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THOMAS A. CYR
PALMYRA - Thomas A. Cyr, 55, of Palmetto, Florida, passed away June 30, 2008 at Manatee Memorial Hospital with his wife and daughter by his side. Tom had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Tom was born July 17, 1952 in Biddeford to Muriel Cyr, now of Hartland. He graduated from Nokomis Regional High School in 1987 after returning to finish his degree. Tom co-owned Central Maine Speed in Pittsfield and then worked for several years at Ethan Allen in Burnham until the plant closed. He also performed auto body work out of his own garage for years. Before leaving for Florida Tom worked for the Maine Department of Transportation out of the Skowhegan garage.
Tom was an avid automobile admirer and tinkerer. He was a member of the Mid Maine Rodders Association and had several 4 wheel drive vehicles that he rebuilt. Tom raced at Winterport Dragway for several years in the late 70's through the early 80's. He also drove a stock car with his daughter at Unity Raceway. Tom also enjoyed hunting, camping, country music, NASCAR racing, football and baseball.
He had been living his dream in Palmetto, Florida with his wife Belinda, where they managed Terra Ceia Village RV Resort. Florida was Tom's paradise. He had recently bought a boat to see more of the coast and beaches that he loved.
Tom is survived by his wife, Belinda of Palmetto, Florida; his mother, Muriel Cyr of Hartland; two daughters, Jennifer Hanson and husband Jon, and Jessica Mills, all of Palmyra; his mother and father-in-law, Earle and Sharon Gilley of Gardiner; three grandchildren, Sydney Hanson and Austin Mills, both of Palmyra and Ethan Hanson of Richmond; two step-sons, Darrell Hanson and Gary Hanson, both of West Gardiner; and a special friend, Steve Estes of Hartland. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Catherine Mills, and by his beloved Springer Spaniel, Jake.
Visiting hours will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 PM Friday, July 11th, at the home of Jennifer & Jon Hanson, 135 Madawaska Road, Palmyra. Graveside services will be held 11 AM Saturday, July 12th at Pine Grove cemetery in Hartland. Gifts in memory of Tom may be made online to www.myeloma.org or by mail to International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Drive, Suite 206, North Hollywood, CA 91607-3421. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport.
Ralph H. Elkins
DETROIT - Ralph Henry Elkins, 80, died June 27, 2008 at a Bangor hospital following a long illness. He was born June 24, 1928 in Corinna a son of Medford and Mildred ( Wiggin) Elkins. He attended Newport High School and served in the U. S. Army. He was employed as a truck driver at Eastland Woolen Mill in Corinna and Guilford Industries in Newport. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, and was a member of the Big Buck Club. He is survived by his wife Nita (Wakefield) Elkins of Detroit; 1 son, Brent Elkins of Skowhegan; 4 step-sons, Charles and Patrick Maloon of Parkman, Archie Maloon of Sebec, and Guy Maloon of Windham; a step-daughter, Mary Wright of Exeter; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by brothers, Roger, Leroy Earl, Rodney and Leon, and a sister, Lona Willet. A graveside committal service was held 1 PM Thursday, July 3rd, at the Elkins family lot, Riverside cemetery, Newport with Bishop Alan Strout officiating. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. .
Leslie “Les” Ray Bates, Sr.
