Hancock
Robert (Bob) Bruce McKenney, 76, died unexpectedly August 31st, 2022, at a Bangor Hospital. Bob was born Dec. 27, 1945, in Skowhegan, the son of Bernard and Virginia (Cook) McKenney. He graduated in Madison where he met his high school sweetheart, Donna Jean Bahr, who became his wife of 55 years.
Bob and Donna lived in the Madison area until they moved to Ellsworth in 1973 where they raised their five daughters. During his early life Bob held various positions from selling insurance and Kenworth trucks to auto body repair, often working multiple jobs at a time to provide for his family. He joined the Ellsworth Fire Department as a volunteer in 1976, continuing on to be a full-time engineer and retiring as Chief in 2006.
While Bob devoted so much of his time and energy to his career, he always made time for family and friends. He had numerous interests and hobbies throughout his life, including football, bowling, softball, fishing, snowmobiling, and auto racing. Some of his most enjoyable activities were spent with Donna, whether it be on the dance floor or on a camping adventure. In his most recent years, he cherished time spent together with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as golfing, playing cribbage and reading. He was a member of the Lygonia Lodge #40 and the Ellsworth Elks Lodge #2743.
He leaves behind his five daughters and their spouses, Tammy and Andy Andrews, Tracey and Todd Blankenship, Trudy Martin, Tara and Craige Williamson, and Tristan and Will Hardison. Also, his nine grandchildren, Megan (Brandon); Amanda (Greg); Andrea (Will); Paige, Shelby, and their father James; Danel (Tedd); Blake, Damon, and Josie. Two great-grandchildren, Brandon and Lillian. His sister Donna Tozier (Donald) and brother-in-law Dan Bahr (Risteen) and sister-in-law Gail McKenney, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bob has eternally joined his wife and parents, his brothers Carl and David (Lil) and his mother-in-law, Lillian Tully (Don).
His family invites all to gather at 3pm Friday September 9th, Lygonia Lodge, Carriage Way, Ellsworth. A Celebration of Life will follow at 4pm.
Family, friends, and community members are encouraged to share memories of Bob at www.acadiacremation.com.
10 Condolences
So sorry for your loss he was a wonderful man. I will always remember growing up at his house and feeling like another one of the girls. Sending so much love to his daughters
Bob was a neighbor, friend, and associate for many years. As fire chief he had a no nonsense approach to problem solving, which often required collaboration. He solved problems by working together with others, an often rare thing these days. I had the utmost respect for him. He never spoke ill of anyone. He was quiet in his demeanor, and kept the small talk to a minimum. He loved his family very much. He will be missed.
I’m sorry for your loss, Your entire family is full of amazing people. Great-uncle Bob has undoubtedly left a positive mark in our world and will be missed by all. (I am his brother, Dave’s, grandson.)
My condolences to you girls. This was such a shock. Bob has been my friend for many years. I don’t know of a nicer person than Bob. I’m going to miss him. I can’t make it to the celebration of life., but I will be thinking of all of you. So ver sorry..
My condolences to all the family. I knew him thru the Ellsworth Elks, who were richer from having him as a member and officer. He will be dearly missed here.
Heartfelt condolences to “the girls”. Please know that you all (along with your Mom) were always (well, almost always) the lights of his life. It has been a pleasure knowing and working with your dad since the 70’s when we recruited him for the Senator Hale Hose Company of the Ellsworth Fire Department. If my memory serves me correctly, it may have involved a cold mug and a sandwich at the Pizza Place. Little did I know that he would not only become Chief, but also a trusted friend and such a good electrical helper, As a plus, he also came with 5 very nice babysitters . To say he will be missed would be a major understatement. He was a well-respected person on so many fronts, and a great friend.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing We bowled together,Bob and I played on the same softball team for years.Also a Sunday morning foursome also included Bob at Tiddewater.He also sold us a car when he worked at Dow Motors.A true friend who always put his family first.
I only met him once, which entailed playing cribbage with him. I could see instantly that he was a thoughtful and experienced cribbage player with a lot of patience and poise. From what I hear, he led a life with those same attributes. He seemed to listen well and observe, which I think many of us need to do more of. In addition, he seemed like the kind of person who would had many stories of well lived life. Furthermore, and most importantly, it appears he was an excellent father and provider. That in itself speaks volumes. Time will pass, but the wonderful memories will never fade. I’ve been thinking of Trudy and the family. May you find comfort in knowing that my prayers are with you all.
So sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. We just received our Ellsworth American in today’s mail (09/10) so missed his gathering.
He was a good friend to me, at McD’s for coffee, golfing, and a neighbor in Hancock.
Sincere condolences to his loved ones. We really only know Tara.
P.S. Bob passed on my birthday, 08/31. Carroll Richardson
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