CALAIS – David Leroy Ramsdell, 50, died Thursday, Nov. 30, 2006, at a Bangor hospital. David was born Sept. 1, 1956, in Eastport, son of Hazen “Buddy” and Lorraine (Cook) Ramsdell. David was born with Down syndrome, but this disability never held him back from doing what he wanted to do. He attended 11 years of Special Education classes in Windsor Locks, Conn., at South Street School, with his beloved teacher, Mrs. Eleanor Harris. David was very fortunate to have been a client of Sunrise Opportunities for almost 20 years. Sunrise Opportunities is a non-profit organization whose goal was to assist developmentally disabled individuals become active members of their community through participation and independent living. During those years with Sunrise, David was taught to live independently. David lived at the Eastport Boarding Home, Calais Boarding Home, and lived independently in his own apartment for many, many years. David took great pride in his independence and his home. His family was very proud of his accomplishments and he will always remain a great joy to his two sisters. David had the support and love of the staff, and his friends at the Beckett Center and the Calais Boarding Home. David and his family, at the Beckett Center, were always busy with basketball games, trips to Bangor, singing and dancing, making wreaths and many other activities. David was a proud member of the Baring Baptist Church. David loved his church and his fellow church members. Baring Baptist Church was a place where he could easily express his beliefs. He was loved, accepted and comfortable at church, and he always knew that he belonged there with those that shared his love of God. Surviving are his two sisters, Shirley Ramsdell-Newman of Los Altos, Calif., and Ida Ramsdell of Fort Walton, Fla.; his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Stephen, Billy, Cori and Laurel, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his very special family at the Beckett Center and Calais Boarding Home. Friends may call 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais. A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. at Baring Baptist Church with Pastor John Ledford officiating. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Brewer Cemetery, Robbinston. Friends may pay tribute at www.maysfuneralhome.com
DAVID LEROY RAMSDELL
