MARS HILL – Ronald Eugene Townsend passed away Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, with his loving family by his side at The Aroostook Medical Center, Presque Isle. Ronald was born June 6, 1922, in Mars Hill, one of five children to Nettie (Bell) and Samuel Townsend.
He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1942 to 1946, Company B on the shores of Normandy, France and Belgium. Returning home he finished his schooling at Aroostook Normal School, Presque Isle. He began his career at Presque Isle Air Force Base, and then transferred to Loring Air Force Base working in carpentry and as foreman for 34 years, retiring in 1980. He married Eloise Benson in 1949. They were married 40 years at the time of her death in August 1989. Ronald was a wonderful dad who enjoyed taking his family fishing at Mattagamon River and camping at Deering Lake. He enjoyed golfing and bowling with the Senior Men during the winter months. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing at Jalbert Camps with all of his friends. Ronnie was a fan of Central Aroostook Panther basketball teams and the Red Sox. A very special part of Ronnie’s day was when his special buddy, Snickers, came for his many visits.
He is survived by two daughters, Rhonda and her husband, Harry Orser, of Mars Hill and Denise Townsend and fiance, Richard H. Duncan, of Presque Isle; son, Samuel Townsend and his wife, Lisa, of Fort Fairfield; three grandchildren, Christopher Stackpole and his wife, Janine, of Mars Hill, Mitchell Orser of Portland and Adam Orser of Burlington, Vt.; a special great-grandson, Shane Stackpole and Ronnie’s special buddy, Snickers; a sister, Lois McCrea of Mars Hill; brother-in-law, Fred Kelly of North Haven, Conn.; several nieces and nephews; and a much-loved extended family, Anna-Mae Bernie of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, and Dan and Connie Flynn of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and their children, Connor and Callum. He was predeceased by his wife, Eloise Benson Townsend; sisters, Ruth Pedre and Ellen Kelly; and a brother, Russell Townsend. We extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dean, Phil P., Normie, Joe, Tim and Phil K. for always visiting daily and stopping by to check on Dad.
A special thank-you to his caregivers, Angela Levesque, Tammy Ross and Lauren Beals; the staff at Aroostook Health Center, Skilled Unit; and the Med-Surg staff at The Aroostook Medical Center.
You all went above and beyond in comforting our dad.
Family and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill, where funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, with Pastors Mitchell Ross and Lawrence Beals officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aroostook Health Center Residents Activities, P.O. Box 410, Mars Hill, ME 04758.