Robert “Bob” William Friend Credit: Courtesy Robert “Bob” William Friend, of Bristol, Vt., passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma blood cancer, surrounded by family. He was 67 years old. Bob was born on February 12, 1959, in D etroit, Mich., to Marie “Joyce” Joyce Pageau and Thomas “Tom” William Friend. He spent his early years growing up in Crete, Ill., before his family relocated to Alburgh, Vt., and eventually settled in Bristol, where Bob would build a family with the love of his life, Martha. Together for 49 years, theirs was a marriage built on unwavering love, commitment and devotion. Throughout his life, Bob was known for his incredible work ethic, outgoing personality and handsome smile. He spent more than 30 years as a butcher, working at a number of supermarkets and meatpacking plants in his time. Other jobs Bob particularly enjoyed throughout his working years included installing the blue grain silos seen across Vermont and working for the local town. More important than any job to Bob, however, was his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He loved his wife, Martha, children and grandchildren more than anything else. To his grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Papa” — and he was the best Papa ever. Despite facing significant adversity throughout his life, Bob built what he considered his greatest accomplishment — a close-knit, loving family. He can rest easy knowing he did a remarkable job raising them, and the values he instilled will continue for generations. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce; father, Tom; brother Jim; and sister Brenda. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Friend; siblings Charley, Linda and Kathleen; children, Sarah (George), Adam (Eva), Travis (Paige) and Emily (Lucas); grandchildren, Kayla, Silas, Skylar, Kaitlyn, Carter, Carissa, Nathan, Hannah, Laura, Sophie and Sawyer; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Quinn, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. The family kindly asks that you keep Bob and all who loved him in your thoughts and prayers. Though our hearts are heavy with his absence, we find comfort in knowing that he has been reunited in Heaven with those who went before him. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced. The post Obituary: Robert “Bob” William Friend, 1959-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less