HERMON and GREEN LAKE – Robert W. Dunning, 83, passed away in his home with his family by his side on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013, after many years of physical challenges. Following the passing of his beloved wife and friend, Sandy just eight months prior, Robert was eager to join her and their Lord and Savior. He was born June 8, 1930, in Bangor. He was the son of Herbert Ricker Dunning and Alma (McLeod) Dunning.
After graduating from Bangor schools he obtained his associates degree in business at Husson College. Following graduation he proudly served in the active duty Air Force for 10 years including tours in Japan and Texas. Upon returning to the Bangor area he became a Maineiac in the Maine Air National Guard achieving the rank of E8 Senior Master SGT. and retired after 36 years of total military service. Using his business degree Bob was employed with Sears and Roebuck; Merchant’s National Bank and retired from Bar Harbor Banking and Trust as a trust officer. Robert married his sweetheart, Sandra (Sawyer) Dunning on May 12, 1956. They had four daughters while residing in Orrington. One of Robert’s greatest pleasures was any activity that included spending time with his family. Many treasured family memories were made at the camp on Upper Lead Mt. Pond, the cottage at Green Lake and their homes in Orrington, Holden and Florida. Robert was truly an outdoorsman enjoying hiking, hunting, gardening, fishing, snowmobiling, and many wonderful family camping adventures while the girls were growing up.
He was predeceased by his parents; and his beloved wife, Sandra of 56 years; He is survived by his brothers, John H. Dunning and wife, Beth, of Bangor, and George W. Dunning and wife, Cindy, of Missouri; daughters, Lynn and husband, Michael Phinney, of Green Lake in Ellsworth, Kimberly and husband, Thomas Evans, of Hermon, Devra and husband, Adam Lindsay, of Houston, Michelle and husband, David Lakeman, of Holden, and Tricia and husband, Timothy Griffin, of Auburn; grandchildren, Aaron Phinney and wife, July Simpson, of Kittery, Nathaniel and wife, Nicole Phinney, of Bangor, Tommy Evans and fiancée, Lindsy Argus, of Hermon, Brieana Evans and fiancé, Jason Canniff, of Bangor, Alexander, Zachary and Nicholas Lakeman of Holden, Gabriel Griffin and wife, Jessica, of Kittery, and Anisa Michaud and husband, Brian, of Lewiston; and great-grandchildren, Kaylie Grace and Kyle William Phinney of Bangor and Mora Griffin of Kittery. Also, many treasured relatives and friends far and near.
A memorial service and celebration of Robert’s life will be held with military honors at Maine Coast Baptist Church, Ellsworth. The date and time will be announced at a later date. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff of New Hope Hospice for their assistance in end of life care. God Bless each one of you. Those who wish to remember Bob in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Maine Coast Baptist Church, P.O. Box 327, Ellsworth, ME 04605; or New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 70, Eddington, ME 04428-0070. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.brookingssmith.com.
Robert W. Dunning
