Robert Littlefield

PARIS — Robert (Bob) Dodge Littlefield, 85, of Paris passed away peacefully on November 22, 2012 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Lynn, MA on September 25, 1927, the son of Frank and Thelma Littlefield. He graduated from Lynn English High School and worked at Highmoor Farms before attending the University of Maine at Orono where he received a Bachelors degree in Agriculture. He was a member of the fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho. He later went on to earn his Masters degree as well as a certificate for 30 hours beyond his Masters.

In 1947, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served as an occupying force in Japan immediately after World War II. After his discharge, he returned to work at the University of Maine, where he met and married his life partner and best friend, Joanne Ruth Stormann. They soon moved to Leeds, where he began his teaching career at Monmouth Academy.

In 1966, Mr. and Mrs. Littlefield moved with their four children to Paris where he enjoyed 32 years of dedicated service to education, teaching biology for 27 years at Oxford Hills High School and holding the position of Principal for a period of five years. “Mr. Littlefield’s” passion for teaching led him to mentor numerous science fair students to win many awards at the Maine State and New England Science Fairs, making Oxford Hills the most successful school for many years in a row. He also invented and patented a science teaching aid, “Littlefield’s Finger Maze” which is still being manufactured and sold to schools today.

In 1976, he was awarded a certificate of highest distinction as Biology Teacher of the Year for New England of which he was very proud. Another outstanding accomplishment was his involvement in founding the very first “Project Graduation” at Oxford Hills High School – an organization that now exists nationwide and thriving after 33 years. Also in 1976, Mr. and Mrs. Littlefield built and operated a very successful greenhouse and florist business for 10 years that is still being run today as Littlefield Greenhouses, Inc.

After the sale of the business, Mr. Littlefield was still not ready to retire and went on to work for 17 years at Bessey Motor Sales, setting up newly purchased cars before delivery. His number one priority in life was definitely his family. His love and dedication was shown daily in his efforts to provide and care for each family member. Being a teacher and a man of science he loved sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren and engaging them in conversations about recent activities that involved science, school and nature.

His other interests were many and varied; he loved gardening, camping, RV’ing, he was an accomplished artist and woodcarver, he loved to cook (and eat), photography, hunting and fishing, feeding his birds and following the Red Sox. He truly enjoyed sitting and conversing with his beloved black lab, “Jake.” Over the years, Mr. Littlefield had countless former students seek him out and thank him for making a difference in their lives and in their career choices. He was an inspiration to everyone he met and could often be heard to say, “think positive.” This humble, soft spoken man truly had no idea of the huge part he played in so many lives; he will be deeply missed and loved every day.

Mr. Littlefield is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 57 years, Joanne; his children, John Littlefield and partner Gretel Taska of Dayton, Nancy Michaud and husband Ed of Norway, Stuart Littlefield and wife Janelle of Oxford and Karen Kriger and husband Sam of Norway; his grandchildren, Megan Littlefield Estes and husband Chris, Tyler Littlefield and partner Beth Reynolds, Kate Michaud, Pvt. Nick Michaud, Matt Michaud, Maddie Littlefield, Jack Littlefield, Lindsey Kriger and Shannon Kriger; a brother, Donald F. Littlefield of Arvada, CO; niece, Donna Littlefield and daughter Cara; nephews, Glenn Littlefield and Eric Littlefield; a brother-in-law, Ralph Stormann; special cousin, Mary Ellen O’Connor and close friend, Liz Schmidt. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Thelma Littlefield; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Littlefield and a sister-in-law, Carol Littlefield.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Robert D. Littlefield Scholarship Fund, c/o Androscoggin Bank, 170 Main Street, South Paris, ME 04281. Arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

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Robert Littlefield