MECHANIC FALLS – Robert “Bob” R. Crabtree, 82, of Mechanic Falls passed away peacefully in his recliner at his home on March 13, 2024.

Bob was born Aug. 8, 1941, in Easton, the eldest son of the late John and Beatrice (Hayden) Crabtree. He grew up and spent most of his life in Mechanic Falls, having graduated from Mechanic Falls High School.

Bob worked as a painter for a time, but eventually found his way to Adams Russell Cable as a technician. He was part of the team that originally expanded and built out the cable system in Maine, including to Mechanic Falls and many surrounding towns. He was employed there for most of his working career, and was a manager at the time of his retirement. He had many fond memories of his time there with his co-workers.

You could easily find Bob most days in his garage working on a project – unless he was attending Friday night poker with his friends! It was his passion to have something to fix or create, whether it was “Bob’s Garage” itself, decks, roofs, cars, motorcycles, any small engine repair, or all of his nieces’ and nephews’ bikes and vehicles throughout the years.

Bob loved his critters too! Whether it was bringing home a baby chipmunk or two named Chipper and Chipper 2, or a very special dog named Sam, or building a bird feeding station in his backyard that fed most of the birds and squirrels in the area while providing him endless entertainment in his later years. Bob was also loved by his family members’ pets, whom he would patiently give attention to every time.

Bob was surrounded with love from his three siblings and their families, as well as his wonderful friends. He greatly enjoyed being a part of his nieces’ and nephews’ lives, who he treated like his own. Bob was always there for anyone, in his crisp blue uniform, an anchor that you could count on. He was honest, generous, calm and logical. He would always do the right thing, was easy to talk to, and happy to give his best advice. We are deeply saddened to lose our dear friend and Uncle Bob.

Bob is survived by his brother, Talmage Crabtree and his wife, Norma of Mechanic Falls; and nieces and nephews Stephen Chase and his partner, James Tyrrell, of Fryeburg, Cheryl Piper and her husband Don, of Minot, Deborah Marston of Poland, Chad Crabtree and his wife, Rebekah, of Columbus, Ohio, and Julie Roux and her husband, Francis, of Hampstead, N.H.; and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Beatrice Crabtree; his sister, Lydia Chase and her husband, Kenneth “Jerry” Chase; his brother, Charles W. Crabtree Sr. and his wife Paula; and his niece, Stephanie Chase Brown.

We would like to send a special thank you to Bob’s good friends, Chuck Morin and Walter and Rena Berry, who visited Bob regularly and helped him maintain his home and garage. We are grateful for all you have done. We would also like to thank everyone for their love and support of Bob throughout his life. He was easy to love and will certainly be missed.

Services will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, 26 W. Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls. Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com

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