ROBERT KENNETH DARLING

DOVER-FOXCROFT – Robert Kenneth Darling, 59, passed peacefully into the arms of God early Saturday morning, Aug. 2, 2008, at his home, surrounded by the love of his wife and little dog, “Rosie,” after suffering a long illness. Bob was born Sept. 29, 1948, in Attleboro, Mass. He graduated from King Philips Regional High School in 1966 and from Roger Williams College. He is survived by his loving and loyal wife, Doris C. (Desclos) Darling; brother, Herbert Darling; Aunt Ruth Higginbotham, Aunt Doris Darling, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Hamilton Darling; and his mother, Juliet Constance (LaCasse) Darling. Bob retired recently from almost 15 years of service with the Maine Department of Labor, having worked in the CareerCenters in Skowhegan and Dover-Foxcroft, as a CareerCenter Consultant. He loved working with employers and the public, and especially loved running the Summer Youth Program out of the Skowhegan CareerCenter. His co-workers enjoyed his “can do” attitude and his dry wit. Bob was an avid and passionate member of the Kiwanis Club of Dover-Foxcroft since 1999 and he served as president in 2003-2004. He was also on the board of directors. He was a Foundation Friend of the Kiwanis Foundation of New England and a George F. Hixson Fellow of the International Foundation. He served as chairman of the Piscataquis River Canoe Race and the most recent Christmas Project. Bob was always there when the Kiwanis Club had work to do, with tools and talent ready to work. Bob’s other passion in life was Scouting. He had been involved in the Boy Scouts of America since 1969, having served many years as Scoutmaster in Massachusetts and Dover-Foxcroft. He attended several National Jamborees as a staff member and trekked to the Philmont Scout Ranch with his Scouts several times. In recent years he was on the Scout Committee in Dover-Foxcroft. Bob was on the Executive Committee of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council. Bob was a man of many hats and a master woodworker. He died in the home he had designed and built. He grew up in Plainville, Mass., and spent a lot of time at the summer home in Lakeville. Before moving to Maine, he lived on Cape Cod, Mass., in the town of Dennis. Bob’s life was a life full of service and he was active in many civic endeavors. Visiting hours will be 2-3 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, and 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, until time of memorial service 11 a.m. at Lary Funeral Home. A reception will be held after at the American Legion Hall, Park Street, Dover-Foxcroft. In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Kiwanis Club of Dover-Foxcroft, Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 615, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 or to the charity of your choice. Please visit www.laryfuneralhome.com to sign the guest book. Lary Funeral Home, 62 Summer St., Dover-Foxcroft is in charge of arrangements.