1925 – 2014

FARMINGTON — Robert E. “Lefty” Parlin, 89, passed away peacefully at his Farmington home, surrounded by his loved ones, on Thursday, June 5.

Bob was born on May 17, 1925, the son of Millard and Alverna Wells Parlin of New Vineyard. After graduating from Farmington High School, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Navy in September 1943, serving aboard a landing craft as a gunners’ mate first class in the Pacific Theater. Discharged in March 1946, “Lefty” returned to his hometown where he was employed by the MDOT, eventually becoming a highway supervisor, before retiring in 1987.

On Oct. 4, 1946, he married the love of his life, Alice Hagerstrom. They lived in Fairbanks for 67 years, where they raised their three children, Janis, Vicki and Gary. Later in life, he became affectionately known as “Buppa” to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

One of Bob’s greatest passions was baseball. On Aug. 17, 2008, he was elected to the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame to celebrate his legacy as a hard-hitting first baseman and legendary Little League coach. He started all four years at Farmington High School and after returning from the Navy, he became a small town legend, playing for both the New Vineyard and Temple Town teams.

In 1960, after retiring from playing, he formed the Fairbanks Little League team, which he coached for the next 23 years, amassing a record of 270 wins and 62 losses. His teams won 18 league championships during his reign. One of his great memories was how his Red Sox brought together the entire village of Fairbanks. The oyster stew suppers, trips to Fenway Park and of course, the many games and practices that inspired so many. Bob Parlin was a legend in Fairbanks. One of the local townsfolk was quoted as saying, “No one will ever know how many kids’ lives he has touched. He is truly loved in Fairbanks for making a difference.”

He is survived by his three children, Janis Haggan and her husband, Barry, of Lewiston, Vicki Hardy and her husband, Tim, of Farmington and Gary Parlin and his wife, Sharon, of Farmington; grandchildren, Barry “Rocky” Haggan of Lewiston, Tammy Cowans and her husband, Rob, of Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Tim “TD” Hardy and his wife, Bett, of Farmington, Kaitlyn Bruder and her husband, Charlie, of Falmouth and Cole Parlin and his wife, Hillary, of Kittery; and great-grandchildren, Kyle and Shania Haggan, Colby and Chase Bruder, Dylan and Keira Cowan and Jackson and Benjamin Hardy. Bob is also survived by his cat and companion, “Lefty.”

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Alice; his brothers, Millard “Sonny” Parlin and Roger Parlin; and grandson, Shawn Haggan.

The family would like to thank Beacon Hospice and all the loving caregivers who made it possible for Bob to spend his final days at home.

Condolences may be sent for the family at www.adamsmcfarlane.com.