ROCKPORT — Robert Daniel Bishop left this earth on March 29, 2016, after spending 16 wonderful, but short years with his family and friends. Robert was a sophomore at Camden Hills Regional High School in Rockport.

Robert, and his twin sister Catherine, were born in Austin, Texas, to Dan and Elayne Bishop on Dec. 22, 1999. Growing up in Austin, Robert enjoyed football, Boy Scouts and hanging with his friends. He played football for Westlake Pop Warner, then West Ridge Middle school and then as a freshmen at Westlake High School. He also enjoyed watching college and pro football with his dad on fall weekends, and they spent many weekend afternoons holding the sofa down to watch football.

Robert was very active with his dad in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, first with Pack 79, then with Troop 990. From 2011 to 2015, Robert hiked, kayaked, fished, snow-skied, mountain-biked, and sailed and camped in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado with Troop 990. His favorite scouting adventures included trips to the Weminuche Wilderness in Colorado, where he climbed Windom Peak, the highest summit in the Needle Mountain range (14,088 feet), and Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where he hiked over 100 miles in the New Mexico mountains. His dad was fortunate to be able to attend his scouting trips with him. However, Robert always said that what he enjoyed most about football and scouting was the camaraderie with his buddies.

In June 2015, the Bishop family moved to Rockport. Robert began his sophomore year at Camden Hills Regional High School in the fall of 2015 and spent his time playing football, snow skiing and working out. He did not spend an inordinate amount of time on his schoolwork, and when reminded, he would say "I'm getting to that, boss." Robert was "well-rounded" and not in any danger of becoming a workaholic.

Robert will be missed for his sense of humor and one-of-a-kind personality. Friends would frequently describe him as "the funniest guy I know." He kept his family and friends laughing constantly. One of his teachers described him this way:

"I will always remember his wonderful combination of strength and humor. He was a quiet leader, the best kind people seek out. Robert always worked well with all people and connected with many at Camden Hills very quickly. He was silly, witty, smart, loyal, strong, independent, and many other things."

Robert was close to his family and friends. He loved visits from his older sister, Alex, who lives in Texas. Robert shared many common friends with his twin sister, Catherine, and younger sister, Olivia, and loved having those friends over to the house, where they would stay up most of the night talking, playing video games and watching TV. He loved to tease his mother and had his own special way of driving her crazy. He could make her mad and then laughing to tears in the same five-minute period. Robert had a special bond with his dad, and when his dad returned home from business travels, Robert would always greet him at the door with a bear hug and say "I missed you, bro." He had a soft spot for animals, especially his beloved cat, Pippy.

Robert was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Millie Bishop. He is survived by his parents, Dan and Elayne Bishop; his sisters, Alex, Catherine and Olivia; his grandparents, Robert and Charlene Crump; his aunt, Judi Bishop; and his uncle, Roby Crump.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff and teachers at Camden Hills Regional High School and the parents of Robert's friends, who have been incredibly kind and supportive; and the doctors and nurses at Maine Medical Center ICU, who worked tirelessly to help Robert in the last days of his life.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9 at 1 p.m. at the Rockport Opera House, with the Rev. Dr. Susan Stonestreet officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to JDRF, to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County or the CHRHS Football Boosters, c/o Camden Hills Regional High School, 25 Keelson Drive, Rockport, ME 04856.

Arrangements are with Long Funeral Home.