1934 – 2016

RUMFORD — Robert E. Louvat Sr., 81, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, at his home in Rumford on Monday, Aug. 29, after a long but courageous battle with heart disease and cancer.

Born Nov. 6, 1934, Robert “Bob” was the eldest child of Rene E. and Delena (Bernard) Louvat. He grew up in the Rumford area and attended Bisbee and Stephens High School. He left school in 1951 and  joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He proudly served on active duty for 20 years. He served on several ships in the Navy’s Sixth Fleet. He visited many countries in the European Theatre on several occasions and was stationed in Bermuda, Scotland and Davisville, R.I. He was an instructor at the U.S. Naval Reserve Center in Richmond, Va. He retired from active duty from the USS LaSalle LPD-3 in Norfolk, Va., in 1971.

During his naval career, Robert participated in the sport he loved, boxing, compiling a 72-5 record. He later went on to coach boxing teams in Davisville CB Base in Rhode Island. Coming home to Rumford, he coached youngsters at the Rumford Community Center.

He married his wife, Hollie (Moore), in 1990 and they made their home in Rumford. They were married for 26 years.

A proud day in his life was when he received his high school diploma. He graduated with his son, Joshua, in 2007 at Mountain Valley High School.

Bob loved little kids. On many occasions he could be found off with the little ones giving high-fives, popping off his hat or pulling pennies out of their ears. Kids just seemed to gravitate to him.

He loved fishing, hunting, watching boxing on TV and playing the lottery numbers. He was a lifetime member of the Rumford American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Hollie, of Rumford; sons, Gregory Louvat of Farmington, Bob Louvat Jr. and wife, Beth, of Massachusetts, Tony Louvat of West Paris, Joshua Merrill and husband, Dan, of Portland; stepson, Brian Campbell of Canton; daughter, Lisa Dube and husband, Tim, of Chesterville; and stepdaughter, Leanne Langlois and husband, David, of Turner. Also surviving are brothers, Roland and wife, Faye, and William, both of Rumford, Rene Jr. of Nevada, Daniel and wife, Charlotte, of Florida, and David and wife, Kelly, of Mexico; sisters, Judy Nichols and husband, Jerry, of Florida and MaryEllen Theriault and husband, Jim, of Rumford. He was a grandfather to 18 special children. They all knew him as Pop-Pop. He leaves several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; mother-in-law, Maxine Moore of Dixfield; and brother-in-law, Roland Moore and wife, Carol, of Wisconsin. He will be greatly missed by his dog, Chuck.

He was predeceased by his parents.

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