WINSLOW – Harrison C. Sylvester, 75, formerly of Albion, died Jan. 13, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Complications from the treatment for lymphoma were the cause of his death. Harry was born June 12, 1932, in Eustis, the son of Willis and May Covey Sylvester. He was predeceased by his son, Michael in 1994; his parents; and brother, Dick in 1949. He attended school in Stratton, Worcester Academy, Massachusetts and the University of Maine, Orono, where he received a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in 1955. Harry devoted his last 25 years to learning disabilities after being diagnosed with dyslexia in his early 50s. He was president of Learning Disabilities of Maine and the first person with learning disabilities to serve as president at the national level. He worked with both adults and adolescents here in Maine and across the country. He was also very proud of his book, The Legacy of the Blue Heron: Living with Learning Disabilities, about his journey with dyslexia. Harry lectured nationally and also ran support groups for those impacted by learning disabilities. He had a special interest in working with disadvantaged youth. He spent five years working with adult and adolescent substance abuse programs in Waterville. Harry had a varied career in several business ventures, including Morrison and Sylvester, Auburn; Oxford Paper Co., Rumford and Sylvester Products, Marlboro, Mass. He later returned to Maine and his farming roots. He also designed and built classic Whitehall boats for 22 years that are enjoyed by boaters from Alaska to Florida. Harry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Janet; his son, Richard Sylvester and wife, Carol, of Kennebunk; his daughter, Deborah Sylvester of Sarasota, Fla.; his grandchildren, Ryan Sylvester of Portland, Erin Sylvester of Saco, Erica Bradstreet of Houston and Noah Bradstreet of Sarasota, Fla.; and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Mayo of Benton. Our sincere thanks to all who offered their loving care and support to Harry and to his family during this time. Thank you also to the dedicated staff at Maine General Hospital-Thayer Campus, Critical Care Unit, Waterville. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at First Congregational Church, 7 Eustis Parkway, Waterville. A graveside interment will be held in the spring in Eustis. Contributions may be made in his memory to Learning Disabilities Association of Maine, P.O. Box 67, Oakland, ME 04963.
HARRISON C. SYLVESTER
