Robert was born in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and grew up in Bath and Augusta, Maine. He graduated early from Cony High School in 2002 and studied auto body at Northern Maine Technical College before moving to Tucson, where he graduated from ITT Technical Institute in 2008 with a degree in Information Technology.
He enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding, playing soccer and spending time with friends, but his true passion was fixing automobiles and computers.
Robert is survived by his parents, Dessie and Mark Beland of Hampton, Va.; father Robert Owen of Pennsylvania; sister Emily Owen and boyfriend Chris Brown of Dallas, Texas; stepsisters, Kristyn and Jamie Beland of Maine; stepbrother Chad Beland, U.S. Air Force, stationed in New Jersey; girlfriend Amanda Maddox and her children, Rhyan and Sebastian of Tucson, Ariz.; his best friend and beloved great dane, Atlas; grandparents, Keith and Patricia Bridgham of Wiscasset; Laurent and Jeanine Beland of Augusta; grandmother Josephine Owen of Manor, Pa.; aunts and uncles, Tom and D.D. Morong of West Bath; Danny and Mary Tipsword of Phippsburg; Gary and Rose Anthony (godparents) of Connecticut; Gary and Patricia Ursiny of Pennsylvania; Jim and Judy Owen of Pennsylvania; and many much loved cousins and extended family.
Robert also had many dear friends from Maine and Arizona, who will always have a special place in their hearts for him.
Robert's family would like to give a special thank you to all the extraordinary people who cared for him during his illness: Dr. Joseph E. Sheppard; Patty and Agnus from the Cancer Center of Arizona; and the staff at Carondelet Hospice Center. We will be forever grateful.
Although Robert's time on Earth was short, he has always been and will always be an angel, whose bright smile could light up any room.
There will never be a day that goes by that he is not thought of.
A gathering of friends was held at Robert's home in Arizona.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, July 3, at the home of Robert's grandparents, Keith and Patty Bridgham, 102 Willow Lane, Wiscasset.
Donations in Robert's name can be mailed to Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Road, Tucson, AZ 85745, or the American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
June 28, 2011
For A Mother's Son-
I love you to the moon and back. I love you all the time, deeper than the oceans and higher than the pines.
Always and forever for you Bobby Frank
All my love Dessie...
Julie
Kim / Sean Leavitt/ Barrow
June 28, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Madison Loftus
June 27, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. There is nothing harder than losing a child, sister, or brother. I wish I could attend his service but I will be there in heart and soul. Madison
Milli
June 27, 2011
Robert I don't know what to say. I didn't know you very well except through your mom who I worked with. But, I do know where you are now you have no worries. I know you carried all the love of your families and friends with you. I know your mom was so proud of you and she told me what a good son you are and how lucky she was to have you. I know she will always have that and treasure it forever. Love Milli
June 27, 2011
Our Sincere Condolences to the Beland and Owen Families .
God Bless
Terri and David Arsenault -Phippsburg,Maine
Aunt Mary
June 26, 2011
May this help light you way, Love you Robert.
June 26, 2011
I never thought that I wouldn't see you again. I remember the last day I hung out with you. I signed over the title of my beloved '83 Cadillac to you. You were good friend. Love and Respect, Francisco Ulisis Pintado III
Renee Rogers (Leonard)
June 26, 2011
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Jayne & Perry Gaffney
June 26, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Emily Owen
June 26, 2011
Thank you for always taking such good care of me. I could have never asked for a better big brother. It breaks my heart to think of all the things you will miss, but I know in time i will be able to deal with it because you are no longer in pain. I will love you till time stops and cannot wait till the day comes when I get to see you again <3
Jill Stetson - Tatarcyk
June 26, 2011
Gone far too soon.. I will always remember times out on Tasker Rd and crazy garage antics all through middle school and high school. May Angels lead you in, you will be missed by many.
Thoughts and prayers sent to the Owen and Beland families.
Emily Owen
June 26, 2011
Thank you for taking such good care of me, I could have never asked for a better big brother. It breaks my heart to think about how many things you are going to miss.... But you are no longer in pain, so I guess I can learn to deal with that.... I will love you till time stops.... And I cannot wait till the day when I will see you again.
Sarah Gibb
June 26, 2011
Your courageous battle will forever be admired by your friends and family. May you soar high with the angels now, shine your bright light down upon all that love you and hold you dear to their heart. Rest in Peace Robert.
Brianna Beland
June 26, 2011
<3 Thinking about you all
Kim Barrow
June 26, 2011
Tragedy strikes, a parents worst fear.
Broken Hearts, and a river of tears.~ Heaven's too far away.~
Word's cant express the pain that we feel, to bury you son, a scar that never heals.~Heaven's too far away~ A myriad of thoughts left unspoken, here we lie withered an broken ~Heaven's too far away~ We close our eyes and see your face, a piece of us gone, never replaced ~Heaven's too far away~Dying inside, can't carry this cross. Crying for the, brother, and son that we lost~ Heaven's too far away~ Then a whisper in the dark, Jesus is the one that can heal your heart~ He is the sun sun that kisses your cheek, he carries your cross when your too weak~ He is the stars that shine so bright, he is with you morning , noon and night~ He sent this message from the heaven above, he wants you to know that you are loved~ Rejoice for me, I'm in heaven you see, I'm not lost, I live eternally free~ There is one more thing you need to know, after this I have to go. Jesus will meet you where ever you are, Heaven really isn't all that far~ It's only a prayer away~.....
April Tipsword
June 26, 2011
I love you Robert and you will always be in my heart!! Love your cousin April Tipsword
Mom & Mark
June 26, 2011
I love you Robert
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