RONALD RICHARD CYR

BROWNVILLE – Ronald “Ronnie” Richard Cyr, 73, beloved brother and uncle, died unexpectedly Feb. 13, 2008, at his home on Schoodic Lake. He was born Easter Sunday, April 1, 1934, in Milo, the son of Albert J. and Alvina D. (Belanger) Cyr. He grew up in Derby. Ron-ald attended schools in Derby and Milo, and was a graduate of Milo High School. Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Navy during March 1954 and was a 20-year veteran, serving with Com-pany 58, 14th Battalion, 1st Regiment. His primary rank was as a yeoman, but he also served in the capacity of a helmsman, a submarine tender and as a recruiting officer. During his career, he was stationed in Hawaii, San Diego, Chicago, New York and South Weymouth, Mass. He sailed on destroyers, including the USS Heylinger, the USS Brownsman and the USS Sperry, while in Hawaii. He especially enjoyed the time he spent in Spain. He remained in the reserves until 1984. He was employed by MSAD 41 as a bus driver for a short period of time after his retirement from his naval career. Ronald was a devout Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Milo, where his parents had served and worshiped for more than 70 years. His faith was important to him and he demonstrated his love for God and his church through his commitment and service to his church in a number of capacities. He enjoyed his role as a greeter and an usher. Ronald was a member of Joseph P. Chaisson American Legion Post No. 41. His father, Albert, a World War I veteran, was one of the founders of this legion post. Ronald enjoyed his solitude at Schoodic Lake, where he had made his home for the past 30 years. He loved to hunt, fish and go snowmobiling. Ice fishing was one of his favorite recreational activities and there was never wont for conversation if one were to engage him in a dialogue about his fishing escapades. The fishing derby at Schoodic Lake was one of the highlights for him each year. Ronald was a kind, gentle, unassuming man with a quiet demeanor. There are those who would say he had a stubborn streak, yet one might make the observation that this was a genetic trait. He always had a smile. It was both joyful and easy to make him laugh. He was able to see the humor in small things. Ronald enjoyed having easy conversation with those whom he loved and his friends. He had a deep love for his family. He was glad to host numerous family Fourth of July celebrations at his home on Schoodic Lake. Ronald supplied the salmon he had caught during ice fishing season for each of these family feasts. He learned to cook only the bare necessities, such as broiled chicken and hamburg. He tried his hand at making pies with piecrust mix. He would regale us with stories about being able to eat only the sugar-free filling because the piecrust was always rock hard, even when he followed the directions explicitly. Hence, he was especially appreciative of the homemade cooking of his loved ones. Ronald was an avid card player. He was an excellent hand at playing cribbage and pinochle. Only a blizzard would keep him away from an invitation to play cards and he would play late into the night if his hostess allowed. He always experienced great joy at “walloping” someone in a game of cards and was quick to correct any attempt at deviating from the rules of the game! When his nieces and nephews were young, and his own mother hosted the annual family Christmas dinner, he was always willing to eat at the “kid” table and then play games with us during the afternoon. He played Santa Claus every Christmas Eve. He wrote us letters from the Navy and we were convinced that he was running the show. He was handsome, kind, loving and slow to judge others. Ronald knew what it meant to be committed to his country, his church and his family. We will miss the twinkle in his eye, his infectious laugh, his quiet companionship and his love. Ronald was predeceased by his beloved parents; and sister, Anita Corinne (Cyr) Gero Lan-gevine. He is survived by his beloved family, including his brother, Eddie A. and R. Eleanor Cyr of Milo; nieces and nephews, Carole Ellis, Linda Decker, Dennis Gero, Joel Cyr, Lisa Buchanan and Amber Murphy; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great- nieces and great-great-nephews. He is also survived by his best friend and fishing buddy, May-nard Emery; and his neighbor and friend, Myron Long. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Milo, with Father James Robichaud officiating. Friends and family are invited to join together for a lunch and a time of reflection in the church hall immediately after the service. Interment will be in the spring. Arrangements are by Lary Funeral Home. If you would like to remember Ronald in a special way, contributions may be made to Three Rivers Ambulance, P.O. Box 432, Milo, ME 04463. If desired, flower arrangements may be made through Riverside Florist, Dover-Foxcroft. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com.