CAMDEN — Robert Nash Hersom, 90, died Nov. 28, 2015, at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, Fla.

Raised in South Berwick, he was the son of George E. and Pearl Ellen (Butler) Hersom. He was educated at Berwick Academy and worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard before joining the United States Navy during World War II.

After serving aboard the aircraft carriers USS Bunker Hill and USS Bon Homme Richard in the South Pacific during World War II, Bob relocated to Camden and was employed by Spear's Plumbing before establishing and operating his own business, R. N. Hersom Sheet Metal Work & Heating. The company was a fixture in Rockport Village for a number of years. Bob was well-respected within the boat building and building trades' communities for his high-quality work in support of both industries. After constructing many a cupola and finial and working on many a roof, he came out of "retirement" in 1993 to install the new copper skin on the cupola that adorns the Camden Public Library.

On Dec. 19, 1957, he married Bessie Glenevin Hardie in Camden and in 1958, they built their home on Willow Street in Camden, with Bob completing all of the work himself, with the exception of the pouring of the foundation. It was at that home that they raised their two daughters, Bess Ellen and Robin.

"Retiring" in the late 1980s, for 10 years each fall Bob and Bessie sailed their 32-foot sloop from Rockport to Man O' War, Bahamas, where they enjoyed spending the winter months, returning in the spring to reconnect with family and to hike the Camden Hills and Katahdin. Bob was known by many as a highly competent helmsman and his personality kept the voyage calm under even the most trying conditions.

Following the Bahamas years, Bob and Bessie set out each fall to camp and otherwise explore the American south and southwest, always returning with many stories of the truly interesting people they had met. In addition to sailing and camping, Bob enjoyed canoeing and reading, with the Civil War and World War II being his special interests. The times spent with his three grandchildren were always fun and filled with adventure.

Before moving to Florida in early 2015, Bob received excellent and loving care from the ladies of ASK Home Healthcare, which gave great comfort to his family. Late in the spring of 2015 he moved to Stone Ledge Manor in Thonotosassa, Fla., where he and his cat, Stewart, were a big hit with the residents and staff. He even earned himself the nickname – “Bobcat.” The family wishes to thank the residents who befriended him, and the staff who attended to and cared for him with a high degree of professionalism, in his new home.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Bessie Hersom, in December 2014; his parents; his stepmother, Dottie; his brother, Merrill; and sister-in-law, Viola; his brother-in-law, Alexander Hardie; and his sister-in-law, Mary Helen Hardie.

Surviving are his daughter, Bess Ellen Dexter, her husband, Bob, and grandson, Garrett, all of Plant City, Fla.; his daughter, Robin Jordan and her husband, Charles, of Rockland; his granddaughter, Mackenzie of South Portland; his grandson, Jeffrey of Westbrook; two nieces, Mary Heathcote and her husband, Wally, of Union and  Carol Peasley of North Carolina; his great niece, Karen Martin and her daughters, Mackenzie and Caroline of Massachusetts; and his great nephew, Tom Goodridge, his wife, Janet, and their son, Jack, of New Hampshire; and his trusted companion, Stewart.

Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Camden. A service to be held in the summer will be announced.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Pope Memorial Animal Shelter, P. O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841 (humanesocietyofknoxcounty.org/) or to American Legion Post #30, P. O. Box 187, Camden, ME 04843.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home.