Palmyra, ME - Leslie “Les” Ray Bates Sr., 64, of the Warehouse Point section of East Windsor, CT passed away peacefully at home Saturday, June 14, 2008 comforted by his family. Born in Palmyra ME to the late Herbert and Beulah (Wilder) Bates September 11, 1943, he has lived in East Windsor for over forty years. As a member of the Teamsters Local 671, he worked as a truck driver, working at Keystone Paper and Box in East Windsor for 36 years, including 20 years as the Shop Steward. Les was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #1525 in Enfield, CT for over 40 years. He loved fishing, taking trips on his motorcycle, and getting away to his camp in Maine where he rode his ATV. Les was also a practical joker, but was hard-working. It was an important part of Les’s character that he “stick up for the little guy” and “do the right thing”. A father, brother, grandfather, and uncle, Les is survived by his three children Leslie R. Bates Jr., Teresa Bates Colby and her husband Jarrod, and Kevin F. Bates Sr. and his wife Denise; and a sister Darlene Neal and her husband Jim. Les was predeceased by a sister Charlotte Johnston, and a brother Norman Bates. Les will also be greatly missed by his seven grandchildren Candace, April, Jason, Meghan, Brendan, Jarrod, and Kevin Jr. He also leaves his previous wife and long-time companion Sharron (Ludden) Bates. Leslie’s family received relatives and friends on Friday, June 20, 2008 from 6 to 7:45 PM followed by a remembrance time at 7:45 PM at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield. Burial was private. Contributions in Leslie Bates Sr.’s memory may be made to St. Francis Cancer Center, 95 Woodland St., Hartford, CT 06105. For information and online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.
Corinne E. Fellows
DEXTER - Corinne E. Fellows, 93; died June 16, 2008 at her residence. She was born April 18, 1915 at North Dixmont a daughter of Edgar and Rose (Welch) Harris. Corinne was predeceased by her husband, Sam Fellows, who died January 11, 1983. She is survived by 4 sons, Graydon and wife Barbara of Searsmont, Craig of Dexter, Danny of Wichita, Kansas, Scott and wife Kitty of Rangeley; 5 daughters, Diane and husband Donald Gogan of Norridgewock, Jean Harden of Lakeland, FL, Brenda Andrews of Newport, Cheryl and husband Rod Spreier of Wichita, Kansas, Wanda and husband Barry Hughes of Dexter; a sister, Patricia and husband Darrell Vahle of Orlando, FL; 21 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. A graveside committal service will be held 3 PM Thursday, June 19th at Mt. Pleasant cemetery, Dexter, with Pastor Lois Field officiating. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Dexter. .
Roger Ernest Priest
ORONO - Roger Ernest Priest died peacefully at home on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. He was born December 1, 1958, in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, son of Guy Louis and Frances Louise Eldridge Priest. Roger worked as the Asbestos and Lead Project Manager at the University of Maine for many enjoyable years. He took great pleasure in working with wood, gardening, fishing, collecting diecast cars, vacationing at the ocean, and spending time with his family. He also loved to listen to his wife and children sing and play the piano, and especially enjoyed reading aloud together in the evenings. Roger is survived by his wife, Cynthia A. Jennings; his children, Noah Francis Jennings Priest, Hannah Elizabeth Jennings Priest, and Erin Louise Padham. He is also survived by his brother, Leslie Priest, his wife, Betsy, and their sons, Nathan and Brandon; brother, K. Jon Priest, his wife, Alta and their children, Alexandra and David; sister, Gertrude O’Farrell and her husband, Clifford; sister Nena Schultz and her husband, Seiford; sister, Connie Clement; sister Lorraine Maurice and her husband, Ronald; sister Eunice Mansfield; and brother, Ronald Priest and his wife, Kathy. He is predeceased by his parents, Guy and Frances Priest, and his twin brother, Rodney Enoch Priest. A celebration of his life with family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th at the Corinna United Methodist Church in Corinna, with Reverend Sharon Lovejoy officiating. Light refreshments will be served during a fellowship following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Corinna United Methodist Church, the Old Town Public Library, or the CHCS Hospice Organization, for whom the family is forever grateful. Services entrusted to Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main Street, Old Town, ME.
Paula J. Beem
STETSON - Paula J. Beem, 81, died June 4, 2008 at her son Maurice’s Exeter residence. She was born September 25, 1926 in Palmyra, a daughter of James and Susan (Booker) Savage. She was a member of the Carmel Extension, the East Stetson Ladies Aid, Chairman of the Board of the Directors for the Stetson Library, and a past member of the Stetson Grange. Paula is survived by 2 sons, Sydney Beem of Stetson and his fiancée, Stacy Mooers and Maurice and wife Candace Beem of Exeter; 2 sisters, Dorothy Keller of Arizona and Juanita Orman of California; 8 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Fredrick; 3 brothers, Marsh, Marsdon and Madison Savage; 2 sisters, Norma Savage and Cynthia Leighton; and a grandson, Shad Beem. Friends called from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. Sunday, June 8th at Crosby & Neal, 117 Main Street, Newport. A graveside funeral and committal service was held at Clark’s Hill cemetery, Stetson, with the Rev. David Ray, Sr. officiating. .
