Veazie
It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Robert Shirley Jr. after his 17-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Robert, aka “Bob, Bub or Bubba,” died peacefully at his home in Veazie on Feb. 26, 2020, at the age of 69 surrounded by his family.
Bob is survived by his wife, Pat Shirley, daughter Jessica and son-in-law Anthony Leblanc, daughter Bobbi-Jo and son-in-law Rick Piffard, and son Adam and daughter-in-law Lauren Shirley, as well as his grandchildren Liam, Emily and Oliver, his sister Susan and brother-in-law Larry Dostie, and his brother Michael Shirley and life partner Carol Leonard. He was predeceased by his mother, Lillian Shirley, father, Robert Shirley Sr., and sister Selma Austin.
He was born in Argyle, graduated from Old Town High in 1969 and then went on to an apprenticeship in carpentry at the University of Maine, Orono. During that time, he was also in the Air National Guard for six years. After getting married in 1977 and starting his family, he worked in various places throughout the country and ultimately established roots in Southwest Harbor. He spent many years working at Hinckley Yacht as a finish carpenter.
He loved music, hiking, fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. In his later years, he loved watching the Patriots with his sister-in-law Jo Mclellan. Bob was hard working, fun-loving and always the jokester. His willingness to help others and his unconditional love was an inspiration to us all. His positivity and zest for life were contagious. He lived by the motto “Play hard until you can’t.”
The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care from Beacon Hospice, esp. J.R. and Lori, and the rest of his medical team in the Bangor area.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Greater Bangor Support Group, c/o the Maine Parkinson’s Society, 146 Parkway South, Brewer, ME 04412.
A celebration of life was held in the community room at 3 Flagg St. in Veazie at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.