Robert E. Badger ’49 died on October 9, 2015, in Kennebunkport, Maine.
(The following appeared in The Portland Press Herald, October 13-14, 2015):
Robert Erskine Badger, 90
KENNEBUNKPORT – Robert Erskine Badger of Kennebunkport, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015. Bob was born in Melrose, Mass., on Dec. 13, 1924, the son of Joseph L. Badger and Rose Erskine Badger. He attended the Newton, Mass., schools and graduated from Loomis Academy in 1943. Bob served in the Navy in the Pacific during WWII. Upon return, he enrolled and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1949.
Bob met his wife, Lois (Bussie) in first grade and they were friends for all their school years. They married in 1947 when she graduated from Middlebury College and he was at Bowdoin. They were about to celebrate their 68th anniversary on Oct. 25.
After graduating from college they settled in Maine and lived in Kennebunkport for many years. Their three children, Jeffrey, Dana and Pamela were born while they lived there.
For many years Bob and Bussie sailed on their sloop, Sea Badger. They taught their children and grandchildren a love of the sea. Bob was a founder of the Arundel Yacht Club and an avid sportsman.
After several moves, the Badgers moved to Jackson, N.H., in 1972, when he purchased the Joe Jones Ski Shop in North Conway with his brother, Richard.
Bob and Bussie retired and returned to Kennebunkport where they again became active in neighborhood and community activities. Bob was a member of the Old Goats, Arundel Yacht Club, Arundel Cemetery Committee and his Breakfast Club!
Bob lived by the rule that everyone had a story to tell and he was interested in every story. Bob never met a person that didn’t become a fast friend, which enriched his life. Everyone loved Bob and the feeling was reciprocated.
Bob was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Joseph Badger. Bob is survived by his wife, Bussie; brother Richard Badger, sister Holly English; three children, Jeffrey Badger and his wife Su, Dana Badger and his wife Kathy, and Pamela Davis and her husband Chip; eight grandchildren, Jesse, Heidi, Molly, Sally, Bobby, Sean, Eric and Kelley; two great-grandchildren, Keegan and Quinn.
The Badger family would like to acknowledge and thank his doctors, Dr. Carpenter, Dr. McCardle, Dr. Quinlan and their staffs for the wonderful and compassionate care they provided over the years. Also, the most recent care of Hospice of Southern Maine team who provided tremendous support and sensitivity on our journey, enabling Bob’s wishes to be honored.