Robert “Bob” Smithson, 89, passed away on August 4, 2026, at the Gorham House surrounded by family and friends after a long illness. He was born in Buxton Maine on May 7, 1937, to the late Robert and Marion Smithson.

Bob graduated from Windham High School. He attended Franklin Technical Institute in Boston and University of Maine in Portland. He also served with the National Guard in South Portland.

He married Paula Shattuck who was the love of his life. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage, this coming August 19th.

He had a varied career, starting as a draftsman/designer for General Electric. He was also employed by Metal Tech in Biddeford. He worked for Maine Central Railroad in the Real Estate Division and ended his career working for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles for the State of Maine where he was responsible for real estate and ADA compliance at all BMV offices in the state.

Bob was a longtime member of Windham Hill United Church of Christ where he served as a trustee and on the Festival of Trees committee. He was an active participant in many other groups and cherished his friendship with the members there.

Earlier in his life he was president of the Windham Jaycees, served on the Windham Planning Board, and was a member of Hiram Lodge, South Portland. He also attended Presumpscot Lodge meetings in Windham. He was a volunteer for the Windham Rescue Unit during the 1970’s.

Bob and Paula enjoyed traveling, including trips to Florida in the winter, many church trips across the pond and two special trips; one to Japan for his special exchange student Akemi’s wedding, where he gave a speech that was in honor of Akemi who he loved like a third daughter. He also traveled to Rwanda with his daughter Becky, to visit his grandson Nate who was serving in the Peace Corps. The Rwandan people loved his gentle demeanor.

He enjoyed music, camping, boating, snowmobiling and mostly spending time with his family. He always made each person feel special.

He greatly enjoyed being part of his special friend Bill Diamonds’ first political campaign in 1976 and for the next several years, where he was his campaign manager when he ran for State offices.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his sister Sherry Hooper, and special niece, Missy Hooper.

In addition to his “Special Angle” Paula (this is not a typo), he is survived by his daughters Rebecca Jackman and her husband Bob of Gray, and Melinda Lyons and her husband John of South Portland; five grandchildren, Nate Petersen and his wife Emily, Eric Petersen and his wife Ali, Bob Lyons, Kate-Lyn Knight and her husband Eric, Cassie Clark and her husband Tim; 11 great-grandchildren and twins on the way; Brother Gary and his wife Sharon, Susan Allen and her husband George, and brother in law Allen Hooper; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former son-in-law Paul Petersen.

Bob also enjoyed a special relationship with his “third daughter” Akemi Sakai, a foreign exchange student from Japan.

The family thanks friends and family, Dr. Jodi Newcombe and her team at Northern Light Mercy, Rev. Sharon Rankin of Windham Hill UCC, the staff at The Gorham House as well as Compassus Hospice for their dedication and care during his illness. Special thanks to so many special angels who displayed acts of kindness to Bob and his family during his illness.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Bob on August 29, 2026, at Windham Hill United Church of Christ officiated by Rev. Sharon Rankin at 140 Windham Center Road at 2:00pm with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Windham Hill United Church of Christ at 140 Windham Center Road, Windham ME 04062 or Compassus Hospice Care 163 U S Route One, Scarborough ME 04074.