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Robert Barnard Obituary
March 21, 1930 - November 18, 2024
Barnard, Robert Dowling passed away peacefully on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the age of 94. Bob was born on the first day of Spring, March 21, 1930, in Louisville, KY. At the age of 5, the family moved to Richmond, VA, where he lived a full life surrounded by family and friends. An avid sailor, Bob spent many days on the water traveling both internationally and within his beloved Chesapeake Bay. He loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to sail on the Yeocomico River. Nothing gave him more pleasure than watching them take off by themselves from the porch at Bon Harbors.
Bob attended the University of Virginia, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Three years later Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was promoted to First Lieutenant and served 4 years. Watching the stars and following satellites in the night sky was ingrained in him by the Air Force and became a passion of his that he loved to share.
After leaving the Air Force, Bob joined his father in the family business, U Drive It, until his retirement. He enjoyed serving on the committee of Scout Troop 400 for many years, and he was a passionate croquet player.
Bob leaves behind his sons, Robert Dowling Barnard, Jr. (Beverly), John Lewis Barnard and daughter Cassell Barnard FitzHugh (John). His sister, Toddy Trigg and grandchildren Zach Barnard, Peyton, Campbell, CJ and Mason FitzHugh. He is predeceased by his parents Horace Barnard and Mary Dunklin.
A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery on Friday, November 29, 2024, 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Country Club of Virginia. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Barnard
3 Entries
John Phillips
May 2, 2025
Bob and had been friends and neighbors for many years. We crewed on Bob Spratley summer sailing adventures on the Chesapeake and sailed the cost of Turkey together.
I was hospitalized for surgery on November 6, 2024 followed by a long recovery and did not hear of Bobs funeral.
I will miss Bob. He was a longtime friend neighbor, fellow crew mate on many sailing adventures including navigating the cast of Turkey. We also went on a church mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help build a school.
I am also miss seeing his children Cassell, John and Bob.
My late condolences for your Dad.
John Phillips
Patti Garvey
November 29, 2024
I want to let the whole family know that I am so very sorry for everyone´s heartbreaking loss of my friend like a father figure too until the end of Daddio Bob, Robert Barnard. I believe he is at peace above watching over all of us and closer to the stars he loved so much. Daddy Bob always had a kind word and a twinkle in his eyes. I´m so sorry. I was fortunate enough to get to know him from 2011 until his passing and that is a gift from all of the family and God. I shared a love of Astronomy too, so when I look up to pray for everyone and talk to him. I´ll see a bright new star. Please know I have been praying since his passing, he was an amazing strong man and all heart. Thank you for all the wonderful memories. I loved him with all my heart and so many people will miss him. Fly high on angel wings Daddio Bob, Sincere condolences to every single person in his wonderful family and all his friends. I am grateful and blessed to have had him as my friend. Deep heartfelt love to his beloved family he cherished so much. Rest in peace and many prayers.
Love,
Patti~
Carolyn Winks
November 25, 2024
What a remarkable man. My condolences to his Family.
Carolyn "Bernard" Levey
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