Born on September 19, 1943 in Jersey City, New Jersey, Robert (Bobby) Gourdine celebrated 68 years of life on Earth. He came from a large and loving family, who cherished him. He was the son of Laura and Simon Gourdine and was the youngest of their seven children. In 1970, Bobby entered the Taconic Developmental Center. While there, he enjoyed a happy life and made many friends.  On February 14, 1995, he moved from the Taconic Developmental Center to McCarthy IRA in Dover Plains, NY. Bobby's spirit was magical. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. His friendly personality and well-mannered demeanor endeared him in the hearts of people he met, and made him well loved by all who knew him. He was quite playful and, in his own way, he enjoyed playing harmless pranks on people, which always made them smile.  He was thoughtful, generous and always willing to help others. With his own money, he frequently bought presents for his friends and on his birthday he made sure everyone enjoyed a slice of cake. He was very active in the community. Five days-a-week, he attended the Pawling Day Hab, where he participated in a variety of recreational and community-based activities. Some of his favorite activities were making arts and crafts projects, visiting local museums and attending parties at other Day Hab centers. Bobby was passionate about dancing, listening to music, singing and playing musical instruments. He particularly enjoyed Doo-wop music and, when asked about his singing, he would just break into song. Frequently, Bobby also played video games and watched television and his favorite movies. He liked to walk around town, dine out, and take day trips into New York City. He loved his family and spending time with them during their monthly visits. During those outings, they would take him to his favorite eatery, Four Brothers restaurant. George, the owner of the restaurant loved Bobby like family and always served him his favorite foods just the way he liked it, which made Bobby smile. Of course, those who knew Bobby were quite aware that he was never shy about hiding his love of food. A celebration of Bobby's life would be incomplete without acknowledging his Upstate family, his caregivers. These are the men and women, who loved and watched over him everyday. They were his brothers, sisters, best friends and loudest cheerleaders.  They made sure he was happy, well cared for and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. They described Bobby as a pleasure to be around and some even took time to visit him even after they were no longer working in Bobby's home. After enjoying a peaceful life in Dover Plains, NY, Bobby was called home to rest on February 14, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, William Gourdine. He leaves behind to treasure his memories and celebrate his life: three sisters (Sarah Franklin, Dorothy Sumter and Grace Gourdine), two brothers (Henry and Simon) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. For all who knew and loved him, he made us better people. When in his presence, Bobby reminded us that we all have within us, a little childlike innocence that never fades. That was Bobby's special gift to the world. So, instead of being saddened by his passing, let us use his life as an example, and remember to pause and take a minute to give a smile to the people we love.After enjoying a peaceful life in Dover Plains, NY, Bobby was called home to rest on February 14, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents and eldest brother, William Gourdine. He leaves behind to treasure his memories and celebrate his life: three sisters (Sarah Franklin, Dorothy Sumter and Grace Gourdine), two brothers (Henry and Simon) and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. For all who knew and loved him, he made us better people. When in his presence, Bobby reminded us that we all have within us, a little childlike innocence that never fades. That was Bobby's special gift to the world. So, instead of being saddened by his passing, let us use his life as an example, and remember to pause and take a minute to give a smile to the people we love.