Robert (Bob) Fernandez, 69 years, died of a heart attack while doing what he loved to do every Columbus Day weekend, hiking Mount Washington.

Bob was born in Boston, attended Boston Latin, Boston College, and the University of Vermont Medical School. He was Chief of the Medical Staff at Southern Maine Medical Center and a physician in the southern Maine medical field for over 35 years. He also served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was one of the good guys. He devoted much to the hospital and his patients, but family always came first. Bob played in the Biddeford hockey league for several decades, all the way into his mid-sixties. He was also an avid runner, having run the Maine Marathon and the Disney Marathons. Most recently he ran the Maine half marathon earlier this month. He enjoyed many epic hikes in New England, Oregon, Montana, and Arizona. Bob also loved traveling abroad, having visited Spain, England, Portugal, and other European countries as well as his annual trip to Martha’s Vineyard. When not at work Bob could often be found outside on his tractor or working in the woods around his home in Kennebunkport.

He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Ruth, his five children, Erik (and wife Diane) Fernandez of Portland OR, Matthew (and wife Megan) Fernandez of Kennebunk, Susan Fernandez of Los Angeles CA, Linda Fernandez of St. Louis MO, and Luke Fernandez (and partner Kaitlyn DiRenzo) of Kennebunkport. He is also survived by his brother and sister, Frank and Mary Fernandez of Boston, and two grandchildren, Henry and Frank.

Visiting hours will be held at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME on Friday, October 18th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. There will also be a memorial honoring ceremony on Saturday, October 19th at 1pm at Holy Spirit Parish, at St. Martha’s Church, 30 Portland Road, Kennebunk.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice or to:
Southern Maine Medical Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Biddeford, ME 04005

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, Kennebunk.
www.bibberfuneral.com