Robert Ruhlin

HUDSON - It is with deep sadness that the family of Robert Earl "Bob" Ruhlin, 82, announce his peaceful passing on July 11, 2025. Born March 11, 1943, in Bangor, Maine, he was the third of five children of James R. and Helena G. (Hewes) Ruhlin.

Bob grew up in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High School, Class of 1961. Following a brief period of work, he attended the University of Maine, Orono, and then graduated from Southern Maine Vocational-Technical Institute in South Portland in the Building Construction Program in 1965. He immediately went to work for the Maine Department of Transportation, working on the plans for the extension of 1-95 from Old Town to Houlton. Bob spent 13 years in the drafting room working on various road and bridge projects throughout the State, including the Federal Highway PAS-II Instrumentation Project on Route 2 from Palmyra to Canaan and the 1-95 extension from Brunswick to Gardiner. He spent one year sampling/testing liquid asphalt for paving projects from Rockland to Jackman, and all points North to the Canadian Border. He finally found his "home" in the Concrete Lab in Bangor assisting with the issuing of concrete mix designs and sampling and testing materials for bridge/highway projects statewide for 23+ years. He was promoted to supervisor of the Concrete and Structural Testing Lab, and the Cement and Chemical Labs at the Bangor office where he remained until his retirement in August 2003 completing almost 39 years of service.

Bob became a member of Maine State Employees Association in 1965 and got involved in the MSEA in 1972 serving in various positions locally. He was elected to serve as an Area I Director on the Board of Directors for the Union in 1977 and served three terms representing the members in the northern part of the State until 1983. He was elected the Union Vice President for 1984-85 and President in 1986-87. At that point, MSEA was the largest independent/non-affiliated public workers union in the United States representing 13,000 active and retired members. Bob was repeatedly elected by his peers to represent the Professional-Technical Bargaining Unit at the bargaining table with the State of Maine from 1982 to 2003. He served as chair and member of various union committees throughout his involvement, even after retirement. He also was certified as a FIFA Archery Instructor at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and coached the Brewer PAL Archery Team for three years in the 90's when they traveled to Ohio and competed nationally. The team placed second for two years and won the tournament in 1993.

Bob enjoyed working at the Kenduskeag Golf and Country Club where he mowed, did maintenance, and "whatever needed to be done" for 6 years. He also enjoyed his time at Hidden Meadows Golf Club in Old Town. He enjoyed the company of the people he worked with and played golf with. He was a Life Member of the NRA and enjoyed his time at his camp the most with the guys hunting, fishing, playing cards, playing golf, and letting the rest of the world go by. When at camp, he used to say "No phone, no problem. No newspaper, no problem. No beer, PROBLEM!" He will miss those good times and those friends. He was grateful for the many people he called "friend" and probably will not miss or be missed by the "others."

In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by three brothers, James (2009), Richard (2012), and David (2007). He is survived by three children, Rachel Ruhlin and grandsons, Erik and Gerret and fiancé, Nadia, of Hudson, Richelle "Shelly" Davis and husband, Richard, of Pittsfield and Robert Jr. and grandson, Jack and wife, Alissa, of Proctorsville, Vermont. The "boys" (his grandsons) were his best form of entertainment. He enjoyed spoiling them most of all. He is also survived by his sister, Carole Ruhlin, of Brewer; sister-in -law, Regina Ruhlin, of Brewer, and many cousins. He had numerous nieces and nephews that he never saw enough of.

"Don't be afraid of death, be afraid of a life not lived. You don't have to live forever, you just have to live."

Relatives and friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments from 5-7p.m., Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com.