CANAAN, NH — Robert E. (Martin) Keay, 92, of Canaan, NH, passed away after a courageous battle with Melanoma, on January 30, at Genesis Rehabilitation Center in Hanover, NH. Robert was born on January 17, 1927, in Brookline, MA. His parents were Agnes Keay, and Thomas Martin, both of Lynn, MA. Robert grew up in Lynn, graduating from Lynn English High School, then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After serving his country, Robert spent many years as an aviator, spending time as a flight instructor, crop dust pilot, and ultimately working as a Commercial Airline Pilot, first with Northeast Airlines, then Eastern Airlines. In 1965, Robert was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, and thereafter, practiced law for many years, working on diverse cases ranging from general criminal law to aviation specific projects while employed by the U. S. Air Force. Robert is survived by his four children: James Keay of Raynham, MA; Jessica Soule, of San Tan Valley, AZ; Stephen Keay, of Hampstead, NH; and William Keay, of North Brookfield, MA. Robert is also survived by eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and numerous friends from his beloved, adopted hometown of Canaan, NH. Robert enjoyed traveling, photography, and was an avid history enthusiast, being especially interested in espionage and Civil War history. He most particularly enjoyed visiting Gettysburg, PA, and retracing the footsteps of his favorite general, John Buford.
Family and friends are invited to Robert’s calling hours on Tuesday February 5th from 2 to 4 at the Ricker Funeral Home in Lebanon, NH at 4 pm Robert’s funeral service will begin at the funeral home. His Burial at will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, in Lynn, MA at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made, in Robert’s name, to either The Wounded Warriors Project, or to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center. An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence for Robert’s family by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com