Robert S. McCaig

BOURNE — Robert Stewart McCaig, of Gray Gables, formerly of Taunton, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on July 1, 2008. He was 87 years of age.

Born in Taunton, Bob was the son of the late Robert and Olive I. (Stewart) McCaig. He was employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife for 40 years, retiring in 1999.

Robert was educated in Taunton, attended Summer Street School and graduated from Taunton High School. He had a passion for learning and continued his education; receiving a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Bryant College in 1940, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Massachusetts in 1953, and a master's degree in biology from Worcester State College in 1980. He was also a member of the Worcester State College Biological Honor Society.

Bob was an active member of various Masonic Lodges, including King David Lodge AF&AM in Taunton, where he was a life member. He was also a member of the Social Harmony Lodge AF&AM in Wareham, and the Cawnacome Sunshine Lodge AF&AM, also in Wareham. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies, where he was a 32nd degree Mason and held the office of secretary. Bob belonged to Allepo Shriners in Wilmington.

He had a great love for the outdoors and preserving the environment and nature. He was a very caring man, who was willing to give a helping hand and was very generous toward charities all his life.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, he served with the 360th Air Service Squad. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Theater Medal. He served in Sicily, Naples, Rome, N. Apennines and Po Valley. He served this as a rank staff sergeant.

Bob belonged to St. John's Episcopal Church in Falmouth.

Bob was predeceased by his sister, Bettina B. McCaig, and his former wife, Mildred Louise (Stephenson) McCaig, whom he remained friends with; and his lifelong and closest friend, Robert "Blackie" Blackwell, to be remembered in special prayers.

He is survived by his niece and nephew, Elizabeth and Joseph Soares, of Taunton, and other nieces and nephews and cousins.

Robert's funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 11 a.m., at the Taunton Funeral Home, 8 Crapo St., off Tremont Street, Taunton. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Monday, July 7, from 5 to 8 p.m.

A Masonic service will be conducted on Monday, at 7:30 p.m., by King David Lodge AF&AM of Taunton. Burial will be in the family lot at Mayflower Hill Cemetery in Taunton.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Bob's memory to the Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Suite 236, Plymouth, MA 02360, or to the Massachusetts Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westboro, MA 01581.

Arrangements are by the Taunton Funeral Home, 8 Crapo St., off Tremont Street, Taunton. J. Kevin Corbett, funeral director. Phone 508-821-7771.

Please visit www.tauntonfuneral.com to sign guest book.