Robert Bradford Entwistle Sr.

NAPLES — Robert Bradford Entwistle Sr., 85, died peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017.

Born on June 16, 1932, to Jack Entwistle and Mary Margaret (Lyons) Entwistle, Bob grew up in the Beverly, Mass., Ryal Side neighborhood playing baseball and pond hockey with friends. His constant companions were his sister, Barbara Jean (White) and cousin Claire Lyons.

A 1950 graduate of Beverly High, Bob was voted “Class Wit” and his future wife (Marilyn “Woodsie” Entwistle), “Class Artist.” After attending Cushing Academy, Bob entered Middlebury College, where he made many friends and learned to ski at the Snow Bowl. After graduating from Middlebury, Bob served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan. When he returned to the states after his service, Bob was reintroduced to Woodsie, whom he would nickname “the queen” and who became the love of his life.

Bob made a career in publishing in Massachusetts; he and Woodsie moved to Maine in 1989, and Bob continued working into his 70s. Bob’s hobbies included technology, flying (he got his pilot’s license in his 50s), tennis, golf and skiing. He especially enjoyed teaching people with disabilities to ski at Shawnee Peak.

Traveling widely for the military and work, Bob developed a love of travel, and encouraged his children and grandchildren to explore and expand their horizons.

Bob’s wife, six children and 13 grandchildren formed the center of his life. On winter weekends, the family’s trademark orange Volkswagen bus was loaded with Fern the dog, kids, and assorted friends to head to camp at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. Days began with Bob’s famous pancakes to fortify everyone for the first chair and ended with the Entwistles trying to be last off the mountain.

Bob’s 13 grandchildren were a lifelong source of happiness. Known as Guppy, thanks to eldest granddaughter Abbi, Bob delighted in each grandchild’s interests and accomplishments. When he couldn’t be there in person, he waited eagerly in his office by his MacBook for e-mail and photo updates.

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004, Bob fought the disease courageously, always maintaining a positive attitude. Woodsie served as Bob’s sole caregiver for 13 years, ensuring he had a high quality of life every single day. Bob was well loved by “the queen,” and he knew it.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn “Woodsie” (Woods) Entwistle; his six children and their spouses: Martha MacKay of Cape Elizabeth, Mike Entwistle of Salt Lake City, Utah, Suzie Entwistle of Portland, Bert Entwistle of Reading, Mass., Amy Hunter of Yarmouth and Sarah Adams of Cape Elizabeth; 13 grandchildren; his sister, Barbara White of Ipswich, Mass.; his cousins.

He was predeceased by his brother, Jackie Entwistle.

A celebration of Bob’s life was held on Saturday, Nov. 25, at Saltwater Grille, South Portland. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net