Robert Burns Neilson Sr.

Robert ‘Bob’

Neilson, Sr., 67

AUBURN — Robert Burns Neilson, Sr., 67, of New Gloucester died at the Hospice House on Jan. 30, 2013, in Auburn after a period of declining health.

He was born on Jan. 6, 1946 in St. Louis, Mo., a son of Arthur and Janet (Bulger) Neilson. He was educated in St. Louis schools and graduated from Taylor School, Class of 1964.

Shortly after graduating Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy and enjoyed a 20 year career in education and antisubmarine warfare. After his enlistment the family returned to Maine and Bob began a 23 year career with L.L. Bean.

Bob enjoyed sailing and fly fishing. He was known to be able to fix just about anything and was an engineer at heart. He had a great sense of humor and was known as a first rate punster – every pun intended. He possessed a poet’s eye and ear and the generosity and heart of a teacher. Bob had a special fondness for the family retreat in Pentwater, Mich.

Bob will be remembered for his great love of his wife Maggie, his fairness in all things, his openness and acceptance of others, his practicality, diplomacy and overall generosity of spirit.

Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Margaret ‘Maggie’ (Shenk) Neilson of New Gloucester; his daughter Mary Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Mazzillo and her husband Christopher of Mechanic Falls, his son Robert Burns Neilson, Jr. and his wife Tammy of Danville; his four grandchildren, Megan, Arthur, Christopher and Robert III; his great-grandson Louis V; his brother Hugh Neilson and his wife Pat, his sister Janet Wells and his brother Bill, all of St. Louis, Mo., his sisters-in-law, Karen Neilson, Carmen Neilson, Janet Chipman and her husband Keith, Jamie Shenk and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his daughter Lisa Neilson; and his brothers Arthur and Dennie and his brother-in-law Bill Shenk.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday Feb. 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the New Gloucester First Congregational Church, 19 New Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester.

Bob and i were on crew 2 together in 1966 and flew Sp-2H together. Many of flights would have been cancelled if it was not for Bob. He made Duct tape and safety wire famous.

Lunch with the group