Robert D. Kivlin, 87, of Shawmut, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, died Tuesday, December 17, 2013 with his family surrounding him.

He was born November 18, 1926, to Bartholomew and Josephine (Kunkel) Kivlin. Robert was one of seven children born and raised in Dedham, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth Barrett on September 29, 1956. They lived in Oakland, Maine for many years where they raised their five children.

He joined the Navy Seabees in 1944 after graduating from Hyde Park High School in Massachusetts. Robert served his country for over 24 years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He retired from the U. S. Navy Reserves as Master Chief Petty Officer.

Robert was an avid reader throughout his life. He particularly liked to read factual nautical books. He talked about loving “just about anything that floats.” His favorite vessel, however, was a schooner. In the mid-1980s Robert and his wife Elizabeth moved to Boothbay Harbor where he worked at Sample's Shipyard. After retirement, he worked part-time as a member of the crew on the schooners Appledore and Eastwind, both onboard the boats and selling cruise tickets in the ticket booth.

It is difficult to sum up the life of a man who was so talented, loved, and respected. He was very resourceful, creative, and hardworking. He was an honorable man who was dedicated to his family and had a strong sense of commitment in everything that he did. Robert always had a great attitude towards life no matter the situation.

He is survived by his five children, Catherine (Kivlin) Ladd of Oakland, Theresa (Kivlin) Gogan and her husband Steven of Shawmut, Barbara Kivlin Miles of Lisbon Falls, David Kivlin and his wife Laurie of Madison, and Michael Kivlin of Scarborough; grandchildren, Jason Gogan and his wife Emily of Waterville, Jessica Gogan Edwards and her husband Tim of Vassalboro, Erin Lee and her husband Gary of Fairfield, Caitlin Ladd of Oakland, Ian Ladd of Oakland, Nichole Grimanis of Farmington, Kayla Kivlin Breault and her husband Mitch of Madison; thirteen great-grandchildren, Abby, Katie, Gavin, Jasmine, Caleb, Timietheus, Amiyah, Ezekiel, Dylan, Micheal, Alex, Logan, Amelia; and one sister, Jean Kivlin of Dedham, Massachusetts. As a great grandfather he would be tickled to know that the newest addition to the family, Catarina, arrived just a day and a half after his death, bringing his mourning family a new member to embrace and love.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Elizabeth of 54 years in September 2010, two sons-in-law, Steven “Bear” Miles in March 2009 and Jonathan Ladd in April 1995, and five siblings, Marjorie, Doris, Paul, Joseph, and Mary.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to those who helped take care of Robert during the challenging times.

Visitation will be at noon on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Fairfield United Methodist Church, 37 Skowhegan Road (Rt. 201) in Fairfield. It will be followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m. and a reception downstairs in the fellowship hall in Robert’s honor immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakewood Continuing Care, Moonlight Bay Resident Summer Cottage Trip, Attention Vicki Dyer, 220 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville, ME 04901.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.mem.com to pay tribute to Robert’s life, a service of The Fortin Group, Veilleux’s Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street in Waterville; (207) 872-7676; www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com.