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RANGELEY – This past Sunday, a smiling group of about 70 friends and family members gathered to honor the late Robert (Bob) Summers for his contributions to the Rangeley community in an event hosted by Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (RLHT) and the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway.
Summers was a founding member of RLHT and the Scenic Byway and worked tirelessly to insure the success of both. In recognition of his efforts, RLHT and the Byway dedicated the Whip Willow Farm Overlook to Bob and installed a monument to forever honor his service to the community.
Guest speakers included friends and colleagues Ed Kfoury and Paul Ellis as well as Congressman Mike Michaud, a dedicated supporter of the Byway. Ed and Paul spoke of Summers’ love of the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots. They shared warm memories that demonstrated his ability to cultivate the personal growth and professional development of every person he met.
Congressman Mike Michaud thanked Summers’ family for sharing him with the Rangeley community and concluded, “Bob’s ability to find the common ground and help guide the energies of local groups is a gift that will yield its benefits for decades to come.”
On a more personal note, Summers’ daughter Laura Reynolds shared a lovely story of their time together as a family in Hong Kong and her father’s deep desire to bond with local residents. The powerful story captured the generosity of Summers’ spirit and his desire to connect with others in friendship and mutual respect.
Reynolds also shared, “My Dad would have been deeply humbled to have a monument and overlook dedicated in his name. He would have most likely insisted that the honor go instead to those in the local community, who work together toward the benefit of Rangeley and its residents.”
RLHT and the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway wish to thank all who attended the tribute as well as special thanks to M&H Logging for donating their time and effort towards the installation of the monument.
If you would like more information on RLHT or the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway please contact Bill Pierce or Rebecca Kurtz at 864-7311 or visit us online at www.rlht.org.
