CHESTERVILLE — Ronald Chester Hurd, “Ron,” “Ronnie,” 60, of Chesterville, passed away unexpected of natural causes on Saturday, Oct. 29, at his home.

He was born March 30, 1951, in Gardiner, the son of Chester and Venus (McFarland) Hurd. Ron grew up in South Gardiner, graduating from Gardiner High School in 1970. He joined the U.S. Army, serving his country as a mechanic until 1976. In 1976, with no break in service, he continued with government service and worked at Togus Veterans Administration until he retired in 1998.

Ron was married to Dolores “Dody” (Pushard) Mckenzie from 1971 to 1981. He later married Belle Purington in 1988. She predeceased him in 2004. Ron resided with his fiancee, Rolene Harris, at the time of his passing.

Ron served as commander of American Legion Smith Wiley Post in Gardiner. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, fly fishing, gardening, camping, playing cards with his family and friends, collecting stamps and coins and many other things. He was also very proud of, and enjoyed spending time with, his grandchildren and attending their games, plays, concerts, and lessons, teaching them to drive, fish and would have conversations about whatever they might be learning at the time and often told them tall tales.

He will be sadly missed by his fiancee, Rolene Harris of Chesterville; his daughters, Ronda Haskell and her husband, Michael, of West Gardiner, Grace Palmer and her husband, Michael, of South Gardiner and Christal Hurd of West Gardiner; stepdaughter, LouAnn Harris and her husband, Jeffery, of Chesterville and Steven Allen of South Gardiner; grandchildren, Shawn Palmer, Michelle Stafford, Dylan Haskell, Abigail Haskell, Kaleb Hurd, Kaden Adams, Kayla Harris, Jeffery Harris, Sara Allen, Shawna Allen, Steven Allen Jr., Brian Harris, Brandi Harris, Chadd Harris, Courtney Harris, Josh Harris, Jeremy Harris, Jason Furbush, Alicia Bedard, Kevin Furbush, Marissa McKenna, John McKenna, Alan Dawes, Heather Dawes, Steve Alden, Amanda Alden and Ben Alden; sisters, MaryLou Hill and her husband, Daniel, of Vienna and Carol Hurd and Cheryl MacArthur and her husband, Arthur, all of New Hampshire; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Belle Hurd; brother, Walker Hurd; sisters, Bonnie Gagne, Louise Corkum, Margarette Greenleaf and Thelma Golden; and a special family friend, Ed Goff.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Wiles Remembrance Centers.

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