The Daily Me

OBITUARIES

HOWARD "HOWIE" F. RYDER
GREENVILLE - Howard "Howie" F. Ryder, 57, died Nov. 11, 2006, at a Bangor hospital, from complications of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the blood. Howie was born May 11, 1949, in Greenville, to Faustena (Knight) and Edwin B. Ryder. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1967 and the University of Maine - Farmington in 1971, and served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves.

Howie later continued in professional development, receiving a Master of Educational Administration degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study in educational leadership from the University of Maine. Howie married Elizabeth "Betty" Doyon, of Greenville, in 1971 and together they moved to Searsport, began a family and his long and distinguished professional career.

In Searsport, he taught English and coached drama and men's basketball. He later taught at Orono High School, where he also enjoyed coaching football and women's basketball.

In 1980, Howie was hired as the assistant head of school and athletic director at Foxcroft Academy, Dover-Foxcroft. In 1981, Howie was promoted to head of school at Foxcroft-Academy, where he served until 1994.

In 1994, Howie began his 12-year tenure as the head of school at Lincoln Academy, Newcastle. Howie was a doer and took positions of leadership in every situation in which he was engaged, as evidenced by his lengthy resume of professional accomplishments. He was honest and direct and believed in guiding and empowering others in their positions of responsibility. Schools and children thrived under his care, direction and influence. He was honored that Lincoln Academy chose to build and dedicate a new science wing in his name in 2006. Howie was tall, with soft, caring eyes; he had a presence of authority and leadership that called for respect without saying a word. He arose early and was busy and productive each and every day.

He loved the pets that shared his life and enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was snowmobiling, boating, fishing, hunting or even just puttering at camp. He was a loving brother, husband, father and grandfather; he helped to instill strong faith in his children and demonstrated the importance of family as he guided his children to adulthood. He wrote treasured letters to each of his grandchildren before they were born, wanting to communicate precisely how he was feeling as he anticipated their arrival. He so valued his friendships and the ever-widening circle of brothers. He will be deeply missed by many close and special friends and family.

Howie is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Lincoln and Brenda Ryder, Heidi and Jamie Bray; grandchildren, Colby, Haley, Lily and Wyatt; brothers, Ralph, John and Mahlon Ryder; mother-in-law, Helen Doyon; and special friends, Stuart and Lea Watt and family. He was pre-deceased by his parents; brothers, Charles and Edwin; and sisters, Virginia and Frances. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Greenville Community House. A memorial service will be conducted 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Greenville High School. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may honor his memory and carry on his legacy as an exemplary educator by sending gifts in his name to the Maine Principals' Association, P.O. Box 2468, Augusta, ME 04338-2468.

Please indicate to which community school, Searsport, Orono, Dover-Foxcroft or Newcastle, the contribution should be directed. Arrangements are in the care of Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.

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