DAYTON – Robert Tarbox earned a lot of respect during his 85 years on Earth.

Those who knew him said he was a respected engineer at General Dynamics in Saco, a respected board member at Saco Valley Credit Union, a respected member of the community and “one of the greatest people” at United Baptist Church in Saco, according to the pastor.

Mr. Tarbox died unexpectedly Friday at the age of 85.

Mr. Tarbox grew up in Saco and graduated from Thornton Academy in 1945. He was drafted into the Army and served during World War II.

Soon after, he went to work at Saco Lowell, which became Maremont and is now General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. He was a standards engineer who worked there for more than 40 years before retiring as a department director in 1991.

Despite having no experience working in a financial institution, Mr. Tarbox became a tireless volunteer for Saco Valley Credit Union. He served on the credit union’s board of directors for more than 50 years and was board treasurer for four decades. At the time of his passing, Mr. Tarbox was chairman of the board’s asset liability committee.

He also served for six years as chairman of the Maine Credit Union League.

Mr. Tarbox was remembered by Saco Valley Credit Union officials Monday as a dedicated volunteer who was highly respected in the community.

Carrie Shaw, president and CEO, said he was a great spokesman for their credit union. She said his passing leaves a “huge hole” on the board.

“Bob was so involved. He has served on every committee that I know of,” Shaw said. “I can’t think of too many people that would dedicate themselves so thoroughly to any organization. He was remarkable. All I did this weekend was cry.”

Tarbox was equally devoted to the United Baptist Church in Saco, where he was a longtime member, a volunteer and treasurer of the church.

The Rev. Burt Howe said he served in nearly every capacity at the church, from custodian to a member of its board of trustees. He had served as treasurer for the past 11 years.

“He was always a quiet but constant presence,” Howe said. “He had a great sense of humor and a big heart. He was always concerned about other people. I’ve known Bob for 30 years. I count him as one of the greatest people I’ve ever known.”

Mr. Tarbox was the loving husband of Caroline Tarbox for 45 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children.

He was remembered Monday as a dedicated family man who had a passion for life and took pride in his home and community. He enjoyed working on his gardens with his wife.

Tarbox was also a supporter of Thornton Academy’s athletic programs for the past 65 years.

Michael Tarbox, of Limerick, the youngest of his children, said he was a supportive and encouraging father who attended all of his children’s athletic events.

He said his father liked watching sports on television and enjoyed “breaking his lawn mower” so the younger Tarbox could fix it.

“He was the best father a person could have,” his son said. “He was a good guy, very supportive. He was a genuinely nice person. There’s a tremendous amount of people that think the world of him.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com