1944 – 2015

WINTHROP — Robert P. “Bob” Darby died at his home in Winthrop on Thursday, April 28, following the recent diagnosis of an advanced-stage cancer.

Bob was born March 13, 1944, a son of Robert T. and Gladys Darby, and raised in San Diego, Calif.

Beginning in 1964, he served four years with the Air Force’s Red Horse Squadron stationed in Thailand. In 1968, he was discharged from Dow Air Force Base in Bangor where, while taking courses at the University of Maine, he met fellow student Ann Sulya, who became his dear wife of 46 years.

After the service, Bob went on to college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where he graduated with a B.F.A. in architecture. Holding an architectural license in four states, he worked in architectural design, first in the southwestern U.S. followed by a career in Maine. He often specialized in research and forensic labs. In later years, he worked as an architectural photographer and, following a lifelong passion for photography, focused increasingly on fine art photography. His love and skill for landscape photography led him in many directions. Bob taught large-format, black-and-white photography in Maine both formally and informally, was a member of various photo groups and loved to travel with his cameras. The landscapes of the southwestern U.S. drew him back there numerous times to photograph.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ann (Sulya) Darby; a daughter, Connie Darby of Phoenix, Ariz.; a son, Jon Paul Darby of Auburn; and four cousins in Colorado. He cherished the friendship of many, including numerous fellow photographers. He loved his family, his friends and beautiful places.

Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.