Photo courtesy of Waters Funeral Home - Concord
Apr 16, 1935 - Jan 18, 2026
I´ve only known Ron for the past few years while he was a resident at Pleasant Valley Nursing Home. I found him to be a warm and friendly guy who always had a kind word for everyone and I looked forward to seeing him every Sunday. Bill Fanaras
William Fanaras
February 08, 2026
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ronnie's family. I worked with Ron for many years at Aroostook Savings and Loan and those years were some of my favorite times, he will be missed. Rest in peace to one of the nicest and funniest men I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Rhonda Lister
January 21, 2026 | Friend
I was one of Ron’s carhops in the late 1950’s. Such a nice man . Fond memories
Sandra Brewer May
Sandy Brewer May
January 20, 2026 | El Dorado Hills, CA | Acquaintance
I picked potatoes for his Dad for years. Also went to Burger Boy for years when he owned it. Very nice man. My sympathy to Doris and family.
Carole Belanger (Doak)
January 20, 2026 | Caribou, ME | Neighbor
My heart goes out to the entire Family. I will always remember Uncle Ronnie’s humor and love for life. From Family gatherings and our one on one conversations. I’m glad I was able to visit him and Aunt Doris with my Brother, Earl, at their NH apartment. I’ll cherish that time together. May you rest in peace forever. I love you.
Paula Pelletier
January 20, 2026 | West Hartford, CT | Family
In 1983, I was trying to buy my first home from a relative. I was 23 and didn’t have much money. Most of the local banks wouldn’t even offer me a place to sit while they turned me down. Ron heard about my situation from the seller and said, “have him come see me.” Between me, the seller, and Ron, we came up with a creative financial plan to get me into that house. He took a chance on me when nobody else would. I do most of my business with that bank to this day, largely due to Ron.
Scott Englund
January 20, 2026 | Caribou, ME | Acquaintance
My sweet Uncle Ronnie Fond memories of times with family.. You were always smiling and had that special sense of humor. I will miss you . Fly high Uncle Ronnie. May you rest in peace
Valdine camire
January 20, 2026 | Scarborough, ME | Family
May he rest in peace.
Lloyd Woods
January 20, 2026 | Stockholm
My first job was at Sesame carhop working behind the counter at 11 years old. Ron was the best boss anyone could have asked for. He taught us the value of hard work, but to still enjoy what we did. He always made sure we all got home safe, but not before the parking lot was spotless from any debris that had been thrown out by the customers.
Thank you, Ron, for all of those wonderful years, and for always having that smile, which I’m sure you’re watching down over your family with that...
Diane Gove
January 19, 2026 | Caribou, ME | Friend
Ronald Hazen Smith, age 90, formerly of Caribou, Maine passed away peacefully at Pleasant Valley Nursing & Rehab in Derry, NH on January 18th, 2026.
Born April 16th, 1935 on the Smith family potato farm in Caribou to Albert and Doris (Woods) Smith. He was the oldest of 4 children. He resided many years in Caribou and was a graduate of Caribou High School class of 1952. He was class marshal of his graduating class, and a 4 year starting Varsity basketball player and point guard.
He attended Ricker College in Houlton, Maine from 1952-1954 earning a degree in business. He married Doris Pelletier in 1955.
After graduating from college Ron pursued his love for basketball by becoming a top referee official for high school, college, and state basketball tournaments. He was regional president and member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.
At age 19 Ron became proprietor of the drive-in restaurant Sesme car hop which he opened in Caribou on July 4th, 1956. It became a fast growing success, and would remain one of Ron’s greatest achievements. Local residents, and Loring Air Force Base military officers and families were some of his most loyal patrons. The Sesme car hop earned numerous accolades for its great service and a reputation known as the “best place to work.” Ron has received many letters from car hops and past employees who write of fond memories working at the Sesme. The car hop remained open for 19 seasons until Ron and Doris sold it in 1975.
In 1968 he built and opened the Burger Boy restaurant on Sweden Street in Caribou which stays open year round, and still operates today.
He also owned and operated a second Burger Boy in Fort Kent, Maine in the early 1970’s.
In 1975 Ron was hired as bank treasurer and loan officer at Aroostook County Federal Savings where he worked for 22 years before retiring in 1997. He helped numerous young families obtain financing so that they could own or build their first home.
Ron will be sadly missed by his family. He will be remembered for his steady grin, sense of humor, and quick-wit.
He is survived by his wife Doris, son Derek Smith of Washburn, ME., daughter Nicole (Smith) Wilke and husband Chris Wilke of Bow, NH. Grandchildren: Zak Smith, Emma, Luke, and Claire Wilke, and Great grandson Karson Reidy. His sister Sue Giggey of Bangor, ME, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, his brother’s Jerry, and Gary, and his granddaughter Karli Smith.
Ron’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Pleasant Valley nursing & rehab staff, as well as Harborside Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Ron.
A family gathering of remembrance and burial will be held in late spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou, ME.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: donorservices.alz.org
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