PRESQUE ISLE – Dr. Robert “Bob” Somerville, 93, passed away peacefully March 21, 2006, at his home, of natural causes. He was a loving husband, father, brother and son. Dr. Bob was born March 10, 1913, in Bristol, N.B., Canada. His parents, George W. Somerville and Bessie Hunter Somerville and seven brothers and sisters predeceased him. He graduated from McGill University in Montreal and moved to Maine in 1939. Bob became an American citizen and opened his medical practice on Main Street and practiced at Presque Isle General Hospital, later known as A R Gould Memorial Hospital. This was a time when doctors made house calls and traveled through any kind of weather to care for their patients. He retired at age 72. He was a member of many professional organizations and was a long-standing member of Anah Temple Shrine. He married Elizabeth “Patty” Cliff in 1941; she passed away in 1959. They had three children, Robert B. Somerville Jr., who resides with his wife, Joyce in Springfield Mo. They have two children, Robert and Allison; Richard A. Somerville resides with his wife, Libby in Carmel. Richard has two children, Jessica and Angela; Susan U. Somerville resides in Mukilteo Wash. and has two children, Andrew and Meaghan. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. In 1961, he married Audrey Thompson Burke who has two daughters, Cynthia Burke Stein and Elizabeth Burke; they reside in New York City. Cynthia has two children, Gideon and Phoebe. Bob always enjoyed his life and loved his work. He long treasured his camp at Portage Lake and would enjoy spending time there whenever he could. He enjoyed tinkering in his workshop as well as boating, hunting and snowmobiling. He enjoyed traveling and spent time in many wonderful places. A few years ago Bob and Audrey moved to Leisure Village Assisted Living where they continued to enjoy a quiet life together. It would be rare to see Dr. Bob without a big smile on his face, and he always had a kind word for all with whom he came in contact. He was admired and loved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed. Safe journey Doc Somerville; we love you and will miss you. A memorial service will be held in the summer. Information will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Crippled Children’s Hospital, PO Box 735, Bangor ME 04401. Arrangements in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, 04769.
DR. ROBERT B. SOMERVILLE
