Robert F. Leeman

Orono, Maine - Robert F. "Bob" Leeman Sr., 96, died August 5, 2026, at Orono Commons Assisted Living Facility. He was born April 8, 1930, the son of James E. Leeman Jr. and Iva (Beale) Leeman.

Bob was a Master Maine Guide for more than 50 years. He passed the Maine Game Warden Exam in 1956. He was assigned deputy warden and had the honor of working with legendary wardens such as Dave Mercier, Fred Reeves and Mose Jackson. Bob owned and operated "Bob Leeman's Trout Shop," located in Brewer, ME, close to the banks of the famed Atlantic Salmon Pool and Club on the banks of the Penobscot River during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as president and charter member of the Sunkhaze Stream chapter of Trout Unlimited in Bangor for many years and, as president of the Penobscot County Conversation Association, sponsored fishing lessons, knot tying, spin and fly casting for the attendees of YMCA's Camp Jordan on Branch Lake in Ellsworth throughout the 1980s. Bob enjoyed providing fly-fishing demonstrations throughout the years at both the Bangor and Augusta Sportsman Shows, as well as instructing yearly spring open water fishing courses while serving as secretary and vice president of the Bangor Jaycees. Bob and his wife, Joyce, enjoyed their time volunteering with the Jaycees and assisting in city projects, such as the Boys Home and Christmas projects with the Salvation Army.

As an avid fisherman nearly his entire life, plus his experience hunting and trapping, he was inspired to share that knowledge, experience and passion in his outdoor columns that spanned seven weekly Maine newspapers for decades. He produced the television series The Bob Leeman Fishing Show on WABI TV, Channel 5 for five years in the 1970s, his series Sharing the Good Life Outdoors throughout the late-70s and early-80s, and his twice weekly fishing report for the nightly news on WVII, Channel 7, in Bangor during the 1980s. Bob authored three books: Trolling Flies for Trout & Salmon with Dick Stewart, Fly Fishing Maine Rivers, Brooks and Streams, as well as, Salesman Angler, his autobiography. And, in recent years co-hosted the one-hour radio program, The Maine Outdoors on 103.9 FM Bangor, 101.3 FM Augusta and WVOM FM Rockland.

Bob was fortunate to always have a companion by his side and never travelled through life alone. He met Joyce in 1949, they married, had two children and made life-long friends raising their children, Susie and Bobby, alongside their neighbors from their homes in the Bangor Gardens and on Essex Street in Bangor. Bob coached youth basketball at the Bangor YMCA for more than14 years and took great pride in watching his former players achievements at the high school and college levels, but none more so than his son, Bobby, at Bangor High School with his daughter, Susie, as head cheerleader. Family time at the lake was treasured, and he and Joyce also took great pride in the camps that they built on Flanders Pond and Branch Lake in Ellsworth, which still stand today. Bob and Joyce were devoted grandparents and made an average day feel like it was always someone's birthday even when it wasn't. Being together for them was always rationale to answer the simple of question of "What would you like to do today?" without any consideration of being practical or too indulgent.

After Joyce's sudden passing in 2005, Bob found companionship in a long-time family friend who would soon become his wife, Alice Drinkwater. She shared Bob's love of gardening and embraced his love of fishing. She accompanied him many times on his expeditions, as well as serving as host, chef and resident steward ,whether it was the group of fishermen that came to be known as the Wooly Buggers or a "quieter" trip with the grandchildren, Alice was game and renowned for her sweet treats after a day on the water.

We would also like to acknowledge the companionship and joy brought to Bob's life these past two years from his friend, Ellie. Her friendship inspired him to persevere and live life at 96 like he was 16.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Joyce (Pinkham) Leeman. He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Leeman) Cheever of Brewer, Maine; son, Robert Leeman Jr. of Ellsworth, Maine; brother, Richard Leeman and his partner, Helen, of Bangor, Maine; his grandchildren, Ashley (Cheever) Benedict and her husband, Chad, of Freeport, Maine, Bryan Cheever and his wife, Gail, of Standish, Maine, Courtney Cheever of Portland, Maine, Adam Cheever of Portland, Maine, Lindsay Murphy of Bangor, Maine, Maggie Sullivan and her partner, Charles, of Brewer, Maine, Hillary Leeman, Heather Leeman of New York, New York, and Hannah Leeman of Greensboro, North Carolina; and great-grandchildren, Rylan Benedict and his partner, Tabitha, of Scarborough, Maine, Caden Benedict of Freeport, Maine, Andrew Cheever of Yarmouth, Maine, Owen Cheever of Yarmouth, Maine, Lucia and Kenny Kindya of Brewer, Maine, and Isaiah, Romeo and Gioia Imperiale.

For anyone that knew Bob, knew that his slice of heaven was at Grand Lake Stream. There is nothing in the world that brought him more peace and joy than a cast on the stream. He was a fierce conservationist and advocate for the protection of Maine's lakes, rivers and streams. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Downeast Lakes Land Trust in his honor at downeastlakes.org/make-a-donation/ or by mail to Downeast Land Lakes Trust, 137 Milford Rd., Grand Lake Stream, ME 04668. Services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center Street in Bangor with visitation prior at 10 a.m. Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery, Bangor, immediately to follow.

Bob lived his life doing what he loved, surrounded by those he loved. His laughter was infectious, and he had an uncanny ability to find humor in almost anything, even in his final days. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren hope to carry forward that legacy of joy, resilience, and love.