CAMDEN – After a full and well-lived life, Dr. Robert Eddy, 84, died March 16, 2009, after a short illness at Quarry Hill, Camden. He was born Sept. 11, 1924, in Evanston, Ill. Dr. Eddy moved with his parents and brother to Bangor in 1933, where he met his future wife, Mary Spangler, in third grade. After graduating from Bangor High School, Dr. Eddy attended the University of Maine for one year, 1943, before being called to serve in the U.S Army during World War II. He served three years in the Philippines as a first lieutenant and was wounded in combat, for which he received the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart. After the war he returned to the University of Maine and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1949. He married his wife, Mary in 1948, a wonderful marriage that spanned 60 years. Dr. Eddy went on to study medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City, graduating in the Class of 1953. He was a member of the medical honorary societies Phi Kappa Phi and AOA. After a residency and internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, N.Y., he moved with his family to Camden in 1957 to practice Internal Medicine at Knox County General Hospital. He became committed to and influential in the founding of Pen Bay Medical Center, where he practiced until his retirement in 1987. Dr. Eddy loved mid-coast Maine and in retirement, took advantage of all it has to offer. From skiing at the Camden Snow Bowl to walking downtown checking on the activity at the harbor, he was seen as an integral member of the community. He was a sailor at heart who loved cruising the Maine coast on his sloop, Panacea II, with his wife, Mary. He was a longtime member of Camden Yacht Club, serving as commodore. Lured to a “harbor check” every day, he spent countless hours observing the weather and harbor activities. His life was oriented to his family and to the Maine coast, but reached well beyond through his fascination with history and extensive world travel. In retirement Dr. Eddy gave back to the community that he loved by working on many hospital related affairs, attending clinical conferences and working with Habitat for Humanity. He leaves behind his wife, Mary S. Eddy; and five children, Jonathan Eddy and his wife, Gail Butterfield, of Williston, Vt., Christine Thompson and husband, Jonathan Cohen, of Winchester, Mass., Robert Eddy Jr. and wife, Patricia, of Camden, Thomas Eddy of Appleton and William Eddy of Warren. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Lisa Thompson, Robert Thompson, Nicholas Eddy, Heather Eddy, Alanna Eddy, Tanya Eddy Molly Eddy and Grace Eddy. There will be an interment later in the spring attended by his family. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Pen Bay Health Care Foundation, Habitat for Humanity or a charity of one’s choice.
ROBERT HALE EDDY, M.D.
