Obituary of Robert A. Carrigg

Robert A. “Rob” Carrigg passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at the age of 46. He was best friend and soulmate to his loving husband Robert (Bob) Sutherlin. Rob was born in Woburn. He was raised and educated in Burlington, and he was a 1989 graduate of Burlington High School. After graduation Rob went on to have a successful career in the banking industry. He met his future husband Bob for the first time in Provincetown when both happened to be visiting for the weekend. They dated for 17 years before marrying on October 24, 2010. Rob and Bob had the ultimate wedding in Amsterdam, which was one of their favorite destinations, with many of their family and close friends attending. Rob and Bob enjoyed traveling together and they visited England, Prague, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, and Chicago in addition to many other destinations, creating many happy memories. Rob and Bob had a wonderful life together, filling their days with joy, happiness and unconditional love. Rob was always immensely grateful for the passage of marriage equality and he loved the concept of matrimony. Rob was the quintessential husband always working in concert with Bob to make each day better than the last. The day before his life was cut short, Bob and Rob spent the day together with their dog Calvin cooking, laughing, and loving. This is what Rob considered his perfect day and Calvin and Bob were benefactors to his spin on life each and every day. Throughout his life Rob was an avid aviation enthusiast. He enjoyed visiting Castle Island on a sunny summer afternoon with Bob and Calvin to watch the planes take off and land. Bob was always amazed that Rob could identify a certain type of plane, sometimes based on the sound of the engines. His most cherished plane was always the 747, “The Queen of the Skies.” Rob enjoyed watching black and white movies, dining out, travel, dancing, classic Studio 54 music and the Divas of the era, along with spending time with friends and family. He was a devoted and fun uncle. Rob had great taste and an excellent sense of style -- a true “Fashionista” with a flare of his own. An important part of Rob’s life was Calvin, his West Highland White Terrier. Calvin was his world and Rob devoted as much attention to him as he did to his husband, possibly slightly more. Taking second place to their little white bundle of love was never an issue for Bob. Being witness to Rob dispensing unconditional love was a thing of joy for Bob. To see Rob effortlessly bestow his goodness was a true showcase of his innate character and how big his heart truly was. To say that Calvin brought a sense of joy and happiness to Rob and Bob is an understatement. Calvin added to their bond, and in his little way strengthened this family unit to a level often strived for by others. Their family bond was, in effect, ideal. Rob’s hero had always been his mother, Barbara. She had an immense influence on his life and he enjoyed nothing better than calling his Mom after dinner, running upstairs with the phone, and filling the entire house with his giggles. Barbara was always his life as much as Bob was, and his heart and gift of giving was truly instilled in him by this beautiful mother. Rob’s role as a son went beyond the bonds of parent and child and transcended into the realm of friendship. His love for his sisters is beyond question. He admired the woman that his sister Liz grew into, juggling family and a career while keeping her family unit together and happy. Rob had unlimited respect for his sister Stephanie, always admiring her bold hold on life, and spending earlier years with her dancing away their youth, always in admiration of their amazing relationship. Rob was a laid back person with a great sense of humor. He was always the calming factor and the mind of reason when life threw obstacles in the way. He was slow to anger and quick to love. For anyone who ever met Rob they will remember him for his boundless love, energy, smile, dark beautiful eyes, his laugh, and his immense enthusiasm for life. Without explanation, his life ended much too soon and his sudden passing leaves those whose lives he touched with heavy hearts. Rob will be remembered as a loving husband, son, brother, uncle and friend. Rob was the beloved husband of Robert Sutherlin. Loving son of Barbara Carrigg of Burlington and the late Raymond. Devoted brother of Elizabeth Carrigg Haigh & her husband Robert Haigh, Jr. of Burlington and Stephanie Carrigg of Chelsea. Son-in-law of the late Lois V. & James R. Sutherlin. Brother-in-law of James & Elaine Sutherlin of Woburn and the late Jean Marie Prevost. Proud Uncle of Sarah, Caroline & Madeline Haigh and Jiliane & Bryan Sutherlin. Nephew of Helen & Schuble Cook of Dracut, Patricia Carrigg of Tewksbury, William Carrigg of Tewksbury & the late Caroline Beauregard. Cousin of Donna & Rick Falsey of Dracut, Stephen & Kim Hamelin of Dracut and Raymond Carrigg of FL. A visitation will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Wednesday Aug. 31 from 4-7 p.m. Concluding with Funeral Services at 7 p.m. Relatives & friends respectfully invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rob’s name may be made to the M.S.P.C.A., Attn: Donations, 350 Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130.