CONTOOCOOK, NH: Robert C. Hartwell, 78 of Contoocook, passed away with his family by his side, March 13, 2017.

Born December 23, 1938 in Burlington, Vermont to Marion Cummings and adopted by Richard R. Hartwell and Ruth Kathryn Crandall Hartwell from Oak Park, Illinois, in July 1940.

Survived by his wife of eight years Dawn (Baron) Hartwell, his two sons, Enoch and Joshua Hartwell, stepsons, Michael Healey and Steven Baron, stepdaughter, Linda White, brother, Michael Bissette, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild and many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless longtime friends.

The Hartwells and Crandalls had family ties to Washington, NH and Millen Pond, so Bob spent many happy summers in NH. After high school, Bob went to Colorado State and then came to Plymouth State Teachers’ College, graduated and became a teacher. He taught school in Lempster, Unity and Claremont, taught English as a second language in night school, and taught Sunday School. He worked at various other jobs with Joy Manufacturing, Alcumet, boat building, and deliveries for Unvicare.

Bob was a collector of friends from pre-kindergarten and through all the years he kept in touch. He was a writer of journals that were abound with tales of his youth and everyday happenings, as well as short stories, poems and inspirational papers. He also was an artist, and painted a variety of portraits and scenes. His smile, blue eyes, big white beard and his stories will be missed by those that knew him.

The Holt-Woodbury Funeral Home & Cremation Service Henniker, NH is assisting the family.

Burial will be in spring in East Washington, Cemetery, East Washington, NH.