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Robert Canavan Obituary
1927 - 1915
WATERVILLE - Robert Eaton Canavan (Spanky) passed away peacefully on June 14, 2015, at Eastern Maine Medical Center. He was born in Waterville on Nov. 10, 1927, the son of Richard and Nina (Corr) Canavan.
Robert graduated from Waterville High School and Maine Maritime Academy and was subsequently appointed to the rank of Ensign in the U.S. Maritime Service. He worked for U.S. Shipping Lines traveling to South America, Europe and Australia.
After his children were born, he left the maritime service to help raise them, working as a technician for New England Telephone and Telegraph for 32 years.
Robert was a devout Catholic and member of Corpus Christi Parish, but loved the peace and tranquility of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel on Sunday morning.
As a youth, he was a regular at the old Temple St. Boy's Club, and a star athlete at Waterville High School and Maine Maritime Academy. He later played softball in several local leagues and was a life-long devotee of the Boston Red Sox and Patriots.
Robert was a shop steward and Executive Board member of Local IBEW #2327. He was initiated into the Waterville Knights of Columbus, and was a life member of the Waterville Elks Club and Telephone Company Pioneers.
He was a wonderful gardener and spent many hours in retirement grooming his lawn, and growing flowers. He loved sitting in his "happy place" in front of the garage surveying his handiwork and entertaining passersby of all ages. He had an infectious laugh and love of life and will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brother, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; his beloved children Linda, Robert M., Kathy, Deborah and her husband Gary Grimmer, Peggy and her husband Jack Sherman; six adored grandchildren, Ashley and Katelyn Grimmer, Camden and Bailey Johnson, Ellyn and Benjamin Sherman; and several nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, at Sacred Heart Church in Waterville. An online guest book may be signed and memories shared at [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, donations
may be made in Robert's name to:
Boy's Town
P.O. Box 6000
Nebraska
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Canavan
Doug Carnrick
July 6, 2015
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Doug
Karen Stewart
June 23, 2015
Dear Marilyn and Family, we are saddened by your loss. Having Spanky as our neighbor was always a joy. His humor and good spirits would brighten our days. Blessings and peace to all of you as you grieve.
Nina Osier
June 20, 2015
Marilyn, I'm so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
John PARMAN
June 19, 2015
My condolences to the canavan family and especially to bobby (SPANKY)my baseball team mate for many years we hated to lose games but Mr canavan always told us to be patient our time would come go rotary federal trust and Waterville high all my love john Parman
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Bill Lessard
June 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Canavan family....I remember Mr. Canavan at our Little League games in Waterville so many years ago. He will be missed
steve soule
June 18, 2015
Spanky was always a happy guy and a nice neighbor. Our sympathies to the family.
Gail Austin Skelton
June 18, 2015
My most sincere condolences to the family. "Spanky" as those of us at N.E.T. called him, will always be fondly remembered as a man of great integrity.
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