CAMBRIDGE – Robert Norman Bunker Sr., 98, the oldest man in Cambridge, died Easter Sunday, March 27, 2005, at his home with his family by his side. He was born Oct. 1, 1906, in Harmony, the son of George and Blanche (Chadbourne) Bunker. “Bob” was educated in Harmony schools and Beals Business College in Bangor. On Dec. 31, 1927, he and Lula Buzzell were married, residing first in Mainstream before settling in Cambridge. In 1935, the former Island House, also known as Valley Inn, became their lifelong home. He owned and operated Bunker’s Garage, previously called Cambridge Garage, from 1932 until his retirement in 1971. An active community citizen, Bob was a 71 year member and past master of Cambridge Masonic Lodge No. 157, treasurer and tax collector for Cambridge, town forest fire warden, an original member of Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department, a registered Maine guide, and a director of Hartland and St. Albans Telephone Company. An avid outdoorsman, Bob enjoyed flying his own plane, camping, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. Good times were shared with friends and family over the years at his hunting camp in Parkman, summer camp at Bunker Avenue on Great Moose Pond, and the Cuddy Lot where he and Lula spent recent summers in their motor home and rode the woods trails on his ATV. Bob’s evening entertainment was Liverpool Rummy played with family, Paul and Barbara Herrick, or other special friends. Bob is survived by his wife of 77 years, Lula; daughter, Marita and her husband, Rodney Farrar, of Ripley; son, Robert N. Bunker Jr. and his wife, Nancy, of Cambridge; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter, Elizabeth “Betty” Folsom; grandson, Douglas Folsom; and daughter-in-law, Sharon Bunker. Visiting hours will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, at Crosby & Neal Funeral Home, 61 Main St., Dexter. A Masonic service will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at the funeral home with Pastor Lois Field officiating. Spring burial will be in Cambridge Memorial Garden. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.
ROBERT NORMAN BUNKER SR.
