Robert Kemp Jr. ’72

Robert Kemp 1950-2016

Robert “Butch” Lowber Kemp Jr., passed away peacefully at the Anchorage Farm in Easton, MD. “Captain” Butch, as his friends called him, loved all things to do with sailing. He sailed the waters around the globe including the Caribbean Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Baltic Sea and crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 18 days and 18 hours. Butch was also a storyteller and loved sharing his sailing escapades, travels to Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, India and Turkey, motorcycling across Morocco and his love of the Eastern Shore. 

Robert “Butch” Lowber Kemp Jr., an avid sailor and vivid storyteller, died Aug. 4, 2016, in Easton, Md. He was 66.

“Captain” Butch was well-known for his love of sailing, classic boats, sea lore, and old-school navigation. He sailed waters around the globe, from his home port of the Miles River to crossing the Atlantic Ocean in 18 days and 18 hours.

He readily shared his knowledge of seamanship. This knowledge along with his patience and laughter exemplified his teaching ability.

Butch was also a storyteller. Either on the front porch of his self built house or in the cockpit of his boat, enjoying a drink, he would entertain and teach, sharing his sailing escapades, travels to Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, India and Turkey, motorcycling across Morocco, and his love of the Eastern Shore. His collection of global garments and hats made an appearance quite frequently.

In the last two years of his life, Butch heroically fought glioblastoma, undergoing four brain surgeries, experimental treatments, and radiation. He faced this challenge head on, determined to live every day to the fullest, setting an incredible example for his family and friends. Butch was an inspiration to everyone that knew him and his positive attitude and humor were contagious.

He loved his family and was very intentional. He loved people and had a wide variety of friends from all walks of life who became extended family. He had overwhelming generosity. He was always there for his family and friends and would do anything to help them. He will be remembered for his unique attitude, calmness, power through gentleness, and love of life. He will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 10 a.m. at the Third Haven Meeting House, Easton, MD. We invite his friends and family to celebrate this wonderful man.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 North Talbot St., St. Michaels, MD 21663. cbmm.org