Bar Harbor, Maine - Robert Paradis Chaplin - known to many as Mr. C, or Grampy C., Dad C, Bob C, Bobby C, and Crash C. - passed away peacefully at home on April 8, 2026, with his daughter, Susannah, at his side from acute myeloid leukemia. Born on March 21, 1939, in Bath, Maine, to Wilfred R. and Gertrude Hudson Chaplin, Bob was a man of many interests and talents, a life-long learner, a proactive and solutions-oriented team player, and a dedicated educator.

Bob attended Bath Schools, graduating from Morse High School in 1957 with a degree in Machine Shop, followed by a year of college-prep also at Morse. As a Boy Scout, he attained the Gold Palm Eagle Scout (with 40 merit badges), earned the God and Country Award, and was elected to the Order of the Arrow, the honor society of Scouting America.

After high school Bob was a machine shop apprentice at Bath Ironworks, attended Maine Maritime Academy, and in 1965 received his bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Maine at Machias (formerly Washington State Teachers' College) where he was class president and a member of Kappa Delta Pi. From the University of Maine at Orono, Bob received master's degrees in both Environmental Science and Environmental Education. He received two honorary scholarships for science education and a one-year Ford Foundation fellowship for Environmental Science. Three internships in genetics at The Jackson Laboratory resulted in his selection as a long-standing board member of The Center for Human Genetics.

Bob began his educational career first as principal of Machiasport Elementary School, and then as principal of Pemetic Elementary School. Missing the daily contact with students, Bob became a science teacher at Connors Emerson School in Bar Harbor in 1970. Known fondly as "Mr. C," Bob inspired generations of 6th graders with his enthusiastic teaching, outdoor classroom, weather station, and his infamous annual class trips to Quebec city, always exploring new ideas and teaching methods throughout his 40-year tenure until his retirement in 2010.

Mr. C. didn't "just teach science." He was also the assistant director of the Acadia Youth Conservation Corps with Acadia National Park, one of nine national parks to pilot this program and the first to encourage both boys and girls to participate cooperatively. He also served as the lifeguard for both Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach. He helped organize the Mount Desert Island Sharks Swim Team and the MDI School Department cross-country teams, and was instrumental in developing the Eastern Maine Cross-Country Running League. When the State of Maine surrendered its sponsorship of the State Science Fair, The Jackson Laboratory assumed that role and selected Bob to reorganize the Science Fair, eventually sending the first Maine Science Fair students to the National Championships in California. For ten years, Bob was a teaching leader for the People-to-People Student Ambassadors Program, which offered students educational and service opportunities through international travel experiences. Through that program, Bob accompanied several groups on their trips to foreign countries to teach them about world politics and problems, and how to solve them. For years he was a regular volunteer greeter for the MOFGA Common Ground Fair, and participated frequently in the Blue Hill Fair agriculture contest, often winning ribbons for his dahlias and vegetables.

Retirement did not stop Bob from being involved. He was an ed tech for the special ed departments at Ellsworth Elementary/Middle and Mount Desert Island Elementary Schools. During the summer seasons, as a member of the Island Explorer team, Bob took great delight in teaching visitors about Acadia National Park. The Town of Bar Harbor benefitted from Bob's serving on the Warrant Committee for several terms. He was also an active member of the Bar Harbor Congregational Church.

Bob enjoyed life to the very fullest as he enjoyed hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, swimming, interior decorating, reading, performing music, learning new things, observing the weather, and pursuing many other interests and activities.

Bob was predeceased by sons, Cary and Courtney. He is survived by daughter, Susannah Chaplin Isaacs; daughter-in-law, Kate Chaplin; and seven grandchildren, Maclean, Quinn, Gilbert, and Porter Isaacs, and Louise, Susannah, and Whitaker Chaplin.

He will be missed by those whose lives he touched in his gentle way and especially by those privileged to call him friend. Bob was most grateful to all who helped and guided him through his final illness, especially the Mount Desert Island Hospital Oncology Department and Island Connections.

Continuing his dedication to teaching, Bob requested that any memorial contributions be directed to improving Special Education. Checks may be mailed to: MDIRSS AOS 91 Special Services, Attn: Nancy Thurlow, P.O. Box 60, Mt. Desert, ME 04660.

A community memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mt Desert St., Bar Harbor. Condolences may be expressed at jordanfernald.com.