Granby Obituary: Robert Bounds, 88

Robert Wiley Bounds, 88, of West Granby, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19, 2017, in Canton.

Born in Waterbury on September 30, 1928, son of the late Allen Benjamin and Dorothy Arlene (Wightman) Bounds, he was raised in Waterbury and was a graduate of Leavenworth High School. After high school, Bob enlisted in the US Army and served during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1948. He then attended Rensselear Polytechnic Institute in Rochester, NY where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering.

He returned to Connecticut and worked for a number of firms before he and his business partner started their own civil engineering firm, Bounds & Griffes Engineers, later becoming Bounds Kalberer Engineers, where he worked into his 70’s. Bob was a member and held leadership positions in the Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers. He was highly regarded for his work in the Northeast, and was often looked to for his expert opinion by news agencies and lawyers seeking expert testimony.

In his spare time, Bob spent his summers at the family cottage on Tyler Lake in Goshen boating, water skiing, and fishing. In addition, he enjoyed snow skiing and was a member of the National Ski Patrol until he was 80. He also enjoyed hiking and he hiked the Appalachian Trail with his brother Allen.

Bob was a dedicated blood donor and received numerous awards from the American Red Cross for his donations. He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Simsbury for many years and after moving to West Granby, he attended the South Congregational Church in Granby.

Bob was a dedicated father and grandfather and loved spending time with his family. A social person in all settings, a sharp dresser, and the consummate gentleman, Bob was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He leaves a son, Walter R. Bounds and his wife Judith Ann of West Simsbury; a daughter, Tracey B. Mazrek and her husband David of West Granby; his former wife and the mother of his children, Jean B. Bounds of West Simsbury; a brother, Allen Bounds of Weston, MA; a sister, Eleanor Hutchins of Coventry; three grandchildren, Jeffrey Mazrek of Ellington and Jonathan and Jamie Mazrek both of West Granby; three nephews and five nieces.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 28, 11 a.m., at the South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby. Burial with Military Honors will be at the convenience of the family in Goshen Center Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd, Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489.