1923 – 2004

LEWISTON – Robert Batley Lever, 81, of 408 College St., Lewiston, died Monday, March 29, at Central Maine Medical Center.

Born in Lewiston on Feb. 16, 1923, he was the son of Ernest and Carrie Batley Lever. Educated locally, he was a graduate of Lewiston High School and Bliss Business School. After his graduation, he owned and operated Lever’s Dairy of Lewiston until the late 1980’s.

A pilot, he owned his own plane during the 1950’s and 60’s, and was also one of Maine’s earliest snowmobilers, starting in 1964, and continuing into the late 90’s. He enjoyed summering in Monmouth and later in Freeport, wintering in Eustis, boating, getting together with friends and relatives, and also traveled extensively after his retirement.

He was married to the former Anne Bartash of Rumford, who passed away on June 6, 1978, and on Sept. 16, 1988, he married the former Thelma Theriault.

A life-long member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he is survived by his wife of Lewiston; a son, Michael and wife Susan of Bath; a daughter, Nancy and husband Stephen Smith of Winthrop; two stepsons, Ronald and wife Luanne Theriault and Roger and wife Lois Theriault, all of Lewiston; two stepdaughters, Jacqueline and husband Danny Taylor of Lewiston, and Karen and husband Paul Driscoll of Saco; one grandchild; and seven stepgrandchildren.

Besides his parents and first wife, he was predeceased by a stepson, Gerald Theriault; a brother, Ernest Jr.; and a sister, Alice Hobbs.