Robert F. Ferland

Robert “Bob” F. Ferland, 82, of Bristol, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2011 at Bristol Hospital. Born in Fairfield, ME on September 6, 1928, Bob is the son of the late Lester and Gertrude (O’Leary) Ferland. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 36 years, Carol (Blair) Ferland, his children Trudy Ferland and her husband Royce Sposato of Pittsfield, ME; Karen Cookish of Harwinton and Scott Ferland and his partner Daniel Watrous of Manchester. He leaves behind nine grandchildren, one great grandson, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends, especially his best buddy, Bob (#2) Leone. He is predeceased by his first wife Evangeline (Pelletier) Ferland, his son Brian R. Ferland, four sisters and four brothers. Bob was a veteran of two wars, serving in the Navy during WWII and in the Army for the Korean Conflict. After being employed for 19 years at Chandler Evans, Bob purchased and operated Chef’s Restaurant in Plymouth, CT. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed working in several area pro shops, including Crestbrook Golf Course in Watertown. Bob inspired those around him with the grace, strength and humor with which he faced life’s challenges. He was deeply devoted to his wife and family, and enriched his life with his friends and a variety of interests. He embraced new technology from early home computers to the Internet and most recently, his Kindle. With little formal education, Bob was a self-taught man; there was no task he wouldn’t take on and master. With a competitive spirit, Bob was an avid golfer, bowler and cribbage player. He spent much of his retirement at the Bristol Senior Center organizing and playing in pool tournaments. An accomplished woodworker, he found joy building fine furniture for family and friends. Bob was always grateful for the wonderful care and comfort he received from the staff at Bristol Hospital, Walgreens IV Care, and Bristol Home and Hospice Care, especially his nurses, Maria and Jackie. Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at 1:00 pm on August 27, 2011 at the First Congregational Church of Plymouth, 10 Park Street, Plymouth, CT. Burial will be private. Memorial donations may be made in loving memory of Bob to Hospice of Bristol Hospital, 222 Main St., PO Box 977 Bristol, CT 06010. For online tributes and condolences visit www.swanfh.com.