On Sunday, July 19th 2020 Robert (Bob) Edwards died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Bob was born in Skowhegan, Maine on November 4th, 1966. He graduated from Skowhegan Area High School Class of 1985. He attended The University of Southern Maine and started his career as an optician at Metayer Family Eye Care. He then went on to have a career in business working for Ophthalmic Instrument Company for the last 25 years. He married the love of his life, Amy, and always continued to treat their relationship as if it were new, surprising her with flowers, notes on her car, and gifts for no particular reason. The biggest blessing of his life was welcoming his two children Emily and Wyatt with whom Bob had a deep connection that never stopped. Even through their teens, when many children and parents have a complicated relationship, Bob always remained someone they could rely on and confide in. The Edwards’ home became the place where friends would gather because Emily and Wyatt’s friends became a part of his family too, especially Abbey, Hunter, Moses, Mikey, Izzy, Lily, Riley, and many others.
There seems to be a few common threads when people talk about Bob… His gentleness, his humor, his devotion to his community, and the immense pride he had for his wife and children. In his spare time he enjoyed gardening, working on the pool, following New England sports, playing the drums, going to GNG sports events, and spending time laughing with his family. Bob was someone who could add a fact or historical story to any conversation and would answer more questions correctly on trivia shows than the winners, which lead to his family repeatedly telling him to go on Millionaire or Jeopardy.
Bob’s biggest goal in life was to support and love his family in every way possible. When Wyatt showed interest in Cub Scouts, Bob went on to become the Cub Scout Pack Leader for Pack 86. When Wyatt showed interest in basketball, Bob became his 4th grade coach then attended every game throughout Middle School and High School. When Emily showed interest in singing, he invested in voice lessons and attended every performance, making sure to take videos to show to his friends. As his children grew he took on many more roles in the community including becoming the GNG Boosters President when his children were in High School. Bob’s love, pride, and dedication to his family, friends, and community will forever be remembered.
Bob appreciated having such an amazing community surrounding him throughout his illness. He felt blessed by the loving tribute parade that the community threw for him in June. It was so incredibly moving for the entire family when 175 people drove by to show their support.
Bob was someone that made everyone feel special with the way he inquired about their lives and the stories he shared about his. His family will remember him most by his immense capacity for showing people his love.
Bob is survived by his parents Joanne and Laton Edwards, siblings Sue Edwards and David Edwards, with wife Moira Connell,and nieces and nephews Victoria, Alexandra, and Nicholas. By his in-laws Jane and Ken Wallace and sister-in-law Julie Wallace. And by his wife Amy and children Emily and Wyatt.
Due to complications with Covid, a celebration of life will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a small donation to Emily and Wyatt’s college fund or Side by Side, a local non-profit dedicated to helping people in need, we are grateful for their support to our family. The info/addresses for both funds are attached below.
To donate to Emily and Wyatt’s College Fund: Use Zelle and send to bobamye@maine.rr.com
OR
Mail a check addressed to Emily and Wyatt’s College Fund to TD Bank 23 Portland Rd. Gray, ME 04039
To donate to Side By Side Ministry: Mail a check addressed to Side By Side Ministry to 7 Cobb Dr. Gray, ME 04039
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