Robert Norberg

Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor

Robert Norberg, 89, passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on May 18, 2023, after years of advancing dementia. Bob was born in Westbrook, Maine, on June 17, 1933. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Katrina (Lawrence), his parents Susie and Frank Norberg, and his brothers Carl, Harold, Clayton, Clinton, and Russell. He is survived by his son Eric and his wife Karen, his daughter Kirsten (Bushman) and her husband Joe, his 5 grandchildren: Sara, Timothy, Katie, Alicia and AJ, and his many nieces and nephews.

Bob grew up in Westbrook and graduated from Westbrook High School. Following high school, Bob was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from the University of Maine at Orono in 1960. While at UMO, Bob was "set up" by his good friends on a date with Katrina Lawrence, who later became his bride on June 25, 1960. Bob graduated from UMO with a degree in Zoology, and he pursued a career in research that began at H.D. Little in Cambridge, Massachusetts. After the birth of their son, Eric, Bob, and Katrina felt their home state of Maine was a better place to raise a family. They moved to Southwest Harbor and soon after bought a house and celebrated the birth of their daughter Kirsten. Bob began his career at The Jackson Laboratory as a research assistant, a position that he held until his retirement in 1996.

Together, Bob and Katrina enjoyed their 60 years of marriage, pouring time into their family and friends as well as enjoying adventures together. They enjoyed camping, and most summer vacations were spent exploring Maine and the Maritime Provinces in their pop-up camper. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling in their Class B camper and spent their first few winters visiting many of the National Parks across the lower 48. Bob also enjoyed painting, gardening, sailing on his sailboat Gusty, watching the Red Sox, taking care of the rental cottage, and working with Katrina around their Maine and Florida homes.

Bob was a family man, and his family–both immediate and extended–were very important to him. He was a sacrificial Dad who gave himself to his children in order that they might have experiences that he never had as a child of the Great Depression. He was quick to play catch, shoot a basket, head out for a weekend ski trip, or simply sit down and bet that he could beat you in a game of cribbage. As a grandfather, Pop-pops was beloved by his grandchildren, and he spoiled them with attention, games, and adventures. Whether at his winter home in Sebastian, Florida, or at his home in Southwest Harbor, Bob loved having his friends and family visit.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Birch Bay Retirement Community. During the past 5 years, as both of our parents continued to succumb to the effects of dementia, you lovingly and compassionately provided them with great care. We want you to know what a blessing you all have been to us, and that God is using you mightily in your profession.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at Southwest Harbor Congregational Church, 29 High Rd, Southwest Harbor followed by a brief reception. Committal will occur following the reception at the Forest Hill Cemetery in Harrington. ME.

Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mt. Desert. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com