Robert C. (Bob) De Lisle of Edgartown died on Nov. 16, 2021 with his family by his side. He was 86.

He shared his life in marriage and friendship with his wife of 59 years, Linda Gaffney De Lisle.

Bob was born in Fitchburg on Nov. 28, 1934. During his high school years he competed in speed skating and won medals at races throughout and beyond New England — including locations such as Lake Saranac and Lake Placid — that all led up to the U.S. Olympic team trials in St Paul, Minn. After high school graduation he enlisted in the Air Force and was engaged in the tactical air command during the Korean War. During his college years he was an avid and driven sportsman and ski instructor. He raced bicycles and spent weekends sailing and racing his beloved sailboat, Galatea, with friends.

He was recognized as an inspiring teacher and an enthusiastic student of life. After receiving his degree, he taught history at the high school and college levels for more than 25 years. He shared his love of chess with his students and started the Worcester county high school chess league.

Bob was always involved in new adventures. He founded and started a local woodworking business, which culminated with his shop De Lisle Woodcrafting in Gardner. He was a gifted photographer and built a commercial photography business shooting sports and events across the country. He was a carpenter and talented wallpaper hanger who built two houses for his family. He avidly read and collected books, coached soccer, and was a huge music fan who played the guitar.

He retired from teaching in 1988 and he and Linda moved year-round to Edgartown. The Island’s beautiful roads and paths got him back into riding and led him to build a successful bicycle rental business, Wheel Happy. He loved meeting people from around the world and sharing his love for biking on the Vineyard.

Bob’s zeal for mastering technique drew him to perfecting his skill at shooting skeet. He established himself as a champion competitor and became both an instructor at and president of the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club. He certified, taught and helped hundreds of people learn the strategy and skill he had mastered. He took pride in his work, grew the membership and was instrumental in raising community interest, campaigning for capital and building the club’s new meetinghouse.

He was a master mason through the Charles W. Moore Lodge and was honored at the Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Lodge for 50 years of service.

All who knew him knew that Bob was a great friend and true Renaissance man. His enthusiasm for life, his entertaining stories, sense of humor, generosity and positive attitude will be remembered. He cherished sharing the world with Linda, who he always said he would love forever. He will be greatly missed by all of us that knew him and loved him.

He was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Desneiges De Lisle, and his brother Richard De Lisle. He is survived by his wife Linda of Edgartown; daughter Nicole De Lisle Warshaw of Westwood, and son Charles De Lisle of Mill Valley, Calif.; three grandchildren who held a special place in his heart, Vanessa Warshaw, Logan Warshaw and Chloe Warshaw; two younger sisters, Nancy Maynard and Elaine Membrino; and his godson Keith Maynard.

A tribute and celebration of his life will be held in mid-May at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club in Edgartown. Memorial donations can be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club, P.O. Box 1799, Edgartown, MA 02539.