Gilbert L. Cyr

    CYR, Gilbert L., 87, PORTAGE LAKE, July 20, 2015. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Portage Lake. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, Ashland.

    PORTAGE LAKE – Gilbert L. Cyr, 87, devoted husband of the late Theresa Bosse, passed away peacefully Monday, July 20, 2015, following a short illness, in the presence of his loving family at his home. Gilbert was born in Madawaska on June 30, 1928, one of 11 children of the late Isaie and Irene (Daigle) Cyr. He attended Madawaska and Fort Kent schools. He was a resident of Portage Lake, spent 20 winters in Florida and his final years at his homestead.
    Gilbert was a U.S. army veteran of the Korean War where he spent most of his time in Germany. Following his military service, he returned to northern Maine and operated a farm, a sawmill and became a self-employed logging contractor.
    He was the president of Cyr Lumber Inc. and Cyr Leasing Inc. in Portage Lake. He had a variety of business ventures including owner of Oak Manor Rental in Hartford, CT, C & J Rental in Westfield, MA, Pretty Creek Gold Mining in Alaska and several land acquisitions.
    Gilbert was a man of high achievement and a wise and responsible member of the former Board of Directors of the Washburn Trust Company and Merrill Bank. He was also a member of the Northern Woods Logging Assoc., Maine Forest Products Council, American Tree Farm Assoc., served as a Town Selectman for 15 years, was a member of the Portage Development Corporation, the Board of Directors of the Ashland Community District schools, and a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church. He continued to serve on various committees at the local level and worked with local leaders to develop potential copper mining opportunities.
    He enjoyed making fine maple “Cyrup,” refinishing antiques, planting trees, fishing and hunting, and, an avid golfer, was instrumental in the development of the Portage Hills Country Club, He also enjoyed skiing and traveling. His family and friends have many cherished memories gathering at his homes for many fun evenings.
    He is survived by his sons Gregory and wife, Patricia of Fort Kent, and Scott and wife, Phyllis of Cumberland; daughters, Janice Cyr and husband, Gerald Cormier of Portage Lake, Charlene Cyr and Clive Bragdon of Cornish, Beverly Garrity and husband, Joseph of Pawley’s Island, SC; nine grandchildren, Tara, Chad, Chelsea, Dylan, Dayna, Rhyne, Abby, Danielle and Carter; three great-grandchildren, Keegan, Emma and Austin; his sister, Rita Evans of NC; his brothers, Raymond and wife, Therese of Portage Lake, Gerald and wife, Geraldine of Conn., Harold and wife, Nancy of Portage Lake, and James of FL; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
    A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Portage Lake, with military honors. Relatives and friends may greet the family Thursday 6-8 p.m., and Friday 9-10:45 a.m., at the church. Burial will be in Portage Lake Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are a service of Lajoie Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., PO Box 39, Ashland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert’s name may be made to: Town of Portage Veteran’s Park Tree Project, PO Box 255, Portage, ME 04768, or to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. – Maine Chapter through www.alz.org/maine/. To share condolences online, please visit www.LajoieFuneralHome.com.