father and we have lost a FLC legend. There will be a big hole in the fabric of community here. Whether it was being the honored Elder of the hunt or the master gardener. He initiated our own FLC community garden several years ago, and then launched several years of very fun garden parties. Bob welcomed new members, extolling the joy of Forest Lake and making people feel blessed to be someplace that mattered so much to him. Please know you are all in our hearts and thoughts. I think we are all waiting to give you our hugs and stories. Who else will drink ice tea for breakfast? Peter and I will miss Bob, and we will never run out of fond stories and memories of him. Very sincerely, Peter and Linda Schultz

Sandy and Larry Connelli

November 8, 2025

Marjorie, Elizabeth, Robert, and family:

Sandy and I are so saddened and sorry about the passing of your husband and father. We have so many fond memories of our time with him over the decades, it's difficult to sort them all out. Yet consistent through them all was his pure heart, his humorous wit, and his genuine commitment to the Club.

Bob was a stalwart titan in his defense of the principles that make FLC such a wondrous place. And he always greeted everyone with a smile and kind word--in fact, he never displayed a bad mood or uttered a cross word in our presence, yet another example of a life well-lived.

When I married into my wife's family, and thus the Club, Bob was among the group of senior members who welcomed me to FLC with open arms. He was always stopping at our table to engage, and to include and invite us to this and that--many rounds of golf, many meals, and a few aperitifs later, we can say that our experiences with Bob are among our most cherished memories in the Poconos. He was a large presence, and we will surely miss him.

We loved Bob. And we love your family. Our heartfelt condolences to you during this difficult time. We are grateful that he is now at rest..

Sandy & Larry

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Lawrence Funeral Home - Darien

2119 Boston Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820

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Sign Robert Gaines's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 10, 2025

Richard & Barbara Kurz posted to the memorial.

November 8, 2025

John and Suzy Mikulak planted trees.

November 8, 2025

Tom & Lynn Keffer posted to the memorial.