PORTLAND – Ronald Alan Dyke, 65, of Bethel, husband of Brenda-Marie (Barker) Dyke, died Thursday, Oct. 6, at a Portland hospital.

He was born in Littleton, N.H., on Feb. 19, 1940, the son of Howard L. and Grace (Johnson) Dyke.

He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving his country from 1959 to 1961.

He worked at various jobs and worked in the woods as a woodsman for many years.

Ronald was an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, farming and also enjoying woodworking. He was always willing to help people (he was helping even in death as an organ donor), was always joking and making people laugh, and was a 4-H leader for more than 35 years.

Ronald lived for his family, especially his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Brenda-Marie (Barker) Dyke, of Bethel; two sons, Darrell Dyke and his wife, Tobin, of Starks, and Dana Dyke and his wife, Sheila, of Albany; one daughter, Dodie Kelly and her husband, Mike, of Bethel; two brothers, Howard Dyke Jr. of Norway, and Henry Dyke of Limerick; three sisters, Margaret Dyke and Donna Dyke, both of Rumford, and Debbie Johnson of Carthage; nine grandchildren, Cricket “Crick” Kelly, Michael “Buddy” Kelly, Allison “Fredy” Kelly and Jessica “Squezzil” Kelly, all of Bethel, Leland Dyke and Aidan Dyke, both of Starks, and Dyanna-Marie Dyke, David Dyke and Daniel Dyke, all of Albany; many nieces and nephews; as well as his dog, Shelby.

He was predeceased by his parents; one brother, Leland; and one sister, Barbara Thomas.