Passages

Robert Desrochers, Harland Eastman, David Eaton

Robert “Bob” Roland Desrochers, 89, of Sanford, passed away March 3, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was born December 11, 1934, in Sanford to Donat and Laura (Turcotte) Desrochers. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School and was a lifelong resident of Sanford. He married Eleanor Velandry on Nov. 26, 1959, and together they raised five children. Bob worked as a carpenter for 24 years and then at Ted’s Fried Clams for 22 years. He was a good-natured, loving husband and father who worked hard every day to provide for his family. He loved attending all family gatherings and wouldn’t miss an opportunity to cheer on his children and grandchildren, supporting them in all their ventures. An avid Red Sox and Patriots fan, Bob enjoyed dogs, cats, playing cards and meeting his buddies each morning at McDonald’s. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor Velandry Desrochers of Sanford; children Deborah, Brenda, Mark and Dennis; seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and sisters Helen Gallant and Jeannette Robichaud, along with many nieces and nephews, including nephew Scotty, who was like another son to him. A service was held on March 8 at Bibbers Autumn Green funeral home. Read the full obituary at https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/robert-desrochers/5390667/index.php.

Harland Horace Eastman, 94, local scholar, historian, veteran and community builder, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 29, 2024. Harland was born in Springvale on April 14, 1929, the son of Harland H. Eastman, Sr. and Bernice Maude Haley Eastman. He attended Sanford schools, received a bachelor’s degree from Colby College in 1951, and a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts in 1952. He also studied at the London School of Economics as a Rotary Foundation Scholar. Harland served two years in the U.S. Army and afterward entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1955. His career would span over 24 years and included tours in France, Vietnam, Benin, Washington D.C., England, Israel, and Morocco. He retired in 1979 and returned to his home in Springvale, where he enjoyed a second career as an antiquarian book dealer and served as president of the Maine Antiquarian Booksellers Association for several years. Harland was at heart a historian, and passionate about Springvale and Sanford history. He founded the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society Museum in Springvale, where he served as the president and board chair. He took great pride in the development and restoration of the museum, as well as the Goodwin House on one side, and the recently landscaped park on the other. Harland served on the board of the Springvale Public Library for 45 years and was a Friend of the Alfred Shaker Museum. He previously served on the boards of the Maine Historical Society, Maine Preservation, Portland Landmarks, Henrietta D. Goodall Hospital Foundation as well as The American Legation Museum in Morocco and The American School of Tangier, Morocco. Harland is survived by his daughter, Eliza W. Eastman, his son, Saïd E. Eastman, and grandchildren Jake and Abigail Eastman. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Cristi Hollidge (Stephen) and Mary Siegel (Saïd), as well as Mary’s children Nick and Ally. Harland was predeceased by his son, Stephen E. Eastman, and his wife, Nancy Emery Eastman. Harland had a generous heart and kind spirit. He loved his family and his many friends in his Maine community and beyond; he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. A celebration of life will be planned for late Spring 2024. Donations in Harland’s memory can be made to the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society at www.sanfordhistory.org.

Read his full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/harland-eastman

David Lawrence Eaton passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2024. He was the son of Lawrence Pray Eaton and Helen Sylvia Hill. The family moved to Sanford when David was a child, and he was known as a Mainer. David was a member of the Sanford High marching band and swing band. He also was an Eagle Scout. As a senior in high school, he fell in love with freshman majorette Kathleen Morgan, and they later married and had three children, Laurie, Darrin and Jessica. David earned a degree in civil engineering from Northeastern University in Boston and worked as a naval architect at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. As a member of the U.S. Army, he would serve in Virginia, Germany and North Carolina, being honorably discharged as a captain. He had impressive accomplishments as an Army officer, engineer, real estate manager and volunteer but most importantly, as loving husband, supportive father and loving grandfather. David loved the beach, swimming, singing, music, playing many instruments, racquetball, bocce ball, going out to eat and telling jokes. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen, his three children, eight grandchildren and extended family. A memorial service was held on March 13, 2024, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida.