Hiram - Robert C. Parker, 75 years old, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2020, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Bob was born in Woburn, Mass. on December 10, 1944, to George and Mary (Burr) Parker. While an infant, his family moved to Red Bank, South Portland. Later, his family moved back to Massachusetts, then settled in Florida. While a senior in high school, Bob joined the Naval Reserves, and after graduating, volunteered to go to Vietnam. After his discharge from the Navy, Bob lived in various states, and explored a wide range of employment opportunities. In 1984, Robert returned to Maine, bought a house and settled in Parsonsfield.
Bob was a dedicated student of martial arts, with training and experiences that spanned thirty years. He established a martial arts academy in Cornish. Many of his students competed at both the state and national level.
Bob loved riding motorcycles, especially sport bikes. He stated "riding gave him a sense of freedom." He rode his last sport bike until the age of 72.
In 2002, Bob earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine, and in 2007, he earned a Masters Degree from Vermont College. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment as he "always wanted to me an educated man."
Bob is survived by longtime companion and love of his life , Shelley Lemieux of Hiram, a brother, Scott Parker of York, South Carolina, and a sister Judith Michaud of Largo, Florida.
A private graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Cornish. Arrangements are respectfully handled by Poitras, Neal and York Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.mainefuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074.