Page 4 - Spring 2025

One Final Tribute For One Outstanding Man

and a Wonderful Alumni Member

By Jon A. McLaughlin ’73
Editor & Executive Director

One of the best parts the age of 92. The Alumni Family mourns the passing of a
of my job—and remarkable supporter and friend.
something I truly
love—is making Bob was also a quiet philanthropist. Though he
friends with alumni requested that his giving not be publicized, it was never
from far away whom forgotten. I was reminded of this recently at the funeral
I’ve never met before. of Mildred Madigan, widow of Dr. John Madigan. During
Getting to know her eulogy, the parish priest shared stories of Mildred’s
them personally, years running “Mildred’s Kitchen,” a beloved food pantry
hearing about their at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He also spoke of her close
years at “good ole” friendship with Bob Fields and the deep inspiration he
Robert “Bob” Alan Fields ‘51 HHS, learning about had been to her. It was yet another example of Bob’s
Nov. 4, 1932 - Feb. 10, 2025 their lives since lasting and loving influence on his hometown, a place he
leaving Houlton, grew to love deeply.
and discovering what they’re up to now has been a Bob was also a gifted author. He wrote several books
real privilege. There’s one important caveat: most of about life in Houlton, including a romance novel titled
these friendships have formed without ever having a Velma, which he published in his nineties. (You may
conversation in real time! have seen his full-page ad in the Fall/Winter ’23 issue

Such was the case with a good man I “met” and came to of this magazine.) With his passion for storytelling, Bob
know well through the magic of email: Bob Fields, Class began sharing some of his short stories with me to
of 1951. be considered for The North Star Magazine. The first
story he sent was a tribute to his music teacher, the
Bob didn’t have the fondest memories of his days at beloved Gladys Tarbell. It appeared in the Fall/Winter
HHS—except when it came to basketball. He loved ’24 issue and was warmly received by readers. I had
playing on the polished oak floors of Maine schools, many inquiries asking whether more of his stories would
representing Houlton High with pride. He was a star on follow.
the court, and it was through the friendships he formed
as a player that he found joy and connection during Thankfully, Bob had already sent another story, written
those years. years ago when he and his family lived in Denver.
Fittingly titled The Drive-In, it aligns perfectly with this
We learned more about Bob’s early life in Houlton and summer’s multi-year alumni celebration, themed around
his remarkable journey after high school through an drive-ins and the 1950s.
“interview” I conducted with him for a previous issue of
the newsletter. After leaving Houlton, Bob joined the Air Please enjoy Bob’s wonderful way with words and his gift
Force, ultimately retiring in 1972 as a Colonel. for making memories come alive.

Following his military career, Bob became a successful Hi Jon: You asked for stories for the newsletter. This may
businessman and, more importantly, a devoted father be too long, but I wanted to send it out for you to look at.
and loving husband to the love of his life, Janice. The two It is about 700 words
were married for 72 years before Janice passed away last Bob
fall. Just a few months later, in February, we lost Bob at

4 www.houltonalumni.com