SOUTH PARIS – Robert B. “Bob” Kessell, 88, passed away at his home in South Paris Tuesday, Oct. 5.

He was born Aug. 18, 1916, in Mason, the youngest of three children of Harold and Bessie Bennett Kessell. He was raised in West Bethel and Auburn, graduating from Edward Little High School.

Studies at Farmington State Teachers’ College were interrupted by service in World War II, where he was involved in testing chemical warfare defenses at Fort Benning and overseas.

In 1946, he married Ella Durrell of South Paris at St. Catherine’s Parish in Norway. Two children were born in 1949 and 1954.

He completed his degree after the war. He taught in local schools for more than 20 years and was principal of Oxford Junior High School prior to the formation of SAD #17. He was especially proud of the Oxford girls’ basketball team that he coached for many years.

In 1963, he left teaching to become postmaster in South Paris, a position he held until retirement.

He was a member of the Foster-Carroll American Legion Post #72.

His wife died of cancer in 1965. In 1990, he married Sylvia Michaud of South Paris, an Oxford Hills teacher.

Bob will be remembered as a dedicated teacher, an avid fly fisherman and master fly tier, who taught these skills to two generations. He was founder of the Paris Junior Sportmen’s Association in 1959. He spent many happy hours in his canoe reeling in trout from various local streams. His camp on the bank of the Cupsuptic, the Mooches, was a little piece of heaven for him.

Many years ago he owned a fly shop where one could go to pick up supplies, advice or a good story or two.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, and daughter, Melissa, both of South Paris; and one son, Stephen and his wife, Jill, and grandchildren, Meredith, Jennifer and Christopher, all of Perth, Western Australia.

He was predeceased by his first granddaughter, Zara, who died at birth.