Burton (Bimm) Mallory Webb II Obituary

Burton Mallory Webb II, known to all as "Bim", died peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, August 20, 2011, with his wife and children by his side after a year-long battle with cancer. Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Bim, 61, lived happily in Free Union for over three decades.He spent every summer in Westhampton Beach, New York, where he fostered his love of the ocean. Bim, leaves behind a strong legacy in his own experience and in his guidance of others. He was always proud of a photograph of him that graced the pages of Time Magazine's article on Woodstock in 1969, and he proudly donned his former hippie garb when attending the event's 40-year anniversary in 2009. A craftsman by trade and perpetual tinkerer by inclination, Bim was also an avid reader, a lover of antiques, and a leftie whose political principles always stayed true to his conscience. A spiritual man, he found strength in his relationship with God and the likeminded community that supported his 20 years of sobriety. Bim's proudest role was as the husband, father, and friend who thrived in the warmth of his family. No one who met Bim was likely to forget him. His humble strength, warm and infectious laugh, rich humor, accommodating honesty, generous spirit, and great fund of knowledge made others seek him out for advice whether they were building a staircase or looking to resolve a real life problem. Bim is survived by his wife Patricia Dowd; and their three children, Sarah, Mallory, and Amelia. Other survivors include his brothers, Peter, of Brookline, New Hampshire, and David, of Ellicott City, Maryland; and his sister, Elizabeth of Manhattan, New York. The family invites friends of Bim to share laughter and tears at 4 p.m. Sunday, August 28, 2011, at their home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to either the Hospice of the Piedmont or a charity of your choice. The family has derived tremendous comfort from the overwhelming support of Bim's friends, neighbors, and colleagues. This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.