Howard “Howie” F. Ryder, 57, of Greenville, died Nov. 11 at Eastern Maine Medical Center from complications of multiple myeloma, an aggressive cancer of the blood.
Howie was born in Greenville on May 11, 1949, to Faustena (Knight) and Edwin B. Ryder. He graduated from Greenville High School in 1967, and the University of Maine at Farmington in 1971.
Howie served six years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He later continued in professional development, and received a Master of Educational Administration degree and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine.
He married Elizabeth “Betty” Doyon of Greenville in 1971 and together they moved to Searsport and 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 coached football and women’s basketball.
In 1980, Howie was hired as the Assistant Head of School and Athletic Director at Foxcroft Academy in Dover-Foxcroft. In 1981, he was promoted to Head of School at Foxcroft Academy, where he served until 1994.
In 1994, Howie began his 12-year tenure as Head of School at Lincoln Academy in Newcastle.
Howie was a “doer.” He 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 and caring eyes. He had a presence of authority and leadership that inspired 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.
Howie 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, and 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 predeceased by his parents; brothers, Charles and Edwin; and sisters, Virginia and Frances.
The family will receive friends 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Sat., Nov. 18 at the Greenville Community House, 6 Lakeview St., Greenville.
Memorial service 3 p.m., Sun., Nov. 19 at Greenville High School, 130 Pritham Ave., Greenville.
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 Lincoln Academy) the contribution should be directed.
Arrangements are entrusted to Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft.
