Robert “Bob” P. Chadbourne

BETHEL – Robert “Bob” P. Chadbourne, 84, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at his home in Bethel surrounded by his family. Born in Lewiston, on Aug. 24, 1941, he was the son of Philip H. and Mary (Saunders) Chadbourne.

Bob graduated from Gould Academy and went on to own and manage PH Chadbourne & Co and Chadbourne Tree Farms, dedicating his career to the land and community he loved.

Bob was deeply engaged in both civic and industry organizations. He served as a member, director, chairman, trustee and president to many. A few of the entities he volunteered for include the Bethel Area Business Association, Bethel Veteran’s Memorial Honor Roll, Bethel Select Board, Forest Products Group Trust, Farm Credit of Maine, McIntyre Stennis Advisory Committee, Good Roads Association of Maine, Associated General Contractors of Maine, Northern Logger Association, and Maine Forest Products Council.

Bob’s stewardship of the Maine woods was recognized with both the Alfred Nutting Award from the Maine Forest Products Council and the Austin H. Wilkins Forest Stewardship Award from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry and the Maine TREE Foundation. These honors reflected his land stewardship, forest management, education of future foresters, support of public recreation on private land, and advocacy for private property rights. Bob often credited these accomplishments to the dedication of his family and employees, past and present.

On July 25, 1964, Bob married Nancy Russell of Hanover in Rumford Point. His wife of 61 years, Nancy, survives him, along with their daughter, Nancy Lea Chadbourne Stearns and her husband David of Greenwood; grandsons Justin Stearns and wife Anna (Richardson) of Crested Butte, Colorado, and Brendon Stearns and partner Olivia Wentzell of Ketchum, Idaho; siblings Thomas Chadbourne of Waterford and Florida, and Caroline O’Brien of Florida; sister in law Judy (Russell) Gagnon of Cumberland; brother and sister-in-law Tom and Gayle Russell of Bryant Pond and Florida; as well many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Philip and Mary Chadbourne; his parents-in-law Cedric and Irene (Foster) Russell; his son Robert, Jr.; his brother, Theodore; his sister, Phyllis Heyward; brothers-in-law, Charles Heyward, Robert O’Brien and Bruce Gagnon; and nephew, James Holden.

Family was very important to Bob. He was a friend to many and lovingly filled the role of second father (“Pops”) and grandfather (“Bumpsy/Bumps”) to family friends, children of friends, extended family, and his devoted caretakers of the past three years.

Bob will be remembered for his dedication to family, service to his community, and love of the Maine woods.

A special thank you is given for the kindness, compassion, and support to Bob’s caretaker team and the AndWell Hospice care team that allowed us to keep him at home.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and photographs of Bob at http://www.meaderandson.com.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday Sept. 30, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., at the Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St, Rumford.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Chadbourne Family Cemetery, 250 Paradise Rd, Bethel, with a reception to follow until 3:30 p.m., at the Chadbourne Family Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Maine Paws For Veterans service-related PTSD Dog Training or Team Hailey Hugs – Hailey’s Journey, Our Journey.