SKOWHEGAN – Robert C. Farnsworth, 77, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2011, with loving family members by his side at his home, after a long illness. Born April 5, 1933, in Millinocket, Robert was the fourth of five children to Russell and Irena (Crandlemire) Farnsworth.
Robert’s father was a construction superintendent in Canada. Robert’s mother “Rena” traveled with her husband for several years before settling in her hometown of Millinocket to raise the family of four sons and one daughter. Robert attended college at McGill University and the University of Maine, Orono. He left to serve in the Army during the Korean War, and then returned to the University of Maine, Orono, where he graduated with a degree in English and philosophy. It was at the University of Maine, Orono, that Robert met his future wife, Joan Anderson, an equally feisty, intelligent and talented young student from Caribou. Joan would become his lifelong partner. Robert pursued a career in education, beginning at Piscataquis Community High School, Guilford, for two years; Lawrence High School, Fairfield, for a year; and then Madison High School for more than 20 years. Robert’s English and philosophy classes were embraced by students as the forum for discussion and debate of the period’s challenging and controversial topics. Robert was named Teacher of the Year his first year at Madison High School, setting a tradition of teaching excellence that was inspired and “outside the box” his entire career. Robert left a lasting impression on all who experienced his classes. He developed cherished friendships with many students and other educators, friendships that continue to this day. Known throughout his life as a committed philosopher, Robert would engage anyone on topics as diverse as the meaning of life to the origins of human language. His passion for sports, fly-fishing, chess, reading, hiking, ping-pong, bird watching, tennis or badminton were hard for anyone to resist. Throughout the years, Robert could be spotted on the banks of the Kennebec or his favorite spot at Debsconeag on the West Branch of the Penobscot with fly rod in hand.
Robert will be deeply missed by friends and family members, including his wife of more than 53 years, Joan; and daughters, Julie Brown and her partner, Seymour Charles, and son, Scott, and daughter, Emma, of Skowhegan, Jennifer Farnsworth and her husband, Joe Zani, of Boston, Sally Tracy and her partner, Deane Tracy, and sons, Mitchell Snowman and Nathan Tracy, of Skowhegan, and Laura Mullen and her husband, Bill, and sons, Moz and Jake, of Portal, Ariz. Robert is also survived by his sister, Mary Gillis and her husband, Charlie, of North Bridgton; brother, George and his wife, Rosemary, of Norfolk, Conn.; and brother, William of Butte Des Morts, Wis.
Plans will be announced at a later date for a gathering of family and friends at Bob’s philosophers’ retreat on the Back Road of life. At Robert’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation hours. In lieu of flowers, those so wishing may make a donation to a charity or organization of their choosing. Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.