Waterville-Robert D. Kivlin, 87, of Shawmut, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on Tuesday, December 17th with his family surrounding him. He was born November 18, 1926, to Bartholomew and Josephine (Kunkel) Kivlin. Robert was one of seven children born and raised in Dedham, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth Barrett on September 29, 1956. They lived in Oakland, Maine for many years where they raised their five children.
He joined the Navy Seabees in 1944 after graduating from Hyde Park High School in Massachusetts. Robert served his country for over 24 years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He retired from the U. S. Navy Reserves as Master Chief Petty Officer.
Robert was an avid reader throughout his life. He particularly liked to read factual nautical books. He talked about loving “just about anything that floats”. His favorite vessel, however, was a schooner. In the mid 1980’s Robert and his wife Elizabeth moved to Boothbay Harbor where he worked at Samples Shipyard. After retirement, he worked part-time as a member of the crew on the schooners Appledore and East Wind; both on-board the boats and selling cruise tickets in the ticket booth.
It is difficult to sum up the life of a man who was so talented, loved, and respected. He was very resourceful, creative, and hardworking. He was an honorable man who was dedicated to his family and had a strong sense of commitment in everything that he did. Robert always had a great attitude towards life no matter the situation.
He is survived by his five loving children, daughter, Catherine (Kivlin) Ladd of Oakland, daughter, Theresa (Kivlin) Gogan and her husband Steven of Shawmut, daughter, Barbara Kivlin Miles of Lisbon Falls, son, David Kivlin and his wife Laurie of Madison, son, Michael Kivlin of Scarborough; much loved grandchildren, Jason Gogan and his wife Emily of Waterville, Jessica Gogan Edwards and her husband Tim of Vassalboro, Erin Lee and her husband Gary of Fairfield, Caitlin Ladd of Oakland, Ian Ladd of Oakland, Nichole Grimanis of Farmington, Kayla Kivlin Breault and her husband Mitch of Madison; thirteen cherished great grandchildren, Abby, Katie, Gavin, Jasmine, Caleb, Timietheus, Amiyah, Ezekiel, Dylan, Micheal, Alex, Logan, Amelia; and one sister, Jean Kivlin of Dedham, Massachusetts. As a great grandfather he would be tickled to know that the newest addition to the family, Catarina, arrived just a day and a half after his departure bringing his mourning family a new member to embrace and love.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth of 54 years in September 2010, two son-in-laws, Steven “Bear” Miles in March 2009 and Jonathan Ladd in April 1995, and five siblings Marjorie, Doris, Paul, Joseph, and Mary.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to those who helped take care of Robert during the challenging times. We would particularly like to express our thanks to Dr. Alan Barker of Boothbay Harbor, who gave above and beyond with his time, patience, and support. For several years we continued the long travel to Boothbay Harbor for medical appointments fearing that we would never find anyone local that could follow in Dr. Barker’s footsteps. We were blessed; however, to find Dr. Roland Knausenberger of Waterville, who had the same compassion and understanding. Others who were of special help to Robert and his family during the final difficult years were staff of Mainely Eldercare, especially Chelsea, other caregivers Jessica Edwards, Linda Johnson, Bev Taylor and in his final months some very caring nurses and CNA’s at Lakewood in Waterville. It was a great comfort to see such compassionate care given to Robert in the final months and days of his life’s journey.
Visitation will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Fairfield United Methodist Church, 37 Skowhegan Road (Rt. 201) in Fairfield. It will be followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. and a reception downstairs in the fellowship hall in Robert’s honor immediately after. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakewood Continuing Care, Moonlight Bay Resident Summer Cottage Trip, Attention Vicki Dyer, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901.
Family and friends are invited to visit www.mem.com to pay tribute to Robert’s life, a service of The Fortin Group, Veilleux’s Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street in Waterville; (207) 872-7676; www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5