Robert L. "Bob" Webb

Robert L. Webb, “Bob,” of Westford, Massachusetts, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, generous friend, warmly respected colleague, passionate fisherman, prolific gardener, unrelenting golfer, always curious explorer and connoisseur of fine sipping rum passed away peacefully at home on Sunday evening November 20, 2022, after enduring a prolonged battle with cancer. Sadly carrying on without him, yet glad he is at peace, are his wife Margaret, his children Sarah, Nathan, and Rebecca, his grandchildren Taylor, Aidan, Clara, and Claudia, his sons-in-law Terry and Jeffrey, and son Nathan’s fiancée, Jessica.

Born on July 17, 1947, in New Mexico, at age 6 he moved with his family to a farm in Goodman, Missouri. Bob worked the farm with his brother and parents throughout high school and was a member of the basketball team that won the state championship in 1964 – later he became an avid Boston Celtics Fan. He went on to the U.S. Air Force Academy, during which “fencing became my life.” He then attended a master’s degree program at Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University.

In 1973, with two friends, he started the business to which he would devote his entire professional life. Webb and Company became Catalog Ventures, Inc. and later Potpourri Group. Bob was highly respected in the direct marketing field. He received the Legacy Award of the American Catalog Marketing Association. Many business associates became life-long friends. 

In January 1980, Bob met Margaret Kernan. They fell in love and married in September 1981 and eventually built their life in the Westford community. Bob had space for a large garden that kept him connected to the earth. His children and their friends joined in the chores and developed the same love as Bob’s for the natural world and well-executed plans. One of the things that Bob was most proud of was his involvement with the restoration of Meadowbrook Farm in Westford. It was his love and a passion. 

Every autumn you would find Bob and his loved ones on Martha’s Vineyard chasing fish and hoping for the big one to weigh in at the annual Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Bob approached life fearlessly, often with a fishing rod in hand, a twinkle in his eye and always looking for the next adventure. He was brilliant, witty and sometimes uncompromising. He will be dearly missed. 

A private green burial was held and per Bob’s wishes a Pig Roast in celebration of his life will be held when weather permits Summer of 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Westford Food Pantry, 20 Pleasant St., Westford, MA 01886.