Robert Edward “Robbie” Bast, 75, of Shady Side, Maryland, passed away on July 12, 2025 at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton, Maryland. Born on December 5, 1949, in Annapolis, Maryland, Robbie was the son of Minibel (Harrison) and Raymond Leo Bast. Robbie grew up in Galesville, Maryland, alongside his four siblings, and enjoyed spending almost every summer at his grandparents’ house in Shady Side on the Chesapeake Bay. He graduated from Southern High School class of 1969, then went on to serve in the United States Army until 1971 and remained in the Army Reserves until 1975. Following his time in the military he worked as a tugboat captain for several private maritime companies on the bay and was a member of Galesville Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Robbie enjoyed spending his free time working on small engines, as well as rifles and shotguns, and was especially skilled at refinishing wooden gunstocks, transforming them into beautiful custom pieces.

Robbie is survived by his siblings, Gini Simmons and her husband Bobby, Mike Bast and his wife Donna, Bonnie Greenwell and her husband Maurice, and Leslie Lewis and her husband Kirk; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his partner, Melody Wright; and his beloved cat, Magic Mike. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Minnibel Bast.

Robbie’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robbie’s memory to a charitable organization of one’s choice.