Omer J. Cleaves
DEXTER - Omer Joseph Cleaves, 93, died June 2, 2008 at a Dover-Foxcroft hospital. He was born Nov. 13, 1914, in Dexter, a son of Louis and Valeda (Provost) Cleaves. Omer graduated from N.H. Fay High School, Class of 1933. He worked in several area woolen mills before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he was part of the Normandy invasion. After fighting for months, he was wounded in battle while trying to save a fellow G.I. and therefore was a recipient of the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. After the war, he and his brother, Gubby, owned and operated Wall Street Market, Dexter. He was later employed by Dexter Post Office for 32 years. Omer was a devoted lifelong communicant of St. Annes Catholic Church and was a member of Poulliot-Seavey American Legion and Shirley B. Carter Post VFW. Omer was predeceased by his wife, Donalda (Quirion) Cleaves, in 1985; his brothers, Paul, Gabriel "Gubby, " Henry, Gerald and Roland; and his sister, Anita Clukey. He is survived by one son, Joseph Cleaves of Dexter; three daughters, Diane and Tom Gerry of Longwood, Fla., Eleanor "Ellie" and Bob Leonard of Goffstown, N.H., and Louise and Dick Cyr of Levant; one brother, Philip and wife, Phyllis, of Dexter; two sisters, Lucienne Doucette of Lewiston and Lillian DeMarais of San Antonio; seven grandchildren, David Gerry and fiancee, Sharon Illian, of Burbank, Calif., Adam and Melena Gerry and Amber Gerry, all of Winter Park, Fla., Matthew Leonard, Michelle and Jeff Soterion, all of Manchester, N.H., Wayne and Kim Hand of Brewer, Wendy and Bill Letsch of Meriden, Conn.; three great-grandchildren, Isabel and Lydia Hand and Katrina Letsch; as well as special caretakers and friends, Tessa and Sophie. Friends called 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Crosby & Neal, 61 Main St., Dexter. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at St. Annes Church with the Rev. James Robichaud officiating. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant cemetery, Dexter. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Annes Church Fuel Fund, care of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, P.O. Box 346, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. .
George Steven “Steve” Cockerham
GARLAND - Steven Cockerham, 54, a resident of Garland, ME died April 23, 2008 at home in the loving care of his wife and soul mate after a lengthy illness. He is predeceased by his son, Jason Cockerham and his father, George O. Cockerham. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (Melix) Cockerham; his parents mom, Julieanne Mahoney and dad, William Bob Mahoney; his children, John Seaback, Bonnie Seaback, Jennifer Bridgham, and a stepson Brandon Clukey; his grandchildren, Alexander Cockerham, Layla Marof, Tyler Bridgham and Drew Bridgham. He is survived by his sisters, Susan Mitchell and Sharon Abbleby, uncle, Samuel Tanouf and nephews and nieces. Steve was born in San Diego, CA and grew up in Marstons Mills, MA. He attended the Barnstable Schools and graduated from the Barnstable Culinary Program. His first professional job was at the Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville, MA. He also worked at the Paddock Restaurant and supervised at the Tara Hotel in Hyannis, MA. Steve was a self employed commercial fisherman for many years and worked as a first mate for Robert St. Peter and family on the “Captain Bob” out of Ocean Street Hyannis, MA. After moving to Maine he was an entrepreneur of many vocations. Steve managed the Barbers Christmas Tree Farm and was employed in a wood working mill in Garland, ME. Steve was an outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking and was an avid archer. He loved motorcycling and his custom bikes. He was an independent thinker and a leader in every sense of the word. He loved barbecuing with family and friends. He was a connoisseur of gourmet foods. He was very knowledgeable about wildlife and cared about the earth’s preservation for future generations. Steve had a passion for the woods of Maine. A memorial celebration of Steve’s life will be held at his home in Garland, ME for his family and friends at a later date to be announced. For correspondence and gifts in Steve’s memory you may contact Bonnie Cockerham at sclovesbc@yahoo.com.
