Walter J. CYR

NORRIDEWOCK -- Walter J. Cyr, 86, of Norridgewock and more recently, North New Portland, passed away at the Veterans' Affairs Nursing Home, Togus, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005, after a long battle of diabetes and complications. His daughters and granddaughter, Kelly, were at his side to ease his journey to be with Our Lord.Walter was born in Old Town on Nov. 28, 1918, the son of Fred B. and Melvina Cyr.He married Claudine St. Peter on Oct.16, 1937, in Madison. She passed away in 1992.His second wife of 35 years, Cecille Cyr, survives him.Walter served as a PFC in the Army in Europe, 1944-1945. He was wounded and received an honorable medical discharge. He earned a Combat Infantryman Badge. He was proud to have served his country. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 39 of Madison, an honorary member of Paralyzed Veterans of America, and a member of the Disabled Veterans of America. Over his lifetime, Walter worked at Bath Iron Works, Great Northern Paper, and as a mechanic for Old Point Avenue Garage and Exxon of Madison. He was admired for his knowledge by many.He was a great provider for his family and always cherished picnics and family gatherings, and will be sadly missed. He and his wife enjoyed their weekly visits to Senior Spectrum for good food and friendly conversations. Walter enjoyed hunting and telling "deer tales." One of his greatest joys was taking his precious dog, Shadow, for a ride in his new van.He is survived by his wife, Cecille; two daughters, Joanne and Charles Cook of Turner, Gloria and Dale Walker of North New Portland; and a stepson, David and Brenda Easler of Norridgewock. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Tammy and Mike Foskey of Texas, Katrina and John Canady of Kansas, Gregory and Danielle Cook of New Hampshire, Darcy Ollivier of Solon and Kelly and Dean York of Skowhegan; nine great-grandchildren, Christopher, Zachary, and Alex Ollivier, Luke and Josh York, Emma Kate and Gavin Cook and Jacob and Austin Canady; and two stepgrandchildren, Dane and Deanna and their children. He is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Anna Paradis of Skowhegan, Irene Howard of Augusta and Fred Cyr of Colorado; and several nieces and nephews.A special friend, Shadow, his poodle, also provided much love.He was predeceased by his parents; four sisters, Gladys Carpenter, Cora Serois, Madelene Hurd and Blanche Waters; and one brother, Albert Cyr.It was Walter's wish not to have visiting hours. A military service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the new Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta, with Catholic Chaplain Fr. Raymond Lagace officiating. A burial service will be held at a later date for family members.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nursing Home Care Unit 72, and sent to the hospital c/o Veterans Hospital Voluntary Services, 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330.We give our deepest thanks for the loving care and attention given to our dad by the nursing staff and doctors, especially John Schooley, P.A. They made a difference in his final days and hours.