Robert “Bob” Lawson Jr., 52 of Cushing, passed away at his home on the afternoon of July 28, 2020.  The son of Janis (Simmons) Lawson and Robert Lawson, Bobby was born on November 2, 1967 in Rockland, Maine. 

He spent most of his life in Thomaston and Cushing. He was full of life with a deep love for music, his kids, grandkids and the water. He worked for Dragon Cement for a while in his late teens before leaving to go fishing. He has been scalloping, clamming, musseling, lobstering most of his life; but also was a carpenter, painter, and mechanic. 

Bob built his life with his partner, Paula Byrnes; instead of celebrating a wedding anniversary, they celebrated a “Family Anniversary” on August 13. He often shared the story of working in the woods, getting run over by a 1969 John Deer Bulldozer and living to tell about it. He loved being on the water working, tuna fishing or taking an evening ride around North or South Ponds, trolling for whatever would bite. 

In the winter, he enjoyed snowmobiling any chance he got; his favorite memories included being at a friend’s camp and feeding the deer in the front yard, exploring the trails around Jackman as well as surviving Broad Cove Shoals in Cushing. Bobby always connected with kids of any age as he was a total kid at heart; he loved that he knew multiple generations of kids, watching “The Hill” kids and then their kids grow up. 

When not working, playing or helping a friend, you would find Bob in his garage; in his recliner throne with the radio cranked, a cold Heineken in one hand and a smoke in the other.

He once said, “My neighbors listen to good music, whether they want to or not!”

Thankfully, we have the best neighbors who often heard special dedications; particularly Sweet Home Alabama echoing around the neighborhood because he knew it was a favorite. His door was always open for a friend to stop by, have a drink, a smoke and some conversation; you could guarantee he’d have you laughing. (Bob was here for a good time, if not a long time). 

He loved that he shared a fishing site with his son. Later in life, Bob was so excited to learn that he had adult twin daughters; though he had few regrets in life, he often said he wished he had the chance to know them earlier. Over the years he made many great memories with Paula, his children, grandchildren, friends and all the “extras” he adopted along the way. 

Bob often joked of being a hard hearted person, but the truth was the complete opposite; he had a soft spot for any child, animal or a friend that needed a hand. If you miss Bob, spend time with one of his kids or grandkids, each of them carry on so many of his physical and personality traits; you’ll know he’s in there. 

Bob was predeceased by his parents; baby sister, Renee. 

Bob is survived by his partner of 26 years, Paula Byrnes of Cushing; son, Shawn Sprague and his partner, Brianna Willis, of St. George; his daughters, Renee Lawson of Cushing; Thea Ortiz and her partner, Bryan Perkins, of Matinicus; and Ericka Ortiz and her partner, Billy Jenkinson, of Wiscasset; his grandchildren: Emilee Havener, Alexis Sylvia, Sophia Lawson-McMahan, Noah and Tucker Sprague; his sisters, Holly Lawson and her partner, Scott Lermond, and Vickie Simmons and her partner, Rob McClellan; his aunts, Linda Maloney and Esther Dawson, uncles Buddy and David Lawson. Nieces Jessie and Lacey Lermond; nephews Nathan and Justin McClellan and the whole “Massachusetts crew”. He will be missed by special friends Peter Graffam, Darren Elwell, Bill McKusic, Chris Pease, Silent Dave, his neighborhood “Ladies” and the Gray family.  

A celebration of life in Bob’s garage will be announced later this summer; there will not be a traditional service.  

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543.  Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.