SKOWHEGAN — The town report for the upcoming Town Meeting has been dedicated to longtime Skowhegan businessman and community volunteer Chuck Robbins, who died of pancreatic cancer in March at age 52.
Described by the Skowhegan Board of Selectmen as “a lifelong resident of Skowhegan who contributed so much to the community that he loved,” Robbins played the part of Santa Claus for many years for the Elks Lodge, meeting with local children to listen to their Christmas wishes. He would visit local businesses to get donations and sponsorships for events, such as Moonlight Madness.
He was a lifetime member of the Skowhegan State Fair Association and raised money by getting donations and sponsors for demolition derby events to help rebuild the grandstands after a fire there in 1999.
Skowhegan Town Manager Christine Almand said Don Skillings, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, first suggested Robbins’ name for the town report dedication, and the rest of the board unanimously approved.
“Chuck is definitely deserving of this dedication,” Almand said. “Chuck supported the Skowhegan police and fire departments in so many ways. He was part of our extended family. Chuck cared about the children in the community.
“His volunteerism and fundraising efforts made a positive impact throughout the community. He will be fondly thought of for years to come by all who knew him.”
Town Meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, June 13, in the Skowhegan Opera House. Elections will be held the following day.
Robbins took over his father’s business, Charlie & Son towing company, in 1987 in Skowhegan.
He worked with the Skowhegan Police Department to help fund the DARE program and enjoyed racing an Enduro car all over Maine, donating sponsor money and winnings to the program. He was close with the police officers and firefighters after so many years of responding to accidents that required towing services, often in the middle of the night.
Robbins was a Babe Ruth League baseball coach for many years. He would often joke that his teams were the Bad News Bears, because he liked to take children who he thought needed a little extra guidance, selectmen said.
“Chuck believed that team sports help give children the support that they need to succeed in life,” they said in the dedication. “His dedication to the community of Skowhegan will long be remembered.”
Doug Harlow — 612-2367
Twitter:@Doug_Harlow
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