VINALHAVEN — Robert Walden Philbrook, 66, passed away unexpectedly on June 3, 2016, at his home in Vinalhaven. A life-long resident of Vinalhaven, Bob was born Sept. 27, 1949, and was the son of Frank and Thelma (Hildings) Philbrook.

After graduation from Vinalhaven High School, he served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Long Beach, Calif. Bob drove his famous green 1967 Pontiac, which he was hoping to restore over the next few years, across country several times while in the Navy, .

Following discharge from the U.S. Navy, Bob returned to Vinalhaven, and worked as a caretaker and lobsterman for many years until his death.

On Feb. 21, 1975, he married Sharon A. Warren. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bob loved spending time with all of them.

Hawaii was Bob's favorite vacation destination. Traveling with friends and family to many places, including Germany and Sweden, where they met relatives and visited the birthplace of his grandfather. For the past 11 years in the fall, Bob drove a vehicle and a boat to Florida, then reversed the trip back to the island in the spring for summer residents of Vinalhaven, the caretaking position he had held for 40 years.

Bob will be remembered for his big smile, outgoing personality and will be deeply missed by his family, especially his dog, Brandy.

Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Sharon Philbrook; his daughter, Amanda Wentworth and her husband, Wesley; his son, Michael Philbrook and his wife, Susan; four very special grandchildren, Sam and Lydia Wentworth and Olivia and Brady Philbrook; his brother, Donald Philbrook Sr. and his wife, Kathy, of St. George; his sister, Peggy Davis of Rockland; his sister- in-laws, Donna Warren and Susie Pitts and her husband, Randy; his brother-in-law, Dennis Warren of Vinalhaven; several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; and a good friend, Randy Farnham. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Thelma Philbrook.

A gathering will be held on Sunday, Aug. 14, at noon at Eastholm in Vinalhaven to celebrate Bob's life.

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to the AED Fund, c/o Vinalhaven Ambulance, P.O. Box 815, Vinalhaven, ME 04863.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service.