NORWAY — Robert “Bob” Keniston, 90, of Bethel, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2011, after suffering a stroke.

He was born in Greenwood on Nov. 15, 1920, to Silas and Eva Fiske Keniston. He graduated from Gould Academy in 1938 and from the University of Maine in 1943 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served as Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II, specializing as munitions instructor. He married the love of his life, Virginia Davis, on April 1, 1944, and together they raised a family of five in the home that he built on Chapman Street in Bethel.

Bob worked as a machinist and engineer in Bethel area wood processing mills. After retirement from Diamond International as plant engineer, he began a new retirement career of woodturning, creating beautiful pieces that have made their way into many homes throughout the northeast. The Fryeburg Fair became an annual event for display of his wares.

Many a day was spent with a fly rod or a hunting rifle in his hand, and many who knew him heard stories of big fish and even bigger adventures. Bob and his wife, Ginny, had many adventures together in their 64 years of marriage; Alaska, Quebec and Labrador were only a few of their fishing grounds. Saturday night was reserved for dancing, which he did as he said he would “til he was 90.” He is survived by his children, Martha Bangs of Dresden, Rachel McKnight of Jericho, Vt., David Keniston of Albany, Peter Keniston of Turner; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia; daughter, Rebecca Shaw; and sister, Edith Morey.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 1, at 11 a.m. at the Bethel Alliance Church in Bethel. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenleaf Funeral Home, 37 Vernon St., Bethel. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.