Robert Arthur Burpee

BUCKSPORT - Robert Arthur Burpee, 58, passed away on January 14th, 2016. He was born February 22nd, 1957 to Alice Jane Burpee (McCann) and Arthur Charles Burpee of Bucksport.

Although Robert was often a man of few words, those words were full of the knowledge he had amassed from his many years of worldly experience.

He was the proud father of two boys, Douglas and Daniel Burpee, the loving husband to his wife of 34 years, Amber Elaine Burpee, the blessed "Papa" to his two grandchildren, Orrin and Luther Burpee, and the loving friend to many people.

His range of skills was extensive and included but was not limited to gardening, cooking, photography, welding, plumbing, bird watching and electronics. He was considered a "jack of all trades" who could help you with just about anything you could think of. Every year he raised gardens to provide heaping amounts of fruits and vegetables for his friends & family, close and extended. Often he would preserve many of these for use years later or to share when someone's stock had run low. He was an outstanding chef who delighted in preparing meals that became favorites for those around him. His skill at cooking fish chowder and baked beans was renowned and a smash hit at many social gatherings. He had a deep connection with the Bucksport Paper Mill where he was employed, like his father before him, for 38 years. Under the nickname "Pepe" he treasured not only the stability and structure the job provided him but also the multitude of friendly faces he looked forward to working with every day. He loved traveling with his wife and children and couldn't wait to head to Florida every year where he enjoyed theme parks, outdoor venues, and sandy beaches. He touched so many lives over the course of 58 years and all of them for the better. He will be remembered for his great wisdom and strength, his witty sense of humor, and his heart-warming smile. We all wish we had more time with you and we will always hold your memory close to our hearts, forever and always.

Robert is survived by Amber Burpee, son Douglas Burpee and his wife Natasha Karkos, grandchildren Orrin & Luther Burpee, son Daniel Burpee and his wife Ashley Burpee, sister Katherine Bires and her husband Michael Bires, son Anna Burpee and her life partner Mike Reynolds, beloved sidekick Tigger, and many extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his father and mother Arthur and Jane Burpee.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, January 22nd starting at 4pm at the Verona Town Hall. All are welcome to join in the celebration of Robert's life. Arrangements are under the direction of Mitchell-Tweedie Funeral Home and Cremation Services Bucksport. (mitchelltweedie-young.com)