Rev. Robert C. Hewitt, formerly of Kennebunk, passed away in the early hours of Dec. 27 at Cove’s Edge, Damariscotta.
He was born Feb. 4, 1920, in Peacedale, R.I., to Dr. Clarence and Flora Eaton Hewitt. When he was young, the family moved to Aurora, Ill., where he attended local schools.
Bob was a graduate of Aurora University, formerly Aurora College, and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. While attending seminary, he met the love of his life, Ellen, and they married on May 19, 1945.
An ordained minister, Bob pastored in churches in Lafayette, R.I. and Waterbury, Conn., before moving to Kennebunk, where he was pastor of the Kennebunk Advent Christian Church for more than 30 years, before retiring to the role of Pastor Emeritus.
Bob was active in the Advent Christian General Conference, serving as past president of the American Advent Mission Society. He served as president of Plainville Campground in Plainville, Conn., and on the board of directors of the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center. For many years, he served as Treasurer of the Eastern Region of the Advent Christian Conference. He was a past vice president of the Maine State Advent Christian Conference, a past member of the Kennebunk Clergy Association, and a former president of the Bible Society of Maine.
When the Kennebunk Church moved to its present location on Sea Road, Bob worked tirelessly with other members of the church to make this vision a reality. He also assisted in the creation of Kennebunk Christian Academy and served on its board for many years.
He greatly enjoyed his calling to be a minister and faithfully served his congregations in many capacities. His greatest gift was his ability to minister to the sick and needy, and he and Ellen spent many countless hours traveling to people’s homes and to hospitals to give comfort and prayer to those in need.
Some of Bob’s happiest times were spent with his family at their summer cottage in Alton Bay, N.H. He loved zooming along Lake Winnipesaukee in his boat, Miraculous.
Bob and Ellen moved to Chase Point, Damariscotta in December 2005, where Bob was an avid participant in many activities, including bell ringing. He also attended the Damariscotta Baptist Church.
He is predeceased by his parents, and brother, Dr. Clyde E. Hewitt.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Ellen Flude Hewitt, of Damariscotta, formerly of Kennebunk; son, Mark Hewitt and wife Miriam Hewitt of Coconut Creek, Fla.; daughter, Robin Hewitt Bibber and husband Douglas Bibber of Damariscotta; and grandchildren, whom Bob adored, Grace and Luke Bibber of Damariscotta.
Gathering of friends and family 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Fri., Dec. 29 at Bibber Memorial Chapel, Summer St., Kennebunk.
Celebration of Bob’s life 1:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 30 at the Sea Road Advent Christian Church, Sea Rd., Kennebunk.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, P.O. Box 321, Alton Bay, NH 03810 or to the Damariscotta Baptist Church Steeple Fund, Landmark Steeple and Clock Restoration Fund, c/o The First, N.A., P.O. Box 940, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Services are entrusted to Hall and Bibber Funeral Home, Main St., Thomaston and Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk.
