Orrington - Bob passed peacefully in his sleep Sept. 18, 2016, at home with loved ones at his bedside. He was born Feb. 5, 1936, in Arlington, MA and soon the family moved to Brewer, ME. Bob graduated from Brewer High class of 1955. While at BHS he lettered in all sports and was a Parade All American in football. In 2015 he was inducted into the BHS Sports Hall of Fame. Bob went on to the Univ. of Maine and graduated class of 1959. At UMO he excelled in football. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. In his senior year he put football behind him to focus on ROTC and obtained his flying license.
Bob entered the US Army as a 2nd Lt. and became a helicopter pilot, reaching the rank of Major. Bob served 3 years in Vietnam and for a time he served with the 101st Airborne Division. During his time in Vietnam he was awarded many medals including The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart for wounds received in combat, Air Medal with 45 Oak Leaf Clusters. Bob flew over 1,200 missions in Vietnam and was shot down. After 10 days on the ground and moving at night he made it to friendly lines. When not in Vietnam he was a flight instructor and a test pilot at Ft. Rucker, AL, and one of the pilots chosen to test flight the Cobra Helicopter in Yuma, AZ.
After his military service he returned to Maine where he owned and operated Sonny's Italians for several years. He later work at Pottle's Transportation for 15 years before retiring.
His parents predeceased him: Charles and A. Elizabeth Martin Bower. Bob is survived by his wife Melanie, children Robert Bower his wife Yvette, Orrington, ME, Lori Bower-Greene her husband Donnie, Milton FL, and David Bower his partner Maryann Ford, South Portland, ME. Grandchildren: Bria Lafayette, Nicholas and Taylor Bower. Brothers: William Bower his wife Charlotte, Auburn, ME, Charles Bower Cincinnati, OH, Bruce Bower his wife Donette, Pell City, AL. Nieces and nephews, and the mother of his children Linda Albert Bower, Bangor, ME.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Robert's honor to the Brewer Athletic Department 79 Parkway South Brewer, Me 04412.