LEWISTON – Robert A. “Bob” Blais, 83, of Lewiston, died Wednesday afternoon July 21, 2021, at Central Maine Medical Center. He was born in Lewiston Nov. 12, 1937, one of three children born to Alfred D. and Evelina (Belinsky) Blais. Bob was educated in local schools, and while going to school, he worked at and ran the Dairy Joy in Lewiston. After school, with the exception of his time in the service, he remained a lifelong resident of this community. Bob was a military veteran having joined the Air Force in 1955 at age 17 and served his country until his honorable discharge in 1959. While in the service, he was stationed at Del Rio as an Air Frame mechanic working on the wings of B52 planes. On Nov. 15, 1975, Bob married Grace P. Whittier and together they settled and remained in Lewiston. In his early years, Bob worked driving taxi cabs for Two and One Cab Co. and Twin City Cab for over 10 years and also did some body work on those cars as well. Bob later worked for 34 years as a Boiler Operator at Bates College until his retirement.

He enjoyed playing cards, playing pool and watching sports, especially his favorite teams, the Red Sox, the Patriots and Bruins. Bob liked the music of Elvis Presley and was always on the dance floor dancing and then would be singing with the band, his favorites of the local bands, at the time, “Sonny and the Black Ravens” and “Sonny and the Flashbacks.”

Bob had an outgoing and lively personality. He would always think of things to attract attention or make the band and the crowd laugh and was never quiet or without something to do or say. He loved to travel and for 20 years, traveled by car across the United States and eventually touched some portion of every state in the country. Bob thoroughly enjoyed his country western music and saw many performers over the years in Branson, Nashville, Dollywood, and “Country Thunder” in Mesa, Arizona. Bob loved life and always made the most of everyday. He’s looking down on us with a big smile and is happy and pain-free.

Bob leaves behind his loving wife of 46 years, Grace Blais of Lewiston; his son Kenneth Blais of Lewiston; his stepdaughter Gayle Aube and husband Jeff of Leeds; two step-sons Ronald Whittier and wife Doris of Sabattus, Reginald Whittier of Auburn; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one niece Cathy Schumacher and husband Peter of Venetia, Pa., and one nephew Jeff Shaver, of Wylie, Texas; and his first wife Jacqueline Barrett of Lewiston.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his daughter, Karen Blais, a brother, Normand Blais, a sister, Lorraine Shaver, a nephew, David Shaver, and a brother-in-law, John Shaver.

Visitation Fortin / LEWISTON Thursday 3-5 p.m., and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass Holy Cross Church Friday 11 a.m. Committal to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at http://www.thefortingrouplewiston.com Arrangements are entrusted to The Fortin Group Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 70 Horton St., Lewiston 784-4584.

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