BUCKFIELD — Robert E. “Bob” Beams Sr., 92, passed peacefully at his home in Buckfield on Tuesday, May 8, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Worcester, Mass., on April 29, 1926, to Harold and Gertrude (Taylor) Beams. He grew up in Worcester, Mass., where he eventually worked at Wyman Gordon. He met the love of his life, Eleanor, while at Wyman Gordon. They married Dec. 11, 1944, in Worcester. He was predeceased by his loving wife by 16 weeks and his heart was just too broken without her.

Bob and Eleanor eventually moved to Rumford, where Bob found employment at Oxford Paper Mill. He worked there until his retirement in 1988. He was a dedicated worker, never missing a day and quite often working double shifts to support his family. Bob was known by all as a person with a huge sense of humor, always joking and full of fun and laughter. He loved family get-togethers and was always the life of the party. Bob was a very generous man with a big heart. He would help anyone who needed his help in any way he could. He had a great love for animals and owned many pets throughout his life. After he recently lost his beloved dog Timmy, he was so lonely and sad that he soon adopted another pet, Pumpkin, an extremely faithful cat that was always by his side. He so loved and spoiled his pets. Bob looked forward to going for car rides and stopping for picnics on warm sunny days. He also enjoyed eating out and going for ice cream. He loved doing his crossword puzzles every day.

He spent his summers at Worthley Pond so his family could enjoy the outdoors and grow to love nature. After retirement, he spent his winters in Riverview, Fla. In Florida, he and Eleanor developed many deep friendships. He loved calling bingo at Pleasant Living Adult Park, where he resided. He and Eleanor were involved in numerous activities including theater, dances and holiday parties while in Florida. He was a communicant of parish of the Holy Savior, St. Athanasius – St. John Church in Rumford.

He is survived by his children: Sandra M. Beams of Riverview, Fla.; Robert E. Beams Jr and his wife, Candy, of Barrington, N.H.; and Barbara M. Bertrand and her husband, Chris, of Buckfield; his grandchildren: Jason E. Beams of Tampa, Fla., and Robert E, Beams III and his wife, Jennifer, of North Berwick; his great-grandchildren: Trevor, Aislyn and Kaleigh of North Berwick; many nieces and nephews; and was predeceased by his loving wife of 73 years, Eleanor; his parents; brother, Harold Beams; sister, Barbara Wallace; infant daughter, Brenda S. Beams; and grandson Keith B. McLeod.

The family would like to thank Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for the months of dedicated and loving caring. Special thanks to Tammy Bean and Cheryl Steele, and also to the many caring neighbors and friends who brought food and company to our parents in the last years of their lives.

Friends are invited to sign the family guest book and share their thoughts, condolences and fond memories at www.meaderandson.com.

Robert E. Beams Sr.