1935 – 2016

GRAY — Ronald Henry Blais, 80, passed away peacefully with family by his side Tuesday, Sept. 13.

Ronnie was born Oct. 29, 1935, in New Gloucester, the son of Henry and Cora Liberty Blais. He attended Gray and New Gloucester schools, graduating from Pennell Institute in 1955. He attended the Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

One of his first jobs as a teenager was flipping burgers at Wasson’s Grove in Falmouth. He loved to tell stories of his time there. After high school, he spent two years in Largo, Fla., working odd jobs before returning to Gray in 1957 to marry the love of his life, Rachelle Cowie, whom he met when he was 14 years old.

Ronnie went to work at W.T. Grant that same year where he met many great friends whom he continued to speak of over the years. He held many sales positions over the years. He worked at the Caron Company, General Foods and retired from the Forest Co. in the early 1990s. Ronnie conquered his biggest nemesis, alcoholism, through his network of support at Alcoholics Anonymous, specifically his mentor Catherine S. He celebrated 41 years of sobriety, something he was extremely proud of accomplishing. Ronnie had several collections with his prize collection being National Geographic magazines. He had every edition from 1975 to current. He also loved automobiles having completely rebuilt a 1967 convertible Pontiac Firebird.

Ronnie was a very proud man and had much to be thankful for. Ronnie loved his family. He spoke often of his children’s accomplishments, but his eyes sparkled when he spoke of his grandchildren. He had an incredible bond with each of them and a knack of making them feel as though they were special.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; his daughter, Kathi, and husband, Bruce Skilling; daughter, Sarah, and husband, Bill Holmquist; and son, Andrew, and wife, Becky Blais; grandchildren, Aaron Skilling and partner, Bob Kennedy, Katelyn Skilling, Trevor Holmquist and fiancée, Sarah Holloman, Kelsey Douglass and husband, Eric Douglass, Kayla, Joselle and Cameron Blais; and great-grandchildren, Anthony and Gabriella Douglass.

The family of Ronald Blais would like to thank the Barron Center staff for the care and support.