Robert M. Bland

Robert M. "Bob" Bland, 54, of Biddeford, a former resident of Eliot, died unexpectedly at home on January 30.He was born in Sanford on October 1, 1956, the son of Donald R. and Patricia (Mayo) Bland. He attended Sanford schools and was a graduate of Sanford High School where he played football and basketball.For several years he lived in Florida where he worked as a recovery team diver for NASA. He lived in Spokane, WA for several years where he was self-employed as a wholesale and retail supplier of lobster. More recently he lived in Maine in Caribou and Eliot and worked as an agent for Combined Insurance.Bob was musically inclined and his favorite professional musicians were the Beatles. Bob sang lead in a couple of bands in his younger days and more recently enjoyed singing and playing guitar with his sons.His family recalled that he was a people person and that he had a standard of excellence for everything he did at work and at play. They remembered with special fondness the many road trips they took together as a family.Survivors include his wife Melinda (Cole) Bland, sons James Bland, Joshua Bland, daughter Sasha Bland, all of Eliot, brothers Raymond Bland of Texas and Walter Bland of Shapleigh.Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday from 6-8 PM at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, where a funeral service will be held on Saturday at 2:00 PM. Burial will be in the spring in Goodwins Mills Cemetery, Lyman.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Make A Wish Foundation, 87 Elm Street Suite 203, Camden, ME 04843.Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street, Sanford. Condolences may be expressed at the Condolences tab at left.