Daniel J. Cyr

FRANCESTOWN - Daniel J. Cyr, 57, of Francestown passed away peacefully on June 24, 2014 in his home after a brave fight with cancer, surrounded by family and loving friend, Jan Goolbis.

He was born on March 19, 1957 in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada to the late Leo T. Cyr and Reine (April) Cyr. He graduated from Madawaska High School in 1975. He then went on to the University of Maine where he earned his Associate of Science (Forest Management Technology) in 1977 and then his Bachelor of Science (Forestry) in 1980.

Dan loved life, had a passion for his forestry career, his friends and family. When he wasn't working, he could be found enjoying his 31 acre Tree Farm in Francestown, sitting on the porch playing the harmonica and singing loud French songs with his friends and family, walking his 'woods road' on his property, playing 'Bazooka Joe' in his tractor and pulling his new wagon built by his son-in-law, Dan, and gardening and canning his coveted 'Garden Special'. He enjoyed every minute of his life and these last few years were no exception.

Dan went to work for Bay State Forestry in 1981 where he has been committed to sustainable forestry for the last 33 years. In those 33 years Dan's favorite part was when he got to go work in Hawaii doing vegetation control for power lines. For those that knew and worked with him, he was an outspoken advocate for all things Forestry. He proudly managed dozens of local town forests and about 30,000 acres. He always went the extra mile for his company, his clients and the trees. He is remembered fondly by his fellow associates as always putting "The health and welfare of the forest first and last", and placing regeneration in his managed properties at the highest level. He was well respected in his career and his love of his work kept him going strong every minute of every day.

He was a proud member of: American Tree Farm System since 2001, Society of American Foresters since 1984, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA), New Hampshire State Conservation Committee since 1991, Project Learning Tree, New Hampshire Tree Farm Program and has been recognized by these organizations with the following awards: 2014, Recognition of 30 years to Society of American Foresters. 2013, Forester of the Year by Granite State Division of the Society of American Foresters. 2012, New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association, Presidents Award/Bay State Forestry, and Outstanding Forester Award by Society of American Foresters. 2008 Certificate of Appreciation/Bronze 25 Club by American Tree Farm System. 2007, Outstanding Forestry Activist by NHTOA. 1998, Tree Farm Leadership Award by Tree Farm American Forest Foundation. Currently, Dan was proudly working on the New England Cottontail Habitat Restoration and the proposed Dog Park at Wasserman Park in Merrimack.

He was predeceased by his wife Marianne Cyr, a brother Denis Cyr and a sister Louise Cyr.

He is survived by his daughter, Andrea Cyr Parker and her husband, Dan Parker of Henniker; three step-daughters, Jessica Hodgins Brummer (Chris) of Ball Ground, Ga., Nicole Hodgins Kullgren (David) of Francestown, and Jaime Hodgins (Mark) of Manchester; eight sisters, Beatrice Morse (Michael) of Canada, Marie Manthey (Clifford) of Fla., Florence Cyr of Maine, Bernice Nemeth (Steve) of Fla., Patricia Fournier (Paul) of Calif., Lucille Vannah (Tom) of Fla., Eloise Coyne (Patrick) of Va., Mary Ann LeClerc (Robert) of Maine; eight grandchildren, two grandchildren on the way; three nieces and five nephews.

A special thank you to all of his friends that stood next to him in fight and friendship over the years.

There will be no formal services at his request. Dan will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to NHTOA, please reference Daniel Cyr in the memo line: New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA), 54 Portsmouth Street, Concord, N.H. 03301. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com.