UNITY – Robert C. Elwell, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at his home. He was born Oct. 27, 1921, in Unity, the son of the late James P. and Mildred (Cline) Elwell.
He was a graduate of Unity High School, class of 1939 with honors, and received the State of Maine Future Farmers of America Award. On June 5, 1943, he married the former Erma Ward, and recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. They purchased the Mussey Dairy Farm in May of 1945, and milked jerseys until retirement in 2010. He started shipping milk with his father in 1932, and continued with Erma until retiring. He also owned and operated a construction business, and was a tree farmer while dairy farming. He was a member of the Odd Fellows, a volunteer member of the Unity Fire Department, a member of the budget committee for Unity, and was involved with many other town committees, was a charter member of the Snowdusters Snowmobile Club, a member of and toured with the Antique Auto Club, and was a charter member of the Maine Farm Bureau and Waldo County Farm Bureau, and was a member and past President of the Maine Dairyman’s Association. He also belonged to the Cooperative Produces Association for more than 75 years. He was an avid reader, and had a love of all animals, especially cats.
He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Piper. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Erma of Unity; his daughters, Ruth Lemieux and her husband, Wayne, of Benton, and Rachel Heath and her companion, Wayne Garnett, of Dixmont; grandchildren, Jamie Whitcomb and companion, Tammy Turner, and Amy Brown and her husband, Craig; stepgrandchildren, Adam and James Lemieux, and Sarah Watson and her husband, Tyler; great-grandchildren, Dustin and Brooke Whitcomb and their mother, Chastity, Jordan, Caleb, and Makayla Brown; stepgreat-grandchildren, Julia and Katherine White, and Nicholas Lemieux; and several nieces, and cousins. A special thank you to Dennis and Claire Smart for all their love and help. The family would also like to thank Dr. Foreman for his care over the years.
Visiting hours will be held 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Unity Elementary School Gymnasium, School Street, Unity. Burial will be private at a later date at Quaker Hill Cemetery, Unity. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: Belfast-Waldo County Humane Society, P.O. Box 479, Belfast, ME 04915. Arrangements are by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield. Online guest book may be signed and memories shared at: www.lawrybrothers.com.
Robert C. Elwell
