BRISTOL — Wayne Donald Cyr, 79, of Bristol passed away early Monday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2023, at the Estuary Room, UVM Porter Medical Center. He was surrounded by loved ones. Wayne was born June 29, 1943, in Middlebury, Vt. He grew up in New Haven, Vt., and was the son of Donald and Betty Cyr.

Wayne graduated from Beeman Academy in 1961. He developed a love of cars and motorcycles at an early age. He owned Chevelles in the early ’60s and a 1967 Harley Davidson Sportster. Each winter he would rebuild and fire up his motorcycle engines in his family farm’s living room, with as much support from his mother as one could imagine. He served with the 131st Engineers of the Vermont National Guard as an Engineer Equipment Mechanic. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge w/Rifle Bar Expert M16 and Good Conduct Medal. He bought his last Chevelle in 1969 and later his dream car, a green 1970 Corvette LT1, convertible. 

Wayne married Valerie Herlihy on Oct. 28, 1978. It was a double wedding ceremony with Valerie’s eldest son Bobby and Leslee Harton. They celebrated this amazing union at the Sirloin Saloon on Shelburne Road. Wayne met Val when he was working on her parents’ house as a carpenter. It was love at first sight. Their first date was at The Olde Board Restaurant in Burlington. They made their home on Poker Hill Road in Underhill with her two daughters, Amy and Jeannie. They lived in Underhill for many years and he built an incredible two-story garage. Later they moved to Hinesburg and he transformed the basement into a workshop. Eventually, they settled in Wayne’s hometown of New Haven on Monkton Road. They were married for 42 years.

Wayne was a finish carpenter. He spent his life working with his hands and crafting wood. He excelled at Ashline Construction and helped build many beautiful homes. He would point them out with pride, remembering every detail and cost. He loved to tinker in his hobby areas, garage and trucks that were meticulously designed and organized to find parts and screws in a moment’s notice. He loved to tell stories, especially about cars. He’d always tell you just enough so you would think he was only a gentle rebel. His buddies, brothers and sister are quick to reveal a more adventurous side, like his drag racing a Henry J. back in the day or taking high speed rides on his bikes or snowmobiles. Wayne loved to go fast. 

He also loved to cook outside on the grill, build stained glass lamps and a wooden clock, make furniture and devote his time to another passion, RC planes and helicopters. Wayne loved to fly, talk about flying and to show you a new trick he learned or what he was working up to. He wanted to know everything about what he was committed to or purchased and read every owner’s manual from cover to cover, and saved them, just in case. In fact, he saved everything, kept his life moments close, and reachable. He made friends from all age groups, loved his family fiercely and protectively, and was known for being generous in heart, spirit and the twinkle in his smiling brown eyes. Wayne was steadfast and true, always there for you, humble, thoughtful, a gentleman, best friend and a gentle giant to us all. 

Wayne is survived by his brothers Frederick (Diana), Maurice, Rodney (Deb), Patrick (Jane) and his sister, Marguerite; by his stepchildren Jeannie Herlihy (Carol-Lynne) and Amy Cleary; by his grandchildren Lisha, Jesse (Aimee), Barbie (Mike), Matthew, Erin and Noah; by great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild. His wife, parents, and sister Ethelyn predeceased him. Roxiann Hallock of Bristol cared for him in his last years. She, her husband Randy, and family loved him dearly. Wayne also had a cherished new family with Project Independence in Middlebury. 

Calling hours will be held Friday, Jan. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary’s, also in Middlebury, on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m., with Fr. Luke Austin as celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to Project Independence (Elderly Services Inc.) at elderlyservices.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.sandersonfuneralservice.com. ◊