Micheal F. Kennedy
STETSON and CLIFTON - Micheal F. Kennedy, 50, passed away June 1, 2008. He was born May 29, 1958 in Bangor and lived most of his life in Stetson residing his last years in Holden and Clifton. Mike graduated from Central High School in Corinth and attended several mechanic training schools throughout his career. He worked for Harold D. Smith & Sons in Bangor as a heavy equipment mechanic. He had also worked for Maine Distributors in Brewer and Maine Materials in Bangor. Mike had been disabled for several years. He loved hunting, fishing, and cooking for the family. He is survived by his wife Lynette and 2 sons, Micheal "Bear" and wife Rachel, and their children, Andrew and Emma; Bobby, wife Dawn and their children Abbie and Carter; step-son Brad Buchanan; his mother Marion Kennedy; brother John Kennedy, wife Edna and their daughter Erin; sister Linda and husband Elliotte Austin, their daughter Charleen and husband Java Imhoff; his niece Cathy Horowitz; nephews, Roy Kennedy and Daniel DeGroff. Mike was predeceased by his father, Howard, Sr.; brother, Howard, Jr; and sister Marion Brooks. At his request, there will be no services. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal, Newport. .
Shirley M. Bryson
PALMYRA - Shirley M. Bryson, 70, died May 24, 2008, at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. She was born July 14, 1937, in Newport, daughter of Ivan and Helen (Nason) Fletcher. She worked for several businesses in this area during the course of her career, but most recently for Walmart in Palmyra since the opening of the store.
She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Allen E. Bryson. She is survived by 2 sons, Shawn Bryson and his wife, Kennilyn of Newport, Steven Bryson of Palmyra; a daughter, Sharon Bryson of Palmyra; a grandson, Ryan Bryson and his wife, Jazmine of Corinna; a granddaughter, Taylor Bryson of Palmyra; 4 brothers and their wives, Ivan and Gloria Fletcher of Mars Hill, George and Norma Fletcher of Palmyra, Harold and Barbara Fletcher of Newport, and Bobby and Belinda Fletcher of Hartland; 2 sisters, Barbara Smith of Missouri, and Janet Philbrick and her husband, Walter of Palmyra; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Martha Jacobsen and Christine Booth.
Graveside funeral services were held at 2 PM, Thursday, May 29th, 2008, at the Palmyra Village cemetery with Pastor Brian Woodbury officiating. Those who wish may make donations in her memory to the American Cancer Society, One Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086-1240. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Newport.
Verlan L. Perkins
Bangor - Verlan Lester Perkins, age 71, a resident of Depot Street in Jay, died Thursday, January 29th at Maine Veterans Home in Bangor following a long illness. He was born on April 12, 1937 in Jay, the son of Lester Perkins and Edith (McCrillis) Dodge and attended the local schools. He served in the US Air Force from 1954 to 1960 as a jet aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Korea and Japan. Following an honorable discharge, he resided in Jay and worked at G.H. Bass Company in Wilton for thirty years, retiring in 1999 at the age of 62. He had also worked at Northeast Woodworkers in West Farmington. Verlan was a member of the American Legion, Post #178 of Waterville. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, stock car racing, the Boston Red Sox and spending time with his family. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Fred and Karen Campbell of Palmyra, Maine, a grandson, Kristin Campbell who was the light of his life, two brothers, Kenny Perkins of Ohio and Gerald Perkins of Milo, ME, a niece Krista Curtis of Leeds, ME, several cousins including Norman and Gertrude Crowley of Wilton and Gerald McCrillis Jr. of Sabattus.
Funeral services with full military honors was held 11 AM Tuesday with visitation at 10 AM prior to the service at Finley Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Livermore Falls, ME 04254. Spring interment at Pleasant View cemetery in Livermore Falls. Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.
