Guestbook for Robert Boothby
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January 16, 2024 | Willy MacMullen - Orleans, MA -- USA

To the Boothby Family:

Not knowing your mail address, I write with great sadness at hearing the news of Bob's death. I knew him well at Taft, and I admired his professionalism, work ethic, and caring. As a student I did not know him well, but we overlapped when I became an English teacher in 1983. He was a fixture in the faculty room during the morning break time, part of a group of legendary teachers--many who were colleagues in the history department--who formed a formidable seating at the big table, with coffer (and cigarettes and pipes!). Bob was reserved but friendly, and when we discovered our mutual love of the ocean and boats, we found a unique way to connect. I was a "stinkpotter," a motor boater, but I sailed with my mother in a 13' Beatle Cat, and that made me barely acceptable. I loved his passion and preciseness, and I imagined him a very fine sailor. And as teacher, he was terrific. There was lots of expertise but no ego: he had a quiet, calm, reserved approach (perhaps even a bit shy); and he was just intimidating enough with his seriousness to keep students on their toes. And he cared for them. I often saw him quietly giving extra help in his classroom or office: long, patient one on one hours. His preparation for classes was impeccable; his work ethic (especially in correcting essays) was amazing. He was "old school" in the best sense, a man who served the school with no interest in attention or accolades, but always with dedication. For a young teacher, he was one of those you looked toward, thinking, "That's a man who has done this special work very well for a long time." His is a life to be celebrated and applauded. To the family I extend my condolences. Willy MacMullen