Obituary of Robert Somes Leland

Trenton

Robert Somes Leland, 89, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on Sunday March 23, 2025, just one week shy of his 90th birthday. Robert was born on March 30, 1935, to Arthur & Florence (Thomas) Leland in Hulls Cove.

Robert met Laureen Patten at The Rainbow Roller Rink in Trenton, after a few years of dating & enlisting in the Air Force, he proposed, she said yes and Laureen flew to England to marry her sweetheart.

Settling in Trenton upon his honorable discharge, Robert worked as a truck driver for a number of years before going to work as a plumber in Bar Harbor. In the early 1970’s Robert opened his own business, Trenton Plumbing & Heating, serving the Hancock County area for more than 40 years. Robert & Laureen built, owned & operated The Chowder Bowl Restaurant and Leland’s Sunrise Motel, both in Trenton. Robert was devoted to Laureen, their family & their life.

Robert enjoyed many trips with his family through the years to visit friends & family, he spent several winters traveling south with Laureen and they had a love for local racing, traveling around the state to follow their favorite drivers, often taking their grandchildren with them. He could usually be found taking care of things around his home, at camp and in his garage. He kept most everything and often found a way to reuse them. After retiring, he was most happy when he was with his family and friends, going for daily coffee, watching his grandchildren play sports, attending most events they played in.

In the more recent years, being with his great-grandchildren was very important to him. He would watch and laugh as they played. Robert was known as “Bampie” to his 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was a loving father & grandfather who was always there to celebrate life’s moments with his family. Robert was predeceased by his loving wife of almost 68 years, Laureen Leland, his parents, siblings, Carold, Lillian, Pauline, Helen & Arthur and many friends & relatives.

Robert is survived by his daughter Debra and her husband, Bruce Staples, grandson Bradley and his wife, Kim Staples & their children, Emery & Dorothy, granddaughter Emily and her husband, Sam Burr & their children, Theodore & Elouise, daughter Patricia Leland and her husband Charles Stanley, granddaughters Monica and her husband Travis Jones, their children Alexis & Penelope, Robyn Hanson & her children Evan, Cole & Luke, his sister Marjorie Higgins & brother Carroll Leland and many nieces & nephews, He is also survived his special care companions Ginny & Darcey, along with his other caregivers & many friends.

Robert will be deeply missed by all who loved him and by everyone he loved.

(A graveside service for Robert and Laureen will be held in July at the Leland Cemetery.)