Robert W. Honeychurch

HONEYCHURCH, Robert W. Robert W. Honeychurch, 89, of West Hartford, formerly of Stamford and of Cheshire, Connecticut, died on Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Saint Mary Home. Born in 1922 in Oakland, California he was the son of Arthur and Pearl Forward Honeychurch. He graduated from University High School and then enrolled at University of California at Berkeley, leaving in late 1942 to enter the US Army. While in the military he was sent to study at University of Michigan College of Engineering from which he received Bachelor of Science degree in February 1948. He then worked as an Engineering Aid in the Special Engineering Detachment SED in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In 1946 he returned to UC Berkeley, resumed study of mining and metallurgy, and graduated in the Class of War '47. His career as a chemical engineer began with the Merco Centrifuge Company, which was acquired by the Dorr-Oliver Company. A company transfer brought him to Connecticut. He retired at age 68 from Dorr-Oliver. Robert was married in 1949 to Helen K. Smyth, who was also from Oakland and who survives him. The couple moved to Stamford in 1957. They were members of Stamford Baptist Church where Robert was active as a Deacon and in the Sunday School. For many years he taught the 5th and 6th grade boys' class. He was known for his interests in nature, science and history. He enjoyed visiting Connecticut's state parks and those in nearby New York state. The couple moved to Elim Park Retirement Community in 1995 and to McAuley Retirement Community in 2011. Robert is survived by four children: Carol Honeychurch of West Hartford, Andrew Honeychurch and wife Susan of Fredonia, NY, Laura Austin and husband Warren of Mansfield, and David Honeychurch and wife Susan of Woodstock. He leaves eight grandchildren whom he cherished: Nathan and Rachel Roones, Max Honeychurch, Becky Austin Parton and Ally Austin, and Luke, Joshua and Caleb Honeychurch; and one great-grandchild: Eleanor Parton. He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph, Frank and Winston, and by his sister Pearl Abbott. Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Elim Park Place, 150 Cook Hill Road, Cheshire, CT. Donations in his memory may be made to Friends of American Baptist Churches of Connecticut, 90A North Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. To share a memory go to www.molloyfuneralhome.com

Robert W. Honeychurch

June 21, 1922 - September 10, 2011