Robert James Lind, 32, of Brattleboro, died June 8 at the scene of a motor vehicle accident in Newfane. His fiancée, Mandy Gamache, a passenger in the vehicle, also of Brattleboro, died July 9 at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H. as a result of injuries suffered in the crash.
Born March 21, 1986 in Leominster, Mass., Lind graduated from Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester, Mass., in 2005. He graduated as a member of the National Honor Society and with a record as an outstanding athlete.
He attended Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass., where he majored in psychology. There, he became their first cross-= country athlete to be awarded athlete of the year. Eventually, he transferred to Worcester State College to major in communications and run with the Lancers.
“Rob loved the outdoors and running seemed to rejuvenate his spirit,” his family writes. “Fishing, hiking, camping, boating, and snowshoeing were amongst his activities. Quiet times meant movies, chess and experimental cooking.
“Above and beyond all things, Rob had an infectious smile, a determined spirit, and a pure love of life. He tried to help and share his light with everyone. His dash between the dates was so well lived. What an example.”
Rob Lind fell in love with Mandi Gamache in October of 2017. They were to be married on July 21, 2019, “but instead they left this world within hours of each other to spend all eternity together,” his family writes.
He is survived by his mother, Lisa A. Lind. and his “auntiemom,” Brenda Petersen, both of West Brattleboro; his sister, Shayne Petersen, and her partner, John, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his grandmother, Sandy Boudreau Scott, and her partner, John Merrifield, of Sebago Lake, Maine, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends “who will miss him dearly,” his family writes.
Graveside service and a celebration of Rob Lind's life are being planned and will be made public as soon as they are finalized.
His family implores: “In Rob's memory, please: Live large. Laugh loud. And Love life.
“Godspeed, 'R.J.' Rest in peace knowing you were loved.”