BLUE HILL – Robert Knowles Slaven Sr. died Sept. 30, 2004, in his Blue Hill residence after a long, resolute battle with cancer. He left the fight with his wife and family at his side. Born in Greenwich, Conn., March 28, 1914, Bob Slaven was the son of Ralph E. and Nan (Conway) Slaven. He was of Irish descent, but was proud of deep Maine roots on the Knowles side of his family. His early education was at the Brunswick School in Greenwich. He attended Severn School in Maryland before graduating from George Stevens Academy in Blue Hill. When poor eyesight prevented him from entering the U.S. Naval Academy to which he had an appointment, he shipped as a seaman in the merchant marine, and then enlisted in the pre-war army. Recalled to active duty as World War II approached, he was commissioned in the Signal Corps, went ashore over the Normandy beachhead soon after D-Day, and served in Europe throughout the conflict. Electing to remain in the Army after the hostilities, he served in the Korean War, participating in the Inchon invasion and the Hungnam “amphibious operation in reverse.” He earned five campaign stars for his World War II service and three for the Korean War. He was awarded Bronze Star medals for action under fire in both conflicts. In 1936, Bob married Ruth Saunders of Blue Hill, who survives him. They enjoyed, with their three sons, living in military installations in Japan and Germany as well as in locations in this country. He retired from the Army in 1958 as a major and settled with his family in Blue Hill. He worked in several waterfront-related positions and was active in volunteer organizations. He had been a trustee of George Stevens Academy, a Blue Hill Memorial Hospital board member, and a Blue Hill Historical Society member continuously since its founding in 1968. The Jonathan Fisher Memorial and the Kollegewidgwok Yacht Club recognized his many years of work on their respective boards by awarding honorary life memberships. He was well known as an authority on local history and was a popular speaker on that topic at area events. Major Slaven was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to local and military history, he was an avid sailor, an amateur radio enthusiast, and he built museum quality ship models. A well attended exhibit of his ship and boat models was displayed at the Jonathan Fisher Memorial this summer. In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by his sons, retired Navy captain Robert K. Slaven Jr. and his wife, Linda, of Blue Hill, Michael W. Slaven and Brian W. Slaven, both of Bangor. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Robert K. Slaven III of San Francisco, Kelly Slaven of Orono, Merrill Slaven Brache and husband, Gerry, of Orland, Elizabeth Marsh and husband, Eric, Katherine Hamel and husband, David, and Brian Slaven Jr. and his wife, Kim, all of Bangor. Survivors also include four great-grandchildren who brought him much pleasure in his declining years; an “honorary granddaughter” Cynthia (Griffith) Magner and her family, a great-stepgrand-daughter, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his three siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis A. Slaven, and Mr. and Mrs. Franklyn Alcott of Blue Hill, and Mr. and Mrs. R. Emerson Slaven of New York City. In lieu of flowers the family invites donations in Major Slaven’s name be made to George Stevens Academy, 23 Union Street, Blue Hill, or to Hancock County Homecare and Hospice, P.O. Box 156, Blue Hill. The funeral service will be announced. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 141 South St., Blue Hill.
ROBERT KNOWLES SLAVEN SR.
