PORTSMOUTH- Robert "Bob" Bearegard Hanbury, 77, owner of Special Events in Portsmouth, Virginia died peacefully on March 25, 2020 after a brief illness.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon B. and Pearl W. Hanbury.

Bob leaves cherished memories to his brother Glenn A. Hanbury, Sr. (Belinda) and sister Karen H. Williford (Mike); nephews Glenn A. Hanbury (Judy) and Michael R. Williford (Kristy); nieces Mendy H. Stimmell (Tim) and Kristy W. Johnson (Nick); grandnieces and nephews Alexa, Elaina, Eli, Wyatt, Savannah, Carter, and Jasiah; his extended family Mike Fitzwater (Shelly), Grady, Graham, Ella, Andrew, and Mary; and numerous family and friends.

Bob was born in Norfolk, VA on September 23, 1942.  He grew up in Portlock and attended Oscar F. Smith High School.

After many years of selling everything from cookies, brass, and boats, Bob started his career as a business owner by opening Pro-Putt Mini Golf in 1981.  He revived the rundown mini golf and made it into a family-friendly place.  In 1982, he started Alpine Ski Rentals, which eventually became Alpine Ski Tours and Rentals.  Over the years, Bob grew Alpine into one of the largest ski brokers on the east coast.

In 1988, he created Special Events Virginia with the purchase of two bounce houses and a popcorn machine.  Over the years, Special Events grew into a full-service event rental company, assisting thousands with events, festivals, weddings and more.  Bob's passion was always customer service and giving the customers more than they expected.  Bob was especially proud when the company he founded was chosen as Portsmouth's Small Business of the Year in 2019.

Besides business, Bob enjoyed two additional pursuits: travel and cars.  He enjoyed sailing trips to the Caribbean, trips to Europe, Japan, and many spring-break trips with the Fitzwaters.  At the time of his illness, he had plans for a Christmas trip to New York City with his sister, a singles cruise, and a Panama Canal cruise in 2020.  Bob's love of cars was enhanced by his membership in the Tidewater Region AACA.  As usual, Bob got involved with the club by hosting movie nights and helping at car club events.  In 2019, he was named the club's Sparkplug Man of the Year for his efforts.  In his time spent at car shows, dinners, and car auctions, he quickly made many great friends whom he cherished.

Bob enjoyed listening to Jimmy Buffett and attended many of his concerts.  He also enjoyed Jazz Music and liked to go to New Orleans for their Jazz Concerts.

Bob's life and work helped people enjoy their lives more through fun experiences, ski vacations, and celebrations.  Everything he touched was made better by his presence.  He was an original, and he will be missed.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff from Intrepid Hospice and The Harmony at Oakbrooke.  A special "thank you" to Floyd Jolley and Mike Fitzwater: your countless hours were so valuable to Bob and his family.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name.  Some organizations he felt strongly about were: St. Jude Children's Hospital, Towne Bank Foundation, Roc Solid Foundation, and Operation Smile.  Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.