Bob Merrill

Robert Lee Merrill, 67
Robert Lee Merrill, 67, of Cumberland, passed away on April 7, 2016, after a long battle with mantle cell lymphoma. He was born on Aug. 6, 1948, in Weymouth, Mass., to the late Franklin and Alice (Vance) Merrill.

Growing up in Portland, one of Bob's favorite places was Chebeague Island at his parents' summer home. He worked at the Chebeague Island Boatyard and created many lifelong friendships there. Bob graduated from Deering High School in 1968. After graduation, he met and married his wife of 44 years, Kathy Allen. He then worked for various contractors helping to build homes and local historical sites such as The Old Orchard Pier, DiMillo's Floating Marina, Spring Point Light Marina and The Songo River Queen. In 1984, he started working for MSAD #51 in Cumberland, where he wore many hats throughout his career with the maintenance department before retiring in 2014.

In his younger years, he enjoyed working on cars with his best friend Terry Wright, and drag racing his 1968 Firebird at Oxford Plains Dragway. In 1972, Bob and Kathy had their daughter Tammy, and enjoyed riding on the motorcycle, attending races at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, and enjoying his beloved boat, "Bobby's Girl."

He is survived by his wife Kathy, his daughter Tammy and her husband Jason, his sister Pamela and her husband Lawson Doughty, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

There are many wonderful stories to share about Bob, so please join us for a Celebration of Life on Sunday, April 17, at The West Cumberland United Methodist Church Hall from 1-4 p.m.