Robert “Bob” Lamothe was born in 1938 in Southbridge, MA., the son of Herman and Annette Desaulnier Lamothe. Bob attended Mary E. Wells/Southbridge High from 1952-1956, and went on to become class president for three years, he was a member of the student council and National Honor Society. He was inducted into the School’s Athletic Hall of fame earning 11 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. He was a captain of each team his senior year and in 1956 was named a National Merit Scholar.
In the Fall of 1956 he enrolled into the University of New Hampshire; majoring in Psychology. He lettered in football and lacrosse for three years and was elected as captain of the lacrosse team his senior year; was named to the All-New England team in 1960. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity, elected president as a senior.
After graduation from college in February 1961 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army, he attended Officer Infantry Training and Airborne Training at Ft. Benning, GA., he was selected for the Army Flight program as a helicopter pilot, attended basic helicopter training at Camp Walters in Mineral Wells, TX and Advanced Training at Fr. Rucker, AL.. After graduation from flight school he was assigned to the 8th Aviation Co., 8th Infantry Division, in Bad Kreuznach, Germany and later with the 8th Calvary in Mannheim, Germany where he qualified as an instructor Pilot for the 8th Division.
In February 1964 he received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army. In May 1964 he began a career in Commercial Aviation with United Airlines. As a new hire he was assigned to United’s Training Center in Denver, CO., for 4 months of extensive flight training on the DC-6/7 airplanes. After completion of training he spent several months in Denver before transferring to the Chicago area, living in Glen Ellyn, IL. He was involved with the Glen Ellyn Park District’s football and baseball programs as a coach and a manager also with the Golden Eagles Youth Football team; he was a member of the Glen Ellyn Volunteer Fire Department. In 1968 he was licensed as a Real Estate Broker and was a partner with Bridgewater Real Estate involved in sales and new construction.
Throughout his aviation career he was qualified to fly DC-6/7, B-720, B-727, DC-8, DC-10 and B747-400 airplanes, promoted to Captain in 1978, for several years he held a position of a Check Airman qualifying newly rated pilots as they transitioned from simulator training to the airplane. Bob often remarked that he learned as much from the trainees as they learned from him. He went on to say that the men and woman flying the line on United Airlines demonstrated time and time again that they were some of the best pilots and people in the industry. Over 40 years flying in the military and airlines he accumulated over 23, 000 hours without an accident or incident. His final 3 years of flying were in the Pacific flying into several countries throughout Asia and Australia. He retired from United Airlines in 1998.
His hobbies included golf; he was a member of the Elgin Country Club and served on their Board of Directors for several years. He admitted the game was challenging physically and mentally after taking it up at the age of 55. Frustrated at times that he could never get to a single digit handicap, he averaged a 15 handicap over the years. He enjoyed the competition and especially the honesty and integrity of the game.
Along with golf, retirement offered him an opportunity to live in Sarasota, FL., during the winter months. He moved back to Sun City, Huntley permanently in 2013. In 2004 he and his wife became the area developer for Sport Clips Haircuts in the State of Wisconsin. They sold their interest in 2013. Traveling was a highlight during retirement visiting many of the cities and countries he flew to during his career.
In 1978 he married Mary Hass, a retired Eastern Airline flight attendant. Mary was a loving wife, a true friend, companion and partner as well as a beloved mother and step-mother. A woman he respected and admired. They have one daughter together, Bobbie Lamothe, a customer service representative with BMO, Harris, living in Schaumburg, Il. Bob has four children from a previous marriage Craig Lamothe and his wife Terry living in Sundeen, CA., and his grandson Doug Lamothe; Callie Lamothe, a US Air Flight Attendant and her significant other Shante Carver, previously with the Dallas Cowboys, they live in the Phoenix Arizona suburbs; Doug Lamothe, a United Airline Pilot and his wife, Brooke, a former flight attendant with United Airlines and 2 grandchildren, Benjamin and Ava, living in Plainfield, IL; and Suzanne Lamothe Doris, a past flight attendant with American Airlines and her husband James Doris, a retired Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps and presently a pilot with American Airlines and 2 grandchildren, Zachary and Payton, living in Wellington, FL. He has a brother, Jim and his wife Dawn from Bedford, NH and a sister, Madeline Lamothe Walsh and her husband Richard Walsh from West Dennis, MA, along with many nieces and nephews.
Bob was most proud of serving his country as an officer in the United States Army. His life was fulfilled because of his family and friends. He would like to be remembered for his competiveness, loyalty and to the many “good times” that were shared with friends and family.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00pm at DeFiore Jorgensen Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, at 12:00 at the funeral home. For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or on-line condolences may be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com.
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Brooke's family here in Kansas City extend our condolences to all of Bob's family and friends.
We send our heatfelt sympathy to all the family and friends. Bob will always remembered with love and respect.
Sending our sympathy and prayers for comfort at this difficult time. May God bless you all.
Craig and Terry Lamothe- Bob we will miss you more then words can say.
Sorry for your loss prayers to everyone .????????????????
Bob was always encouraging to me as I struggled to start playing golf at 56 yrs. old at Blackstone G. C. I will miss him. One of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Have always enjoyed the card parties at your moms house Mary. Our sympathy extends to your family and your many friends. God bless you all.
Words cannot express our sadness. We will always cherish the memories and adventures we shared with Bob. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
The memories remain. The sadness is part of life. Bob was special and we were blessed to share in his life.
Heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have many fond memories of Bob and my Dad attending every UNH event they could. Loss of a true Wildcat - the football program and my Dad will miss your amazing support.