Robert Charles Etman, 85, Sebastian
Robert “Bob” Charles Etman, 85, of Sebastian, passed away after a short illness on Dec. 22, 2020. Bob, also known as “Pete” by his childhood friends, was born in Williamstown, Mass., on Feb. 27, 1935.
He grew up on Henderson Road and attended the Williamstown schools. As a boy, he was a member of his family’s square dance band, playing guitar and mandolin.
After serving in the US Army, Bob married Lynn Robbins, also of Williamstown, and moved to Stockbridge. He worked for Mead Paper Company for 34 years. He was founding member of the employees credit union at the Willow Mill in Lee, Mass.
Bob retired in 1994 to Sebastian and Tupper Lake, N.Y. Bob and Lynn’s home, Riverhouse, on Racquette River Drive in Tupper Lake, became a summer haven for his three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and many of the neighborhood kids. He helped make many great memories there.
Bob was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, snowmobiling, canoeing and hiking. He was also a tinkerer and collector of all things mechanical. He once had a large collection of outboard motors and later moved on to antique cars and trucks.
After retiring, he and Lynn volunteered at the Adirondack Museum and the Ocean Research and Conservation Association at Harbor Branch. He was an active member of the Freemasons and the Shriners. Bob was also a long standing member of the United Church of Sebastian.
He is predeceased by his parents, Olive and Charles Etman; and his brother, Louis.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years; a son, Daniel; and a daughter, Melissa Halliday.
There will be a private memorial service in the future. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Alzheimers Association.
Donations to the Alzhimer’s association may be made at: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1
