Cecil Augustus Ryder Jr.

Cecil A. Ryder Jr. of Yarmouth, ME died on September 13, 2016 at Falmouth by the Sea, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. He was born on November 28, 1931 in Livermore Falls, ME, the older son of Cecil A. Ryder and Mary Agnes Houlihan Ryder, who predeceased him. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, Patrick.

Cecil graduated from Livermore Falls High School in 1950, where he lettered in four sports, and was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955, including a tour of duty in Korea as a demolition expert. Upon discharge, he attended the Auburn Maine School of Commerce. Later in his career, he attended the Williams College School of Banking.

He spent many years with Key Bank, retiring in 1993 as a regional vice-president and branch manager . After failing at his first attempt at retirement, he joined Getty Petroleum in South Portland as a terminal supervisor. When he retired a second time in 2000, he promptly went to work for the Yarmouth Public Works Department. In the winter, he worked as a custodian in various Yarmouth schools; in the summer, he mowed the lawns at the Royal River Park. There, he knew every dog by name and always had treats for them, even calling his wife on occasion with emergency requests to replenish his supply.

During his more than fifty years as a Yarmouth resident, Cecil was very active in civic affairs. He was a volunteer fireman, a reserve police officer, and a Cub Scout troop leader. He served on the Yarmouth Town Council for twelve years, including two terms as chairman. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, and served as president of both. In 1965, he was chosen as the Grand Marshall of the Clam Festival Parade.

Cecil had a dry wit and strong opinions, both of which he delighted in sharing. He loved animals, especially cats, and fed every stray that came to the door, in spite of his wife’s continued complaints. He was an enthusiastic duffer at golf, and an excellent fisherman and hunter. He especially enjoyed the many Thanksgiving weekends he spent with his card-playing, story-telling, practical-joker buddies at Seldom Inn in Kingsbury.

Cecil is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Mary Ross Ryder, stepson Ross Haskell and his wife Jean and their children Alexander and Evan, who will especially miss their “Big Cec”. He is also survived by his former wife, Lorine Beaulieu Ryder, and by several cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 1, at 11 AM, at First Parish Congregational Church, 116 Main Street, Yarmouth. A private burial will take place at a later date in the Veterans Cemetery in Sanford, ME.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the kind and loving care given to Cecil during his last months by the staff of Falmouth by the Sea, and by Hospice of Southern Maine. Memorial donations may be made to H.A.R.T. of Maine, PO Box 351, Cumberland Center, ME 04021, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Lindquist Funeral Home, Yarmouth, ME.