Rev. Robert F. Dobson of Hampstead, NH died unexpectedly on Friday, August 11, 2017. The son of Samuel and Hazel (Farrar) Dobson, he was born in Freeport, ME and graduated from Norway High School in Norway, ME. He served in the US Army during the Korean War and later graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington. He went on to Bangor Theological Seminary where he earned his Master of Divinity Degree.
As a compassionate and caring pastor, Bob served New Sharon Congregational Church in Maine, North Guilford Congregational Church in Connecticut, and First Church of Christ in Lynn (Congregational) and First Church in Ipswich in Massachusetts. His last full time ministry was in New Hampshire serving Hampstead Congregational Church from 1984 - 1999. He later served as Interim Minister of First Church in Salem. Bob's "ministry" reached out to the "community" in his role as Chaplain of the Hampstead Police and Fire Departments, as well through his work with Massachusetts Prison Reform, Youth Services, and Mental Health Reform. He was truly a "minister of the people" wherever he happened to live. Over the years, he held membership in Sutton Royal Arch in Lynn, John T. Heard Masonic Lodge in Ipswich, and the Hampstead Lions Club.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Judith (Woodman) Dobson; five daughters: Charlotte Comeau and husband John, Rebecca Finegan and husband Patrick, Debra Gridley and husband Mark, Rachel Cobban and husband Alec, and Amanda Dobson and partner Paul. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Jason, Maunie, Alex, Katie, Becca, Ceara, Gwen, and Ethan; two great grandchildren: Evan and Emma as well as a brother-in-law, Robert Woodman and his wife Cynthia, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers: Winfield, Gordon, and Elmer and two sisters: Beatrice and Alice.
Bob has been described as: "Neighbor, Friend, and Pastor - a special person who brought the message of God's Love to life with everyone that he touched." Following cremation, " A Celebration of Life Memorial Service" was held on Saturday, August 19th at 11:00 am in the Hampstead Congregational Church. The burial followed in Lakeview Cemetery in Hampstead. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hampstead Congregational Church, 61 Main St, Hampstead.