Barry K. Eager

ORONO - Barry K. Eager, 49, died Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, at his home, after battling esophageal cancer. He was born July 16, 1961, in Bangor, the son of Liston "Les" and Elizabeth "Betty" (Hunter) Eager. He attended school in Orono, Class of 1979, and was employed for more than 32 years at the University of Maine. In 1990 he married his life partner and soul mate, the former Laurie Wallace of Bangor. Together they built a wonderful life surrounded by their many friends and kitty companions. Barry was an avid New England Patriots fan and Boston Celtic devotee. He was a gardener extraordinaire, creating and designing beautiful rock gardens with Laurie in their back yard, where they enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed his four-wheeler and he loved hanging out on the Penobscot River, and at his beloved "Beavah Bah" listening to music and drinking Miller Lite. He also enjoyed shooting pool with the guys every Wednesday night at Tony's. Barry was a great storyteller and loved to joke and laugh. He was animated and fun, and his laughter was contagious. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Laurie; sisters, Robyn Eager of Bradley, Kathi and her partner, Mike Lonkosky, of Pennsylvania, and Darra Sirois and her husband, John, of Old Town; a brother, Parrie Eager of Lincoln; his in-laws, Pete and Barb Swenson of Bangor and Irving "Wally" and Priscilla Wallace of Westbrook; his niece, Shanon Bryer; nephew, Adam West, both of Bradley; and his loyal and faithful cat, Magic, who was by his side to the end. He was predeceased by his father, "Elvato" Liston J. Eager. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor, with the Rev. Herman C. Frankland officiating. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center at Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, after the service. Interment will be in the spring. Gifts in his memory may be made to Veterans Memorial Room Fund, care of University of Maine, Andrea Gifford, Deans Suite Memorial Union, Orono, ME 04469. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.