AUBURN – Wesley Verrill Ryder of Auburn, born April 29, 1936, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023.

He was a 1954 graduate of Edward Little High School where he was a member of the marching band that participated at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. in 1952.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education at the University of Maine Orono and continued on to earn his Master’s Degree in Adult Education from USM.

He taught at Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield and Poland Spring Job Corp, but spent most of his career teaching English at Lewiston High School where he was Chairman of the English Department when he retired.

He was a member of the National Guards of the 240th Engineering Battalion and was an honor graduate of the Basic Army Administration School.

He was an active member of his community that included participation as an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 111, a Maine Swimmers official, a member of the United Commercial Travelers Organization, a devoted member and Chairman of the Board for Danville Junction Church, a past Master of both Stevens Mills and Danville Junction granges as well as service to the Maine State Grange.

Throughout his life he enjoyed camping, reading, music, and was known for his poetry writing. He was most of all, a devoted family man where his family was his life.

He married Glenys M. Miller in 1962 and they shared 61 years of marriage.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cedric J. and Ruth V. Ryder, as well as his brother Richard Ryder.

He is survived by his wife Glenys Ryder; his son and wife, Andrew and Laurel Ryder of Waldoboro, his daughter and partner Diana Mains and Paul Bory of Auburn, his grandson and wife, Joshua and Alisha Mains and his great-granddaughter, Arianna Mains of Milford, Mass., his grandson and partner Timothy Mains and Nichole Grady of St. Petersburg, Fla.; his sister, Betty Gacetta of Vermont, his sister-in-law, Kim Ryder of Lewiston’ and by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private burial service will be held at Mt Auburn Cemetery

Anyone who wishes to make a donation

in his name to the:

Danville Junction Grange

#65 scholarship

48 Pond Road

Raymond, ME 04071