Robert Wilson Sr.

WESTBROOK — Robert “Bob” D. Wilson Sr., 71, died on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, with his family at his side.

He was born in Portland on March 14, 1942, the son of Lester and Albertina (Heward) Wilson. Bob was a 1960 graduate of Westbrook High School, where he was a band member when Westbrook marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade the first time. He was also a member of the Andrew Sabres Drum and Bugle Corp.

After high school, he attended Berwick Academy before going to college in Vermont. He proudly served his country in the Coast Guard Reserve.

Prior to his retirement, he was co-owner of Les Wilson and Sons. Bob was a lifelong active member of the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church. He had been moderator and a trustee for the church, which was of great importance to him and his family.

Always a giving person, Bob was involved with many clubs and organizations. He was a President of the Westbrook Kiwanis Club, one of the founders of the Stroke Support Group of Greater Portland, a member of the Maine Handicapped Skiing organization, founding president of the Sahara Club in Portland, and had been a Cub Scout pack leader for the Boy Scouts of America.

Over the years, Bob loved traveling and photographing the wonders of the world. Because he thought of himself as physically challenged and never thought of himself as handicapped, Bob took great joy in being able to say he’d walked on the Great Wall of China. He also enjoyed reading, music, and anything to do with nature. He took pride in having seen the view from the top of Mt. Katadhin many times, and had been avid about white water canoeing, skiing, snowmobiling, Hobie Cat sailing, and camping with his family prior to his stroke in 1985.

Bob loved animals, and his home was never without a pet. He looked forward to his monthly high school luncheons, which he attended whenever possible. He truly cherished his family and friends, and will be remembered as a generous and positive person who always cared for others.

Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia (Elwell) Wilson; a son, Rob Wilson Jr. of North Baldwin; a daughter, Kathy Wilson Burkhart of Fairfield; two granddaughters; a brother, Ronald Wilson; a nephew; and several very dear cousins. He is also survived by his “second mother,” Emma Estes.

A period of visitation was held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, March 10, at the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main Street, Westbrook, where his funeral service was held at 11 a.m. the same day. Burial was at 1:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Stroudwater Street, Westbrook. Arrangements are by the Dolby Funeral Chapel, 434 River Road, Windham. Notes of condolences may be left at www.dolbyfuneralchapels.com.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to: The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the Westbrook Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main St., Westbrook, ME 04092.