Robert Van Der Meiren

South Portland-Robert G. Van Der Meiren Sr., 76, loving father and doting grandfather passed Saturday, September 5, 2020, at his son's home with his loving Bosten Terrier Yogi by his side. Robert lived a life of devotion to his children; grandchildren and his favorite daughter in law "Red". Robert was born in Hoboken New Jersey on November 16, 1943, the son of Maurice H. and Barbara (Verdoom) Van Der Meiren. Robert attended Scotch Plains/Fanwood High School in New Jersey; but Robert's love for his country led him to enlist in the Navy and at the tender age of 17. Robert utilized his Navy training and worked as a diesel mechanic for General Motors, with the desire to provide for his family, there was rarely a time he turned down the opportunity to work overtime. Robert retired after 38 1/2 years, he was extremely proud of the work he did with General Motors. During his career with General Motors he became a lover of Chevy S10s and Chevy Blazers, believing that if you did not want your vehicle to break down buy a Chevy. Robert's lightheartedness and kind nature came easily to him, always the social butterfly he would strike up conversations with many people during his daily travels with Yogi. Robert married his one and only true love Georgia in the summer of July 1993 until her passing in November of 2012. Robert loved his grandchildren immensely; on many occasions the grandchildren would gather around to witness his special "trick", the ability to wiggle his ears, never growing tired of seeing this special grand dad talent each would laugh in delight. During his younger years Robert enjoyed riding his bike in a non-traditional way; riding backwards sitting on the handle bars facing backwards. Robert was an avid salt and fresh water fisherman; even though he never ate fish, he especially enjoyed the challenge of trolling for both Tuna and Fluke. Robert was a member of the American Legion and the Legion Riders and a member of the local H.O.G. Chapter. As Roberts health began to decline his son Robert Jr. and wife Tammie; lovingly opened their home in Maine, to care for he and Yogi. Robert had a very special bond with both Victoria (Toots) and Yogi. Robert is predeceased by his wife Georgia; one son Russell Van Der Meiren of South Portland. He is survived by sons Robert Van Der Meiren Jr. and his wife Tammie of South Portland; Jeffrey Van Der Meiren and his wife Tiffany of Surprise Arizona; four grandchildren Victoria of South Portland; Elizabeth of York; Jeffrey and Lily of Standish; brothers Maurice Van Der Meiren Sr. of Kentucky; Phillip Van Der Meiren of New Jersey; Gordon Van Der Meiren of New Jersey; Dexter Van Der Meiren of New Jersey and Jeff Van Der Meiren of New Jersey. As Robert would say "Lots of love, luck and lollipops" and no matter how you look at it "two times nothing is still nothing." Due to current circumstances, services honoring Robert's remarkable life will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Robert's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com In keeping with Robert's kind nature, the family would like to express those planning on an expression of sympathy to please consider sending a memorial contribution to the Southern Maine Veteran's Home 290 US-1, Scarborough, ME 04074.