Robert J. Cyr

CARIBOU - Robert J. Cyr passed away due to complications with Parkinson's Disease on October 8, 2021 at the House of Comfort in Presque Isle, Maine. He passed peacefully with the setting sun shining on his face. His wife, daughter and son present at his side.

He was born July 20, 1940 in Caribou, Maine to Patrick L. and Hilda (Langlais) Cyr.

For many years Bob worked for his father, driving taxi in the family business, and hauling snow, coal, fertilizer, and peas with his dad's truck. He graduated from Caribou High School in 1958. He was Class President, President of the National Honor Society and voted most popular and best athlete by his class. He was a member of the 1958 Class A Eastern Maine Basketball Team and a member of the All Eastern Maine Basketball Selection team.

He graduated from Aroostook State Teacher's College in 1962 and transitioned through student teaching to Caribou schools from 1962 to 2000. He continued to teach driver's education and motorcycle safety courses until 2016. Over the course his 54-year teaching career he taught history, math, science, and driver's education.

Throughout his life, he was consistently involved in the athletic community. He was a past member and President of IAABO #150, past member and President of the Northern Maine Board of Baseball Umpires, past member and President of the Maine Basketball Council, past member of the State Basketball Commission and the Aroostook Joggernauts. He coached many teams, including baseball, basketball, track and cross-country for the Caribou schools, Recreation Department, Little League, and Holy Rosary Catholic Youth Organization.

Holy Rosary Church was his home church. He was baptized, confirmed, and married in this church. He was a member of the Parish Council and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

He was known for his worth ethic. He absolutely loved teaching and coaching. He took opportunities to teach up to the very end, giving driving lessons from his geri-chair to the nurses overseeing his care. In coaching and teaching, he was fun, fair, consistent, and had a sense of humor.

He enjoyed dancing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and traveling (especially going on cruise ships with his wife).

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Margaret; daughter, Robin L. Cyr, Biddeford, ME; son, Jeffery P. Cyr, Kandern, Germany; sisters, Delores M. Reynolds, Opelika, AL, Carla A. Grant and her husband, Richard, Ottawa, KS; sister-in-law Bobbi Jeffery-Gant and her husband, Steve, Hampden, ME; nephews, Ted Reynolds, Clay Reynolds, Patrick Grant, and Sean Grant; and nieces, Patti Reynolds and Leslie Green. He was predeceased by his father in 1970, mother in 1992, sisters, Patsy Chase in 1991, and Ethel Higgins in 2019.

Friends may visit with the family Friday, October 22, 2021 from 3:30pm until 6:30pm at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00am on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the Parish of the Precious Blood Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A time of continued fellowship and refreshments will follow at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. 

The family would like to extend special thanks to the medical community and all those who cared for Bob and his family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Bob Cyr Athletic Assistance Fund at Caribou High School, 308 Sweden St, Caribou, ME 04736. Checks may be payable to Caribou High School with “Bob Cyr Athletic Assistance Fund” in the memo field. For other payment arrangements, please contact the Caribou High School Athletic Department at 207-493-4260.