G. RONALD McCLUSKEY

HOULTON – G. Ronald McCluskey, 74, died Aug. 12, 2004, at a Bangor hospital, after a brief illness. He was born Sept. 4, 1929 at Houlton, the son of George H. and Dora May (Graham) McCluskey. Ron was a graduate of Ricker Classical Institute, Class of 1947 and the University of Maine, Orono receiving his associates degree in Agronomy in 1949. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean War. Ron returned to the family farm in 1954 to become the fourth generation McCluskey to raise potatoes, peas and grains. He served on the Board of Trustees for Houlton Regional Hospital for two years, was a member of the Monticello Housing Authority Board of Directors, past director of the Northern Maine Fair Association, Director of the Aroostook County Farm Bureau for nearly 10 years. He was a member of the Aroostook County Extension Association since 1973, serving as vice president for two years, then president for two years. He was a member of the Aroostook County Committee, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service from 1970 through 1972, served on the Maine Potato Tax Commission for three years, County delegate to Maine Republican Convention for one year, served as County Commissioner, serving for 14 years. Ron assisted William Cohen and Olympia Snowe with their campaigns, served on the Linwood Palmer for Governor Town Campaign and was past director of Maine County Office Holders Association. He was a member of the Church of the Good Sheperd, a charter member of the Monticello Kiwanis Club, serving as president for two years, was a member of the Houlton Veterans of Foreign Wars, was a member of Monument Lodge of Masons No. 96, the Scottish Rite Body and a member of the Anah Temple Shrine. Ron was an aid to the Potentate Emeritus and a Member of the ROJ Court 150 of Bangor since 1971. Ron enjoyed woods camp at Harvey Siding and the cottage on East Grand Lake. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, story telling, sarcasm and occasional hostile attitude. Ron is survived by his wife of 51 years, Frances “Diddie”(Geaghan) McCluskey of Houlton; a daughter, Dorinda Sherwin and her husband, Richard, of Hopland, Calif.; a son, Capt. G. William “Bill” McCluskey of Mount Desert; two granddaughters, Kate and Meg Carton; two great-grandchildren, Sage Fowler and Connor Betts; his sister, Janet McCluskey Bates of Houlton. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday at the Dunn Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Butler and the Rev. Jessie Drysdale officiating. There will be a time of fellowshhip from 10 a.m. until time of service. Donation may be made in Ron’s memory to the Cary Library or the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children care of Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park St., Houlton, 04730.