BANGOR – Robert E. “Bob” Christen, 80, of Kingfield, passed peacefully on the evening of Saturday, July 19, 2014, at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
He was born on April 1, 1934, in Westwood, N.J., a son of Emil John and Winnifred (Denman) Christen. He received his education in Park Ridge, N.J. and was a veteran, having served the in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
On June 27, 1970, he married Diane Bors in Park Ridge, N.J.
In 1980, he and his family moved to Kingfield where he enjoyed farming and raising beef. The summer months were favorites as he loved to hay. He took a great deal of pride and enjoyment from being able to mentor many young people during their employment on the farm throughout their formative years. He was also a self-employed plumber and co-owned The Woodsman Restaurant in Kingfield with his wife, Diane.
He was a dedicated member of the Kingfield community for many years and served as a selectman for 10 years. He was also a member of the Mt. Abram Masonic Lodge 204, the Norton-Wuori American Legion Post and the Aurora Grange.
In his free time, he enjoyed fly-fishing; but, most of all, he loved being in the company of his grandchildren on the farm and never wanted to leave the farm, or Kingfield.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diane Christen of Kingfield; three children: Emil Christen and his wife, Debbie of Calfon, N.J.; Stacie Hotham and her husband, James Hotham, DVM, of Blaine, Maine and David Christen and his wife, Bridget of Benton; four grandchildren: James Hotham, Elizabeth Hotham, Jacob Hotham and Matthew Christen.
He was predeceased by his folks and three siblings: Charles, Harold and Viola Viglietta.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Saturday July 26, 2014, from 3- 6 p.m. at the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Rd., (Rtes. 2 & 27) Farmington, where public memorial services will be held at 6 p.m. Remembrance gifts may be given to Gifts of Love c/o Michelle Beedy 57 Narrow Gauge Street Kingfield, Maine 04947. Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.
Bob will be remembered as a wonderful man by me, my family, and I’m sure many others.
So sorry Diane, Emil, Stacy, David. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob was truly a civic minded citizen in the community. Can recall his leadership as one of three members of the Board of Selectmen in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in Kingfield and of course his and Diane’s role with the restaurant they so capably operated.
Diane and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.