Plant a tree in memory of Robert
An environmentally friendly option
Loading...
B
Basil Dillon-Malone posted a condolence
Sunday, October 2, 2016
To Melinda and girls - My deepest sympathy on Bob's passing. I only heard yesterday (due to extensive travel) or would have communicated long ago. I enjoyed working with Bob and admired him greatly. You may remember we had some business 'strategy' meetings in your home during the Eagle-days. I have been 19-years with Arcom. It is about ten years since I last saw Bob when we chatted at a trade-show. I remember you well Melinda and the girls. I feel for all of you. Always, affectionately, Basil
J
John C Watson posted a condolence
Saturday, September 3, 2016
Melinda & family . . . I'm very sorry to hear this news, which I just learned of in the SU Magazine. Bob was a tough competitor in rowing at Syracuse and the class of '77 respected him for the pressure he put on all of us. And he was one of the few oarsmen from Engineering so he definitely had my attention when I got to know him - a little bit, way back when. I will always remember him as a high energy guy and an achiever.
Sincerely,
John C. Watson, Syracuse University '77
R
Robin Verhoeven posted a condolence
Friday, May 27, 2016
Searching the Internet sometimes brings news that is not always welcome
I grew up as a boy in Saudia Arabia with Rob's younger brothers Mike and Stu , Rob was the big guy that you respected as a kid even if you just saw him in the summer holidays
I'm very sorry to read this passing away of Rob
Thanks Rob for letting me ride your mini motor bike as a kid ... it was great !
Memories come back
Robin
J
Jay & Sandy LaBarge posted a condolence
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Dear Melinda, Kim and Jessica,
Sandy and I send our sincerest condolences and heart-felt sympathies. Bob was a joy to be with and around, and his loss will be keenly felt.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with him at my first job at Microwave Filter Company, and I must say he made it into a fun run while there. And in keeping in touch over the years, watching our respective families growing up, and solving the world’s problems over a brew or two, he never failed to impress me with his passion and ability to make me laugh at absurdities in the world.
I can honestly say that while I will miss my friend, he will bring a smile to my face every time I think about him. Not a bad legacy for an exceptional human being. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Jay
W
Walter WacVittie posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Melinda, my wife Debbie and I would like to express our condolences to you and your family for the passing of Bob.
I will always remember Bob as an almost bigger than life person as when he was focused on issues he was all in. He was instrumental as a leader in getting DU back on campus in the mid 70's.
It was great to reconnect with him a couple of years ago at the fall SU crew alumni event. It had many years since I had seen him. We had a nice visit.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Walter MacVittie
K
Karen Bobrow posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Kim and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was always so warm and entertaining. May he live on forever in your hearts and memories and in the smiles of your little children.
P
Peter Gaines posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2016
My condolences for Melinda and the family. I knew Bob mostly through his association with Delta Upsilon. I was glad to be able to catch up with him a couple of years ago at a rowing function. Bob had a presence that could instantly transform a room. His great smile, his wonderful perspective on life's experiences and his brotherhood will be missed. He had a positive impact on many lives.
C
Chris Weiler posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2016
Truly shocked and saddened for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
L
Leo G.A. Fuller posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2016
Brother Robert "Bob" Portmess was a magnificent human being. He was my Physics Lab partner Freshman year at SU. We would get together and study at my suite at the old Sherbrooke Hall @ SU. There he met and befriended my suite-mates Clifford Seymour, Richard Travis, and Charlie Lynch. Bob was a hit with the guys, and when it was announced that he was coming over to study, his visit became a serious "event". Because Bob was such an amazing person, when he announced that he was leading the charge to recolonize Delta Upsilon Fraternity, we were all "in". To a man we knew that anything that "Portmess" was getting involved with, had to be great.
Bob was a super brother and natural leader. We loved this guy for his decency, his honesty, his caring, and his extreme devotion to the brotherhood of DU.
God Bless Bob's surviving precious wife of 40 years, and wonderful family.
Bob, I am so sorry that you left us too early. You definitely made an impression on so many DU brothers that will miss you very much.
S
Sandy Nelepovitz posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2016
I am so sad to hear of Bob's passing. I worked with Bob at MFC for several years. He was a fierce leader and he cared deeply about the business and the employees. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as your bear this great loss.
S
Scott Winkelman, Pres. CNY-GCSA posted a condolence
Monday, April 18, 2016
Many of us in the golf industry have passion for our work; but Bob took it to a higher, deeper level. His passion, knowledge & perspective was to improve the planet as well. He saw the big picture. He was doing noble stuff. The industry has lost a good man. I imagine he loved & cherished his family with a big heart as well. Condolence to family from the 180 members of CNY-GCSA who all respected & enjoyed Bob greatly.
