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REMEMBERING HARRY
January 13, 2009
It is hard to believe that one year ago, Harry left us to begin a new adventure. We were all at a loss as to how we could carry on without his leadership, mentoring, and support. Oh, how we miss him each and every day. It was Harry's belief in each of us that makes it possible to continue our work here at LDA. Our love and respect for Harry encourages us to continue his legacy of providing opportunities for success for those with specific learning disabilities and their families. Harry taught us believe in ourselves, that we did not know who we were until we took the risk to see what we were capable of. Harry, you may not be here physically, but your spirit lives now and forever in our hearts.
January 13, 2008: It is with a heavy heart that we at the Learning Disabilities Association (LDA) of Maine report the passing of Harry Sylvester. Harry and his wife Janet were instrumental in activating the Maine affiliate of Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDAA). Their leadership and dedication to individuals with learning and attention disabilities by providing support, education, and advocacy inspire us all. Harry was actively involved in our programming and was looking forward to 2008 by continuing and expanding his work with adolescents and adults, especially within the Maine Department of Corrections. Harry was LDAA's 23rd national president, serving from 1998-2000. He still attended national conferences and was scheduled to be the adult luncheon speaker at the International Conference in Chicago next month. LDA of Maine will continue Harry's legacy of support for individuals with learning disabilities by building on their strengths. He will be missed by his all friends at LDA and all who were blessed to have known him.
Harrison C. Sylvester
1932-2008
WINSLOW -- Harrison C. Sylvester, 75, of Winslow, formerly of Albion, died Jan. 13, 2008, surrounded by his loving family. Complications from the treatment for lymphoma caused his death.
Harry was born in Eustis on June 12, 1932, the son of Willis and May Covey Sylvester. He was predeceased by his son, Michael, in 1994; his parents and brother Dick, in 1949.
He attended school in Stratton; Worcester Academy in Massachusetts; and the University of Maine, Orono, where he received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1955.
Harry devoted his last 25 years to learning disabilities after being diagnosed with dyslexia in his early 50s. He was president of Learning Disabilities of America, and the first person with learning disabilities to serve as president at the national level. He worked with adults and adolescents here in Maine and across the country. He was also very proud of his book, "The Legacy of the Blue Heron: Living with Learning Disabilities," about his journey with dyslexia. Harry lectured nationally and also ran support groups for those impacted by learning disabilities. He had a special interest in working with disadvantaged youth. He spent five years working with adult and adolescent substance abuse programs in Waterville.
Harry had a varied career in several business ventures, including Morrison and Sylvester in Auburn, the Oxford Paper Company in Rumford and Sylvester Products in Marlboro, Mass. He later returned to Maine and his farming roots. He also designed and built classic Whitehall boats for 22 years that are enjoyed by boaters from Alaska to Florida.
Harry is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Janet; his son, Richard Sylvester and his wife, Carol, of Kennebunk; his daughter, Deborah Sylvester, of Sarasota, Fla.; grandchildren Ryan Sylvester, of Portland, Erin Sylvester, of Saco, Erica Bradstreet, of Houston, and Noah Bradstreet, of Sarasota; and his mother-in-law, Evelyn Mayo, of Benton.
Our sincere thanks to all who have offered their loving care and support to Harry and to his family during this time. Thank you also to the dedicated staff at the MaineGeneral Medical Center, Thayer Campus, critical care unit in Waterville.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan, 19, at First Congregational Church, 7 Eustis Parkway in Waterville. A graveside interment will be held in the spring in Eustis.
Contributions may be made in his memory to: Learning Disabilities Association of Maine, P.O. Box 67, Oakland, ME 04963.
Published in the Morning Sentinel/Kennebec Journal on 1/15/2008
Harry's tireless work for and on behalf of people with learning disabilities in Maine and throughout the country was a continuing source of hope and inspiration. His extraordinary life, the lessons he learned along the way, and his practical advice for those who have to cope with learning disabilities in their own lives are captured in his highly acclaimed book, Legacy of the Blue Heron: Living with Learning Disabilities.
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"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." Martha Grimes
LDA of Maine would like to extend a Very Special "THANK YOU" to the
Maine Dept. of Education Special Services Policy Director and Team Leader
David Noble Stockford
for his continued support for all children and
especially for our children with specific learning disabilities and their families.
http://www.maine.gov/education/speced/
LDA is looking for volunteers: If you too would like to join in the LDA of Maine Mission to support, educate, and advocate (sea) on behalf of individuals with specific learning disabilities and related disorders, please contact us toll free 1-877-208-4029.
Pictured: (Left) Diane Jackson, Susan Holinger, David Noble Stockford, Brenda Bennett, & Cathy Lashin. |