Ernest “Bud” Smith
Lewiston/St. Albans - Ernest “Bud” Alden Smith, 64, died unexpectedly at his home on January 30, 2009.
He was born on July 21, 1944 in Hartland, Maine, and graduated from Hartland Academy in 1962.
He has lived in Lewiston, Maine for the past 3 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Korea. After leaving the Army, he worked as a Master Plumber until his retirement in 2006. He was predeceased by his father Ernest F. Smith in 1980, his mother Louise Griffin (Thibeau) in 2004, and his brother James Smith in 2007.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years Marjorie Smith (Blanchard) of Lewiston, son David Smith of Woodstock, Vermont, son Steven Smith of Woodstock, Vermont, step-son Michael Dunton of Berlin, New Hampshire, step-daughter Katrina Dunton of Hartland, Maine, sister Ethel Neal of St. Albans, Maine, brother Gary Smith of St. Albans, Maine, two very special friends, Kerry and Sharon Davis of Sabattus, Maine. Bud and his beloved wife Marge have 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He will be missed by all!
A private celebration of life will be held in the spring.
Walter E. Henderson, Jr.
CORINNA - Walter E. Henderson, Jr., 73, died January 26, 2009 in his sleep at his residence after a long bout with cancer. He was born October 9, 1935 in Presque Isle, a son of Walter and Beatrice (Brown) Henderson, Sr. Walter graduated from Newport High School, Class of 1955 and served in the United States Army. He was employed at Nu-Way Tobacco Company in South Windsor, CT for 35 years. He was a 40 year member of Meridian Splendor Lodge Masons in Newport. Walter is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Brooks) Henderson of Corinna; 2 sons, Benjie G. Henderson of Enfield, CT and Daniel M. and wife Deborah Henderson of Corinna; 5 grandchildren, Sara, Justin, Sam, Rebecca and Molly; 2 brothers, Frank and wife Delma Henderson of Hermon and Garfield Henderson of Oklahoma City, OK; and a sister, Avis White of Tolland, CT. Spring graveside committal services will be held at North Newport cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Pine Tree Hospice, 895 W. Main Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426. Arrangements are by Crosby & Neal Funeral Chapel, Corinna.
Francis "Larry" Coston
HARTLAND - Larry Coston passed away peacefully at the Sebasticook Valley Hospital on January 19th, 2009.
He was born in Palmyra on February 1st, 1933. He was the son of Francis L. and Elise (Ludden) Coston. Larry attended Palmyra and Hartland schools.
He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1955. He was a longtime member of the Hartland American Legion 141. He ran Coston's Garage in Hartland for many years.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Janice (Wyman) Coston of Hartland; two daughters and one son, Estelle and her husband, Harvey Johnston, of Palmyra, Larry and his wife, Linda Coston, of Madison, and Sara and her husband, Benjamin Ayer, of Newport; nine grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren; stepmother Ardis Coston of Salem, Mass.; two brothers, Donald and his wife, Sonja Coston, of Litchfield and Barry and his wife, Betty Coston, of Salem.
He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, Roger Coston, formerly of Massachusetts.
Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing and racing stockcars. He raced several years at Unity Raceway and won many trophies and awards.
Larry was well-liked in the community of Hartland and surrounding towns. He will be sadly missed.
At Larry's request there will not be a funeral service. A celebration of life will be planned for this summer following his son-in-law's return from Iraq.
Larry's family would like to thank the staff at Sebasticook Valley Hospital for the great care and support they gave during his stay there, and a special thanks to Dr. Flannigan.
Anyone wishing to make a donation in memory of Larry can do so to the American Legion Post 141. Donations can be sent to Durwood Hayden at 2151 Athens Road, Hartland, ME 04943.
Anyone wishing to send condolences to the family and share memories of Larry may e-mail them to sara.ayer@yahoo.com
A special appreciation goes to Larry Audet at Greenlawn Funeral Home in Bangor for his personal and professional support he gave to the family in their time of need.
