Robert (Bob) Lewis Teel, 89, of Jefferson, died peacefully in his home on Dec. 17.
He was born Nov. 3, 1917, in Lynn, Mass., to Frank and Marion Burnham Teel.
He was a graduate of the Museum School of Fine Arts in Boston, Mass. and started his career in the 1940’s as a draftsman with General Electric in Lynn, Mass.
Bob brought up his family on Sunny Acre Farm in North Andover, Mass., where he and his family raised award winning white Holland turkeys and established a registered Holstein dairy herd.
He and Marjorie enjoyed many summers on Raspberry Island in Port Clyde. In 1970, they made Jefferson their permanent residence with their youngest son, Sam.
Bob was particularly proud of his relationship and work with area farmers as an agent of Eastern Artificial Insemination, a subsidiary of Cornell University. In this role, he assisted many in expanding their herds while preserving their livelihood and independence in keeping with a Maine tradition.
Bob loved his family; he loved life and lived it to the fullest every day. He was an avid fly fisherman and loved his trips to Tim Pond in Eustis. He was a life-long bird fancier and an active member of the Central Maine Bird Fancier’s Club. He was a great friend and neighbor to all who knew him. He loved all animals and raised award winning pigeons and other fowl. He was an active member of his community and knew the value of diligence and hard work. Bob was a man of great strength and patience. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Marjorie Rice Teel, who passed away in 1996.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Brooke Teel Kolterjahn and husband Paul of Rockport, Mass., and Carol Teel Isenberg and husband Timothy of Salisbury, N.C.; sons, Robert L. Teel, Jr. and wife Susan of Essex, Mass., and James Samuel Teel and wife Katrin of Bangor; grandchildren, Geoffrey, Amy, Nathaniel, Tyler, Katharine, Nathan, Abby, Jennifer, Amanda, Douglas, Rachael and Joshua; great-grand children, Brendan, Maegan, Jacob, Joel, Madison and Elsie; and a very special friend, Nancy Overton of Jefferson.
A celebration of his life will be made at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Jefferson Fire and Rescue, 204 Waldoboro Rd., Jefferson, ME 04348.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 949 Main St., Waldoboro.
