Robin M. Aikman

Rollinsford, NH - Robin (Marian) Aikman, 93, passed away peacefully at her home on
September 17, 2023, in Rollinsford, NH. She was born on September 5, 1930, in Boston, MA, to
the late Dr. Robert and Marian (Morss) Morris. Robin received her primary education in Boston
and went on to earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education from Radcliff College and
Harvard University.
Robin was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to various causes close to her heart.
From a young age, she developed a passion for animals and farming, which led her to take over
the family farm in 1971. Robin's focus on conservation of the land, organic and sustainable
practices, soil health, and heritage breed preservation made her a front runner in researching
and implementing sustainable practices. Always ahead of her time, she was a pioneer in
recycling, education, and conservation.
Throughout her life, Robin supported local, national, and international organizations and
political candidates who shared her commitment to preserving the natural environment and
protecting rare and endangered species. Her love for music knew no bounds, with a wide range
of tastes that included classical, opera, jazz, and classic rock, as long as they had rhythm. She
was also an avid vegetable gardener and took pride in serving meals that were raised on her
farm. Robin had a deep concern for sustainably and humanely raised meat and implemented
practices to help preserve habitat for birds and wildlife.
Robin's dedication extended beyond her farm and personal interests. She actively supported the
Livestock Conservancy's mission to preserve heritage and endangered breeds and was an early
adopter of conservation easements, protecting over 500 acres of her land in NH and ME. She
worked tirelessly to educate other landowners about the benefits of preserving their lands and
was a philanthropist supporting the conservation of natural resources, preservation of the
environment, and humanitarian efforts.
Robin's love of the family farm and the surrounding land was something she enjoyed sharing
with her family and friends. She leaves behind her children Lucy Putnam (Charles Putnam),
William Aikman and Sophie Aikman all of Rollinsford, NH; Lorna Mehta of New York, NY; and
Robert Aikman of Fairbanks, AK. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jessie Aikman.
Robin also leaves behind her son-in-law Mike Lingley of Rollinsford, grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, extended family, and many friends.
During her life, Robin was a spirited farmer who was never afraid to speak her mind and share
her ideas and knowledge with others. She was a passionate educator, founding member of both
the Fayerweather Street School in Cambridge, MA and the Strafford Rivers Conservancy in
Dover, NH, and she was a Strafford County Conservation District Supervisor for over 30 years.
Her commitment to conservation earned her the prestigious Ashton Hallett Award in 2008, she
was twice recognized as an Outstanding Cooperator by the Strafford County Conservation
District, and in 2021, she was honored with the Conservation Legacy Award.
Robin worked hard to lead a life that could be an example for others. She was forever humble
in all that she did but was a moral compass to so many. Her sense of humor, thrifty tendencies
and love of cooking will be greatly missed. Guests were always entertained at her home and
loved to listen to her poignant ideas about how to make a difference in the world and the
importance of living a good life. Her compassion for others was endless and she was incredibly
proud that her children chose to carry on her legacy of philanthropy, generosity and caring.
Family calling hours will be held at the McIntire-McCooey Funeral Home, 301 Main Street, South
Berwick, Maine, on Saturday, September 23, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Strafford County Conservation District, 264
County Farm Road, Dover, NH 03820, or online at https://www.straffordccd.org/donations.