ROCKLAND, Maine and ESSEX, Conn. — Robert John Baldwin, "Grandad" to six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, died peacefully in his sleep April 23, at age 97 after a full and active life. He was born in Stamford, Conn., June 13, 1915, to Catherine Louise and Louis Austin Baldwin.

He graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and practiced dentistry in Essex, Conn., until retirement at age 82 after 56 years. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and later married the love of his life, Lucille Carol Fogg. They had four sons, Robert, Richard, Douglas and Peter. Lucille preceded Bob in death Aug. 25, 1979.

Bob had many friends and would often say "Family and friends....that's what life is all about." He was loved and admired by all who knew him. He was a member of Rotary and a community volunteer, with interests in tennis, bowling, camping and canoeing. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, giving and receiving great joy. He held on to life at the end so that he could say good-bye to each and every one of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by Robert and Janice Baldwin of Rockport, Richard and Rosemary Baldwin of Belfast, Douglas Baldwin of Middletown, Conn., and Peter and Shiamala Baldwin of Park City, Utah. Grandchildren and spouses are Eric and Lynn Kim Baldwin, Jennifer and Martin Mackey, Brian and Kerry Baldwin, Sarah and Todd McIlroy, Holly and Gary Howell, Anna Baldwin and Skeet Shepherd; and great-grandchildren, Ella and Erica Baldwin, Elisse and Wyeth Mackey, Mara and Aran Baldwin, Madeleine, Liam, and Maeve McIlroy, Hayley, Payton, Chloe, and Elorie Howell, and Jackson Shepherd.

He had very dear friends at Bartlett Woods in Rockland, where he lived the past four years. We wish to thank the devoted staff of Bartlett Woods for taking such good care of him over the years.

A memorial service will be held in Essex in mid-June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice, c/o Pen Bay Healthcare, 22 White St., Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with Dr. Baldwin's family, visit his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.