On Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Robert Derick Brash passed away peacefully in Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, IL. Bob was born May 23, 1948 at Hartford Hospital. He was the son of John A. and Hazel D. Brash. Bob grew up on Blue Hills Ave., in Hartford Connecticut. His early years were influenced by his parents  and grandmother, Lena Derick. At the age of 16, Bob circled the world  as part of the “Flying Pilgrims” of South Church. This experience peaked his interest in travel. Bob attended the Watkinson School in Hartford and upon graduation, attended Curry College in Milton Massachusetts, graduating in 1971. At Curry he participated in football, where he mastered the art of being a 25o lb. lineman. It is here he met the love of his life, Nina Elaine Harding. In 1971 Bob and Nina were married at Center Congregational Church in Meriden Connecticut. A backyard reception followed at the home of Nina’s parents.

Bob’s professional career was as a construction equipment sales consultant in the greater Chicago area. Bob and Nina purchased their first home in Clarendon Hills , Illinois, in 1974. This dynamic duo enjoyed many travels over their 51 years together, which included Europe and Asia, as Bob managed to visit all 50 states. They became residents of Stowe, Vermont in the summer and snowbirds in Oldsmar, Florida. Bob’s interests included politics, Chicago sports and was known to voice “strong opinions” while holding court at his favorite coffee spots. As season ticket holders of the Chicago Bears, he and Nina were witness to the best and worst of pro football.

For the past 7 years, Bob took on and excelled at being Nina’s chauffeur as she battled colon cancer. He was by her side every step of the way. Now she continues this fight as Bob would want her to.

On Wednesday September 21, 2022,  Bob walked down the steps of his Stowe, Vermont home with the use of a cane. He declared that he felt great and was ready to be driven to Clarendon Hills. Bob, not always the best passenger, enjoyed the trip. He was admitted to Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Illinois. While there he received excellent care from Dr. Robert King., Dr. Sumoza and the entire staff. We are forever grateful for their care and professionalism.

Besides his loving wife, Nina, of 51 years, he is survived by cousins Doug and Janet Brash, George and Judy Bucic and Kerry Brash; brother-in-laws Allan and Rosemarie Harding and William Harding; nephews Kyle and Melisa Harding and Jonathan Harding; nieces Rory and Dan Tangari and Kelly and Ray Sardinas, plus eight great grand nieces and nephews.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to :

Friends of the Stowe Free Library 90 Pond St., PO Box 1029, Stowe, Vermont 05672

Friends of the Clarendon Hills Library 7 N. Prospect Ave. Clarendon Hills, IL 60514

American Cancer Society – IL PO Box 10393 Chicago, IL 60610

Or the charity of your choice.

Interment will be held privately at the convenience of the family at Elm Grove Cemetery in Mystic, CT. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Westmont, IL. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com