LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth

We Remember

Robert C. Bainbridge, IV, age 56, of Alexandria, Virginia and Lewes, Delaware passed away Friday, February 8, 2008 at his Lewes residence after a five year battle with colon cancer. He was born November 13, 1951 in Bismarck, North Dakota, son of Robert C. Bainbridge III and the late Lola Bainbridge.

At the time of his death, Mr. Bainbridge was employed as an Urban Planner with Prince William County government in Virginia. Additionally, he was the liaison to the Prince William County Historical Commission and worked most closely with the Brentsville Historic Trust. Historic preservation was Bob's passion not only at work but at his weekend home in Lewes. Mr. Bainbridge grew up in Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC. He graduated from Bear Creek High School in Littleton, CO. He began his studies at Colorado State University then transferred to North Carolina State in Raleigh where he earned an MS degree in Horticulture in 1974 and a Masters in Land-scape Architecture in 1984. He started his professional career in Wilson, NC as the City Arborist and City Planner. He relocated to Washington, DC in 1985 to work for Dewberry & Davis in Fairfax, VA and later for Greenhorn & O'Mara in Greenbelt, MD. He was a long time resident of Alexandria, VA and spent his weekends in Lewes since 1998.

Bob and Vince met at Rehoboth's Blue Moon Bar in 1988. Their connection was immediate and their love of the place where they met led them to celebrate every anniversary at the Blue Moon, and they had a minor collection of anything representing a blue moon. This coming Labor Day weekend would have marked their 20th anniversary. Family and friends gathered at the Moon's back bar on Friday, February 9th to raise a toast to Bob's memory.

Rehoboth Beach was a favorite weekend destination for the couple especially on the summer three-day holiday weekends. They became more frequent visitors to the Cape Region in the 1990s, since many of their DC-area friends owned homes in Rehoboth or Lewes. In 1998 they purchased a run-down house in the heart of Lewes' historic district. With Bob's background in architecture and historic preservation, the restoration of their home became Bob's passion and favorite pastime. Over the past decade, the 1879 Second Empire Victorian house has become a true show place and a fine example of what can be done to preserve the sensitive architectural integrity of the old homes in Lewes. Bob acted as a consultant to members of the Historic Preservation Committee in Lewes and was a contributor to the Canal Front Park. He will be sorely missed by his neighbors and extended family in Lewes and Rehoboth. A tree will be planted in his honor at the waterfront park.

Bob was a 23-year resident of Alexandria. He loved all that DC and Old Town Alexandria has to offer. He loved all the museums in the city, the DuPont and Logan Circle neighborhoods, MAL Weekends, travel to Europe, England and the New England States. He also enjoyed classical music, fine antiques, scuba diving, motorcycle riding and exploring all of the great ethnic restaurants in the DC metro area.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his partner of 20 years, Vincent; his sister Kathy Bainbridge of El Paso, TX; his brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Faye Bainbridge of Farmington, NM; and his Aunt Donna Egstrom of Santa Monica, CA.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 2nd and Market Streets, Lewes, on Saturday, March 29, 11 a.m.. A reception for family, friends and neighbors will follow in the parish hall.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Friends of Lewes Canal Front Park, 211 Front Street, Lewes, DE 19958 or Delaware Hospice, 20167 Office Circle, Georgetown, DE 19947 or to Capital Hospice, ATTN: Development Office, 6565 Arlington Blvd., Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22042.

LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 02 March 07, 2008