JOHN F. "HAMMY" HIRBOUR - RIP

From the first grade at St. Joseph School North Brookfield, "Hirbour" was my friend! Forty years ago John and I, as a fledging antique dealer and silver coin entrepreneur, my friendship with "Johnny" grew as John was a Certified Public Accountant, working for McArthy and Hargreave in Worcester.

John married later in life to LIZ who passed away last year at age 88. Her obituary can be found as she died in Vermont.

John Hirbour wrote in my NBHS yearbook "Always be a little near!" This quote may have been from Shakespeare?

As the silver coin frenzy exploded in 1979, "Hammy" played an integral part in my day to day trading activities. He helped Bev and I count coins to be delivered to Delgreco in Weymouth 4 days a week! John truly was "a little near, too!"

We used to travel around New England looking for antique clocks. One time I bought a Connecticut Paw Foot beauty for $800. When I brought it home John wistfully added a 1 to the price tag.

John was compatriot with Lewis Ikey, the world's best negotiator. He would browbeat you until you gave in!

My friend and Liz moved to Hardwick before relocating to Cape Cod. I continued to visit John and wife until he sold his home. The I lost contact with Mr. Mrs. Hirbour.

John once described his size as "Jumbo!" LOL. He wore it well.

Now I say goodbye to a very important, decent, honorable, intelligent "brother." John ended up being an antique dealer, too, while living on The Cape!

P.S. not knowing of his fate, I now say goodbye forever!

ROBERT L. POTVIN


N ORTH Brookfield  Our hometown.