Kevin Cassidy posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Melinda,Kim and Jess:
My condolences to each of you on your loss. Back in 2008 I was informed that going forward.....I would be working closely with someone from Cornell University re: their IPM program, that someone turned out to be Bob. We eventually met at Bethpage State Park and from that day forward....I felt like I was interacting with someone I'd known forever. That's the way Bob made you feel and all of us that felt that way....were the luckier for it. Working as closely as I did with Bob - I am certainly going to miss his knowledge, insight, and passion when it comes to providing the best playing conditions possible while protecting the environment. Bob has clearly left his mark on the golf industry, golf within NYS Parks and more specifically with me. I'm going to miss talking with Bob, seeing Bob, traveling with Bob, and most importantly.......I'm going to miss " my friend Bob ". RIP Pal. Kev
L
Louise Lutz & Joe Zader posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
We are so very sorry for your loss. We will pray for you and your family at this difficult time. Please - if we can do anything for you, let us know. Our phone # is 696-8418.
T
Tyler McGonigal posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
I have known Bob for a few years now and I want to make sure to send our thoughts representing NYS Parks, specifically Rockland Lake Golf. Bob was certainly a spearhead. I personally and we (as a park agency) worked with Bob heavily with IPM and reduced chemical use on golf courses. To say he was passionate about what he worked on is a complete understatement. I will miss arguing with him over turf needs for the rest of my life. His loss hit me closer to my heart than the loss of some of my family members. I mean that as the highest compliment I can give. He knew how to get the best out of me by questioning my management and ideas. At first it was an arguement, and after a few days I knew I had to try his idea as well. The best coaches, consultants, teachers, and friends are the ones who help make each other better regardless of the path of how to get there. Some of his latest statistics for NYS Golf were his most impressive work to me and it revitalized my interest in our Park IPM projects. His personality and work will be greatly missed.
C
Charlie and Nancy Dalley posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Melinda - Our hearts go out you and the girls. Bob was such an awesome individual and neighbor. He was always great to the boys when they were going up. We will miss him and the great smile he always had when he was having fun.
H
Hanna & Rick Nye posted a condolence
Sunday, April 17, 2016
We're so saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He had such a big cheerful personality that will certainly be missed here on the lake. To Melinda and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.
R
Rocky Naples posted a condolence
Saturday, April 16, 2016
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob's passing. I worked for Bob @ MFC many years ago and he was a good friend and family man and he will be missed.
G
Green Lakes State Park posted a condolence
Friday, April 15, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Bob's family and other friends. We will miss you.
From all your friends at Green Lakes State Park
C
Carl Germain posted a condolence
Thursday, April 14, 2016
My sincere condolences to Melinda and family. Bob was an Everest of a man and an outstanding person. He made positive vibes wherever he went. Bob has passed way too early. May you find peace in the many memories you have. God bless you.
i
The family of Robert E. Portmess uploaded a photo
Thursday, April 14, 2016
/tribute-images/777/Ultra/Robert-Portmess.jpeg
Please wait
J
Jeffrey Seeman, CGCS posted a condolence
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Bob was a great contribution to every superintendent in New York, and was always ready with professional help and guidance. I shall miss him, think of him often, and convey my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
L
Larry Specchio posted a condolence
Thursday, April 14, 2016
To the Portmess Family: please accept our condolences from all of us at Chenango Valley State Park Golf Course, Bob's work to reduce chemical use and passion for protecting the environment and golf course maintnenance will impact those of us who worked with him for years to come, I looked forward to his visits and always loved to pick his brain for ideas, gonna miss you my friend, god speed.
C
Coach Bill Sanford posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Bob had several positive experiences in his life because of his involvement with rowing. First and foremost, he met his wonderful wife when she was on the women's rowing team at SU. Also,Bob was a part of SU crew during the most exciting era in rowing history at SU. Bob made lifelong friends as he continued his Masters rowing career. All of theses things I believe added to his life that evolved around his family and work. I do not know where Bob was spiritually, but I do know this. If he chose God to be his coxswain thru life, he is looking down on all of us from the pearly gates with a smile on his face. Coach Bill
S
Sally and Tom Tomb posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Bob was very much loved by all the Hilf and extended Hilf family. There's another vacant seat of honor at the picnic table. He was a "man mountain" in all ways and his presence will be missed but never forgotten.
Love hugs to Linnie, Kimmie and Jess. ❤️
Sal and Tom
n
nyla hilfinger posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Bob you will be missed by our family. You were always friendly and kind.
You dearly loved your grandchildren but you were nice to our grandchildren.
You were know for while as BBQ Bob only because you fell in the fire.
My husband enjoyed golf with you.
Prayers for your family. Love, Nyla Hilfinger
About Us:
The Fuller Funeral Home is dedicated to providing services to the families of Canandaigua with care and compassion.
For over 30 years the Canandaigua community has trusted Fuller Funeral Home with helping them plan the celebrations of lives lived.
Our Location:
Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.
190 Buffalo Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
(585) 394-2220