FRIENDSHIP — Robert Summers Lash Jr., 94, passed into the care of his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family at his home, Oct. 1, 2013.

Born in Friendship Aug. 1, 1919, he was the fifth of 14 children of Robert S. and Levilda Carter Lash. He was a 1938 graduate of Thomaston High School, and after enlisting in the Army Air Corps, served four years during World War II, in Italy and North Africa. On Aug. 9, 1947, Robert married Katharyn Stevens in Rockland. They made their home in Friendship, where they have since resided.

Robert worked as a lobster buyer, a boat builder at Lash Brothers Boat Yard for many years, at Sprowl and Lash Building Supply in Rockland and in 1969, he became postmaster of the Friendship Post Office. He retired in 1989. For 68 years, he was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, where he served as lay leader, trustee and Sunday school superintendent for many years. He was a founding member of the Friendship Museum.

An avid reader, Bob had a lifelong interest in local history. He possessed a keen memory, often fueled by his large collection of books. He also enjoyed collecting post cards and old pictures. He was a devoted husband and father.

Other than his parents, Bob was predeceased by three brothers, Austin, John and Harold Lash; two sisters, Eleanor Lash and Mary Wotton; a sister-in-law, Lucille Lash; as well as two brothers-in-law, Benjamin Kaler and Harland Maxcy. He is survived by his wife of 66 years; three daughters, Laurinda Cushman and her husband, Albert, Marilyn Lash and Celia Briggs and her husband, Chuck, all of Friendship; six grandchildren and their spouses, Jessica and Joshua Barrett of Lancaster, N.H., Cecily and Andrew Havener of Friendship, Christopher and Cayce Briggs of Newcastle, Laura and Jacob Oliver of Nobleboro, Matthew and Meghan Briggs of Wyoming, and Gwendolynn and Brandon Achorn of Friendship; 11 great-grandchildren; five brothers and their spouses, Winfield and Barbara Lash, Paul Lash, Douglas and Lucille Lash, Howard and Lois Lash, and Philip and Janice Lash, all of Friendship; three sisters, Carolyn Kaler, Esther Lane and her husband, Robert, all of Friendship, and Myra Maxcy of Thomaston; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m. at Old Village Cemetery in Friendship. The Revs. Robert Dorr and Alan Chamberlin will officiate. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Friendship United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 187, Friendship, ME 04547, or The Old Village Cemetery Association, C/O Mary Merrill, Secretary, P.O. Box 69, Friendship, ME 04547.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland. To share a memory or condolence with Bob's family, visit his Book of Memories online at the funeral home.