WINTHROP - Robert 'Bob' Ashby of Winthrop, formerly of Fort Fairfield, passed away at his Winthrop home on Oct. 12, 2010, after a battle with cancer. Bob was born on Nov. 24, 1931, in Presque Isle, the son of Norman and Fernette Ashby. A 60-year resident of Fort Fairfield, Bob graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, majoring in agriculture. After graduation, Bob spent two years in the Army in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and was an instrument operator in a survey crew, Howitzer Company, patrolling borders adjacent to Iron Curtain countries. Following his Army service, Bob farmed for 10 years on the family farm in Fort Fairfield. In 1963, he joined Maine Public Service Co. as a farm service advisor. For 30 years, he worked closely with farmers, examining electrical equipment, wiring and potato storage ventilation systems. He also administered the Electrification Scholarship Contest, and was the unofficial photographer for Maine Public Service, an avocation he enjoyed for many years. Bob was very committed to community involvement, both in Fort Fairfield and his new home in Winthrop. A member of the Rotary Club, Bob was a past president of the Aroostook County United Way, chairman of the Planning Board and longtime town councilor in Fort Fairfield, longtime board member of the Maine Potato Blossom Festival, a member of the Maine Emergency Medical Services Board and the Winthrop Planning Board, as well as a numerous other civic activities. Bob was an active member of the Winthrop Congregational Church, where he proudly served as the chowder master at monthly fish chowder luncheons. Bob's favorite pastime was working with wood on any number of projects. Dayle said that Bob was never found without his pocket knife, that she gave to him on their wedding day. Dayle only limited his time in his shop to make time for bicycling, skiing and frequent trips to the Tenants Harbor area, which they both enjoyed. Two of Bob's model ships are on display at the Fort Fairfield High School and Winthrop Elementary School. He was predeceased by brother, James, formerly of Fort Fairfield. Bob is survived by his wife of 33 years, Dayle Pearl Ashby, originally of Wilton; son Douglas Ashby and daughter-in-law Kim of Limington; son Todd Ashby of North Carolina; daughter Barbara Springer and son-in-law Steve of Potomac, Md.; son Jeff Ashby of Presque Isle; stepdaughter Marcia Savoy and her husband, Rick, of Wilton; and stepson Brian Frost and his wife, Carrie, of Portland. Bob is also survived by his brother, William Ashby and his wife, Betty, of Presque Isle; sister-in-law Marie Ashby of Fort Fairfield; eight grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. A memorial celebration of Bob's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Winthrop Congregational Church, UCC, 10 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Burial will follow in Glenside Cemetery, Winthrop. A memorial celebration of Bob's life will also be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the United Parish Church in Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charles M. Bailey Library, 39 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, ME 04364, to support the expansion project or to the Winthrop Congregation Church, 10 Bowdoin St., Winthrop, ME 04364. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.