Thaxter H. Ryder

     RYDER, Thaxter H., 81, PRESQUE ISLE, at Caribou, January 5, 2014. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Johnson Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.

    PRESQUE ISLE – Thaxter H. Ryder, 81, died Sunday evening, Jan. 5, 2014, at The Aroostook Medical Center in Presque Isle. He was born on December 8, 1932, the son of Herbert and Hildreth (Dibble) Ryder.
    He owned and operated his own farm for 30 years, then he went to work at various places, Aroostook Shoe for 13 years, Penobscot Foods in Washburn, Ayer Processing plant in Caribou, Potato Service Inc., and retired from McCain Foods in Easton in Jan. 2013 after working 21 years as a security guard.
    Thaxter was a very active member of Anah Shrine Temple Club in Presque Isle.
    He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth “Betty” (Magaw) Ryder of Presque Isle; a son, Brian Ryder and a grandson, Seth, both of Colorado Springs, CO; special nieces and nephews, Alan Brown of York, PA, Carol Wallach of Florida, Mike Bouchard of Caribou, Greg Bouchard of Bangor, Debbie Day and her husband, Dale of Presque Isle, whom have been a great help to Thaxter and Betty; special friends, Phyllis Leavitt and her daughter, Linda of Presque Isle, Ray Lamoreau of Presque Isle, and many other friends and neighbors.
    He was predeceased by five siblings.
    A graveside service will be held in the spring at Johnson Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Shriners for Crippled Children Fund, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114. Online condolences may be shared at www.duncan-graves.com.