Ronald Eugene Townsend
TOWNSEND, Ronald Eugene, 89, MARS HILL, at Presque Isle, February 14, 2011. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill.
MARS HILL – Ronald Eugene Townsend passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011, at the Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle, with his loving family by his side. Ronald was born June 6, 1922, in Mars Hill. He was one of five children to Nettie (Bell) and Samuel Townsend.
He served his country in The United States Army during WWII, from 1942 to 1946, Company B on the shores of Normandy, France and Belgium. On returning home, he finished his schooling at Aroostook Normal School in 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, fishing at Jalbert Camps with all of his friends. Ronnie was a fan of Central Aroostook Panther basketball teams and the Red Sox.
He is survived by two daughters: Rhonda and her husband, Harry Orser of Mars Hill, and Denise Townsend and fiancé, Richard H. Duncan of Presque Isle; and 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; and brother-in-law, Fred Kelly of North Haven, Conn; several nieces and nephews; a much loved extended family, Anna-Mae Bernie of Plaster Rock, N.B., Dan and Connie Flynn of Fredericton, N.B., 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.
A very special part of Ronnie’s day was when his special buddy, Snickers came for his many visits.
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 visited on Wednesday, February 16, from 6-8 p.m., at the Duncan Funeral Home, Mars Hill. Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 17, at 10 a.m., at the funeral home. Pastors Mitchell Ross and Lawrence Beals officiated. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aroostook Health Center, Residents Activities, P.O. Box 410, Mars Hill, ME 04758. Online condolences may be made at www.duncan-graves.com.
