Robert Manton Chase Dies at Age 86

Robert Chase

Robert Manton Chace, 86, of Rye, NH and St. John, U.S.V.I., died of natural causes on Thurs-day, May 18, in St. John with friends nearby.

Bob was born March 26, 1920 in Providence, RI, the only son of the late Amasa Manton and Gladys Goldsbourgh Chace. He attended Tilton Academy, Moses Brown, Rhode Island School of Design and the Yale Graduate School of Fine Arts. Upon graduating he spent summers designing sets for area productions as well as Summer Stock and winters working in area ski resorts.

Bob served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942-1945 during which time he captained a wooden sub hunter off the East Coast. His love and knowledge of the ocean were evident throughout his life. He loved to sail and crewed aboard many yachts including racing yachts involved in the Halifax to Bermuda race, among many others.

Bob’s career as a Marine Water Color Artist spanned more than 50 years. He served as Resident Artist at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle, NH, Strawberry Bank in Portsmouth, NH, and Caneel Bay in St John, U.S.V.I. His great mastery of light on water inspired many of his beautiful paintings giving them an “inner light.”

Bob was also employed as manager of several resorts including Snow Lake Lodge, Brattleboro, VT, The Ilseboro Inn, Dark Harbor, ME, and Young Island Resort, St. Vincent, West Indies.

He is survived by his three sons and their families, Robert Manton Chace Jr., his wife Sue and granddaughter Robin of Rockport, ME; Timothy T. Chace, his wife Kristen and grandchildren Jack and Ivy of Rye, NH; Peter H. Chace and grandson Nicholas and Linda Chace Woodbury of Okatie, SC, and many close friends. Special thanks to Craig Utley and Paul Downard, who were with him when he needed it most.

Services will be scheduled at a later date.

We Remember

Bob was involved in many sports including football, tennis, skiing, and especially sailing. His father Amasa was an avid sailor. Bob continued to be on or around sailboats throughout his life. During his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Bob patrolled waters from Long Island to Cuba. His knowledge of the ocean and sailing were an attribute to any crew. Whether cruising Downeast or in the Caribbean, he was happiest when at sea. Bob was granted a Lifetime Membership at the Kittery Point Yacht Club, in New Castle New Hampshire.

After graduate school, Bob was active throughout New England designing sets for area productions. He loved working in theaters during the summers and spending winters working the ski resorts. He enjoyed hiking and skiing down Tuckerman’s Ravine, on Mt. Washington and the Taft race course at Cannon Mt. Bob was also a member of the Rhode Island Steam Rollers, one of the first professional football teams. Bob was a big football fan, and enjoyed tailgating at the UNH games with close friends. His candelabra and pate never failed to delight. Wherever he went, he was well loved and considered a part of the experience. Bob truly loved people and made many true friends throughout his life.

Bob was a great Dad, never missed a game if his kids were playing. His boundless support and gentle wisdom has shaped our lives. We will miss his keen sense of humor, his gentle touch, and the twinkle in his intense blue eyes. Self named “Grumpy” after his grandchildren were born, he was anything but. Special thanks to his Carribean “family” who were with him to the end, Paully, Craig and Avis.