CONCORD TWP - Robert "Bob" L. Perkins, 85, husband of Elaine (Hewett) Perkins, died peacefully and comfortably on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital, surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Kingfield on March 21, 1939, the son of Randolph and Barbara (Kirkwood) Perkins. Bob was the oldest of seven children. He grew up in Kingfield and North Anson. Bob graduated from Anson Academy. He went on to Farmington State Teachers College and graduated in 1962, with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Bob began teaching in North New Portland. He also taught in North Anson, was a Curriculum Coordinator in Bingham, and finished his career as a 5th-grade teacher in Madison. While teaching he earned his Master's degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from the University of Maine. Bob loved his work with kids, enjoying their laughter and being a practical jokester. He was an active girls' basketball coach in North Anson where several teams earned trophies. Bob was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, skiing, snowmachining, boating, and 4-wheeling. Bob liked watching professional sports, including the Red Sox, but his favorite was watching the New England Patriots. Bob cherished his family connections. Growing up, he loved playing cowboys with Gary. He made great memories with Judy at the Happy Horseshoe Campground. Bob expressed happiness about his joyful visit with his youngest sister, Jilly, the day before he passed. He had fun shooting hoops with Greg over the years and enjoyed playing chess with Peter. Bob and Elaine prioritized time with extended family, especially during the holidays. People came to them and were always greeted by warm hugs, ear-to-ear smiles, kitchen cooking, craft projects, and various outdoor adventures. At other times, Bob and Elaine traveled to visit others. Many of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews have fond memories of singing songs together, telling great tales, shooting a great game of tabletop pool, or playing red light, green light with Uncle Bob. Ever the enthusiast, Bob offered lots of encouragement to his wife, Elaine, in her creation, promotion, and success with her business, Our Dolls. Bob supported the growth of the business using his cheery disposition and unwavering pride in Elaine's creations and work. Bob enjoyed traveling up and down the East Coast to assist in the various miniature trade shows they regularly attended. Bob and Elaine saw many wonderful sights this way and met lifelong friends in the doll business. Always considerate, Bob also made room for his mother-in-law's contributions and consistent travel companionship, within their business adventures. Bob and Elaine spent their adult lives lovingly embracing a very fond connection with Doreen, and her daughter, Elita Morrill, their chosen daughter, and granddaughter. They enjoyed many adventures together, particularly camping and making time to play board games. Bob always tried his hardest to skunk Doreen in cribbage whenever they played together (though much to his dismay, Doreen was usually the one who was skunking him!). Elita fondly remembers the many hours Grandpa enjoyed entertaining her with his drawings of special hunting maps, which were later used to guide their fun treks in the woods, as they searched along for hidden treasures. Bob and Elaine thoroughly enjoyed riding to the coast each summer. They would make the trip with their close family friends, Dawn, and Doreen. They all loved eating freshly boiled Maine lobster, cooked seaside with steamers, perusing the local artisan shops, and collecting beach treasures. Bob was a very active member of the New Portland Lions Club. He served as an officer for the organization for several years, including assuming the role of the Presidency. Bob enjoyed supporting his community and giving back. He loved hosting club suppers as a way to gather kindred spirits. One of his favorite annual activities was the North New Portland Fair. Bob organized and led the craft building. During the fair, Bob especially loved watching the bicycle giveaways, seeing the pig scramble, and cheering on the crowds participating in the annual George Beane Lumberjack Competition events, organized by his brother, Greg. Bob is survived by his wife, Elaine, chosen daughter Doreen (of Bingham), and granddaughter Elita (of Texas). Bob's living siblings include Gary, Greg, Judy, Jill, and Peter. He was predeceased by his biological and stepparents, as well as his brother, David. Bob is also survived by cherished marital sisters/brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even a few great-greats. Bob's family wishes to thank Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital physicians (particularly Dr. Jacob Marceau, DO), nurses, respiratory therapists (particularly Tabitha), physical and occupational therapists, social workers, nutrition workers, and all other employees, who offered exceptional, high-quality care during his recent hospital stays. Additionally, the family would like to recognize their local ambulance crew and Home Care workers (particularly social worker, Michelle) for their swift responsiveness and the depth of care they also provided. Especially given the allergies and fragrance sensitivities, and in place of flowers, please consider donating, in memory of Robert "Bob" L. Perkins, to Redington-Fairview Memorial Hospital (46 Fairview Ave., Skowhegan, ME, 04976), to support the incredible and amazing work of the staff or to Maine General Home Care & Hospice (PO Box 828, Waterville, ME 04903-0828) to enhance service delivery options for families living in rural areas. There will be a committal service, at East New Portland Cemetery, on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. Please dress for the expected weather. This will be followed by a Memories and Celebration Reception, at 1:00 p.m., at the Embden Community Center.