Bert Robinson Whittemore

PEMBROKE – Bert Robinson Whittemore, 83, of Pembroke, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 28, 2017.

Born in Concord and raised in Pembroke, Bert was the third son of the late Laurence and Evelyn (Fulford) Whittemore.  He began his high school education at Pembroke Academy and graduated from Kimball Union Academy.  He was a 1956 graduate of Dartmouth College and later went on to attend the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.  He was a retiree of the United States Naval Reserves.

Bert began his career with the Xerox Corporation in Boston and later raised money for several colleges, including Knox College in Illinois and New Hampshire College (SNHU).  He found his greatest professional satisfaction in Commercial Real Estate Development and has been President of Riverwood Commercial Properties in Concord since 1979.

Long active in community affairs, Bert was a member of the Board of Directors of The Family Bank & Trust Company in Allenstown and served as Chairman of the Board from 1980-1988.  He served as a trustee of the Pembroke Congregational Church as well as volunteering in many capacities. He led the push to build the current Pembroke Town Library in 2003, a cause which his father had championed in the 1940’s. He was also involved with the Pembroke Historical Society, the Boys & Girls Club, The Capital Center for the Arts, the Copoco Club, the New Hampshire Humanities Council, and the New Hampshire Historical Society.  He actively supported the development of rowing programs for both the Concord Crew and the Derryfield School. 

He was active in the Dartmouth Alumni Club and maintained hearty friendships over many years with classmates. The Canoe Club and the Snowshoe Club of Concord provided invaluable friendships and laughter in the last decade of his life. His love of friends was only eclipsed by love of family. Besides spending time with friends, he reveled in the stories and adventures he shared with family, especially at the Whittemore Family Picnic which he organized for many years.

Bert was known as “The Mountain Man” due to his peak-bagging pursuits in the middle of his life. Having hiked all the 4000 footers in NH he continued to organize hiking adventures for family and friends. He was a graceful alpine skier and enjoyed travelling off the beaten path as well as with groups. In addition to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity he also travelled and sang with the NH Friendship Chorus. Local productions of Gilbert and Sullivan musicals also benefitted from his outgoing personality and style.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Kevin Keeler (Sleigh) Whittemore, his infant son, Thomas; and his brother, Charles F. Whittemore.

He is survived by his two daughters: Ayn B. Whytemare-Donovan and her husband Frederic (Ted) Donovan of Pembroke and Susan Whittemore Chrabolowski and her husband Jeffrey M. of Concord. He was the loving Grandfather to Duncan Sleigh Donovan, Aaron Whittemore Donovan, Noah Robinson Chrabolowski and Ella Elizabeth Chrabolowski.  He is also survived by his brother, Frederick B. Whittemore of New York and many nieces, nephews and countless friends. He will also be missed by his companion, Holly VanLeuven.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, January 5th from 3 to 5 P.M. in the Petit-Roan Funeral Home 167 Main St. in Pembroke. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 11 A.M. in the Pembroke Congregational Church, 301 Pembroke St. in Pembroke.  Burial will take place in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bert’s memory may be sent to the Pembroke Town Library, 313 Pembroke St. Pembroke, NH 03275.   To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.petitroan.com

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