HOLDEN - Robert 'Bob' W. Staples, 70, passed away February 22, 2017 at a Bangor healthcare facility. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather. Bob was born April 15, 1946 in Lynn, MA, the son of Loel L. and Marion (Barker) Staples. He grew up on Swan's Island before graduating from Higgins Classical Institute in 1964. Bob married Gladys Gould at Columbia St. Baptist Church in Bangor, ME on November 10, 1966 and they cherished each other for fifty years. He and Gladys continued to attend CSBC while raising their family and Bob enjoyed worship through singing, acting and serving as an usher and a deacon. They later joined The Church of the Open Door in Hampden, ME where he enjoyed greeting folks with his friendly smile and gentle, easy-going nature. He retired from GE in Bangor after 37 years in quality control, previously working as an EMT and at Eastern Maine General Hospital (EMMC). Bob donated blood as often as he could and volunteered for several years with the Holden Fire Department. His family has especially fond memories of their many road trips together, visiting relatives on Swan's Island, and camping at Sebago Lake where he could often be found tending the campfire or in a shady spot on the beach with a book. Bob enjoyed Bible study, visiting museums, and taking pictures of nature and his loved ones. He liked listening to classical music, watching sports and documentaries, working with his hands and gardening. He also liked to cook and bake for his family and feed the birds with his giant homemade suet cakes. He was a dedicated father and a constant source of encouragement. His family will treasure their memories of his love and his big bear hugs. He is survived by his loving wife, Gladys, to whom he was deeply devoted; his daughter Joanna Staples, his son Matthew Staples, his daughter Angela and her husband Jason Brackett; his brother Loel and his wife Barbara Staples; his grandchildren Ashleigh and Samuel Staples; his former son-in-law Dave Churney, and a large extended family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a beloved daughter, Julie Staples-Churney, in 2013.