Bar Harbor -- Ronald E. Hurd, Jr., 68, died unexpectedly February 21, 2017 while on vacation in Florida. He valiantly fought an unexpected illness with family supporting him every minute of every day. He was born on May 21, 1948 in Portland, the son of the late Doris (LaFleur) Hurd and Ronald E. Hurd, Sr.

Ronnie graduated from Thomas College and Waterville High School. He married his sweet heart, Marlene Larson on July 1, 1972 and they settled in Bar Harbor. They would have celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this year. Ron and Marlene had their only daughter, Sara, in 1979. She was the apple of his eye. Ronnie was a store manager for LaVerdiere’s drug stores for 25 years. For the last 20 years of his career he worked at the Jackson Laboratory. He retired from the Jackson Lab in 2015, although he still worked a few hours each week. He cherished his co-workers, friends and breakfast club buddies at the Lab.

Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He would always lend a helping hand for people in need. His desire to help, mentor and be there for others may be his greatest legacy. Ron lived life to the fullest. He was full of energy and motivation. Ronnie loved golfing at Kebo, fishing on the lakes of MDI, playing poker with his Wednesday night group, and riding his motorcycle around the island. The experiences he shared with his golfing, fishing and poker buddies shaped his life. His competitive streak was contagious, and his sense of humor was an acquired taste. He enjoyed organizing anything and everything and loved puttering in his basement and garage. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club in Ellsworth, active with Big Brothers & Big Sisters in Bar Harbor, and coached Odyssey of the Mind over the years. Ronnie was an extremely proud father and grandfather.

Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene (Larson) Hurd; his daughter Sara O’Connell and her husband Davin O’Connell; his two sisters Sandra Hurd and Patricia Isgro, his step-mother Evelyn Hurd, a niece Jennie Isgro and his beloved granddaughter Ella O’Connell.

A celebration of Ronnie’s life will be held at 3:00pm, Saturday, March 4th, 2017at the Congregational Church, UCC, 29 Mt. Desert Street, Bar Harbor. Please dress casually, as this represents what he would have wanted. Gifts in Ron’s memory can be made to the MDI YMCA, 21 Park Street, Bar Harbor, 04609 to help support the children in our community. Our family is grateful for the tremendous support during this difficult time.

Arrangements in care of Jordan-Fernald, 1139, Main St., Mt. Desert.

Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com