Robert L. Doremus

UNION SPRINGS - Robert L. Doremus peacefully passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 at Mercy Rehabilitation Facility. He was born June 3, 1913 in Union Springs, the son of Garrett LaVern and Grace Jones Doremus and resided there for most of his life. He was a graduate of Union Springs High School class of 1932. In the 1920s and 1930s, he studied as an apprentice to local artist Frank Barney as they worked outdoors painting landscapes. Mr. Doremus attended Pratt Institute in 1936 and received a degree in pictorial illustration and was valedictorian of his major. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp (8th Air Force) in the field of photography from 1943 to 1945 attaining the rank of corporal. Mr. Doremus began his career as a commercial illustrator in 1936 in NYC with book ads for the New York Times and Herald Tribune. Following his duty in World War II he relocated to Union Springs and shifted his focus to books aimed at children. His credits include a great number of children's readers and histories, textbooks, posters, film strips, coloring books, activity books, and career education packages for elementary schools. People across America growing up in the 50s, 60s, and 70s may remember him for his work in text books or the more than 100 children's books as well as activity books based on their favorite television shows such as 'Get Smart,' 'Convoy,' and 'Bonanza.' His most memorable and favorite commercial work was the picture book based on the Walt Disney movie 'Old Yeller.' The subject matter has ranged from scientific material to a whimsical cement mixer named 'Little Max;' from the life of Harry S. Truman, to 'Star Trek' and Dr. Spock. Neighborhood children, adults, pets and local places were the models for many of his illustrations and paintings. After retiring from commercial work, Bob focused on painting acrylic landscapes of his familiar settings such as the Finger Lakes and Myrtle Beach. Portions of his work have been donated and can be viewed at the Springport Library, Union Springs High School, the Frontenac Museum, and the Union Springs Village Office. Bob was very proud of his family and his work and also had a passion for sailing, woodworking, photography, reading and is remembered for his attention to detail. Bob had numerous solo exhibitions to demonstrate his work and received national awards for recognition. Devoted husband to Janet for 57 years until her death, Janet was a diligent partner in research for Bob's work. In his later years, Bob was seen on Cayuga Street in Union Springs walking two miles daily enhancing his quality of life in his ninth decade of life. Robert was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ. Surviving is one daughter, Sara 'Sally' Doremus Otis and her husband, Dillwyn, of Aurora; five grandchildren, Gregory M. Otis and his wife, Janet, of Aurora, Benjamin N. Otis and his wife, Kristin, of Portsmouth, N.H., Jesse J. Otis, of North Haven, Conn., Caitlin C. Doremus, of Baltimore, Md., Matthew R. Doremus, of Macon, Ga.; three great-grandsons, Jackson M. Otis, Carter R. Otis and Sullivan M. Otis; one great- granddaughter, Marlee M. Harris; former daughter-in-law, Ellen Lesley. Mr. Doremus was predeceased by his wife, Janet Davis Doremus, who died in 1998; his son, Malcolm Robert Doremus, who died in 2006; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Codd Doremus, who died in 1994; and infant granddaughters, Gillian Codd Doremus and Elizabeth Codd Doremus. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday Jan. 23, 2010 at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Union Springs with the Rev. Shelly Pantoliano, the pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Union Springs. Friends are invited to call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22, at the Shakelton Funeral Home, Main Street, Aurora. Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Springport Free Library, Trinity United Church of Christ, or the Frontenac Museum all of Union Springs, NY 13160 Bob will be missed by his family and his many dear friends whom he enjoyed staying in touch with throughout his life. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.