David Belskis

WEST PARIS — David Belskis went to join his heavenly Father on April 5, 2011. Born in 1946, Mr. Belskis graduated from Woodstock High School in the Class of 1965. He attended the 7th Day Adventist Church in his childhood and remained a heartfelt admirer of Elder Shaw throughout his life. He was an Air Force veteran who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a skilled carpenter, plumber, builder and avid antique enthusiast and collector. He particularly enjoyed making and recreating furniture, cement ware and other things using techniques from the past that he shared with his family and friends.

In addition to the hours spent on the restoration of “The Farm,” he was an excellent gardener who was always willing to share in the bounty of his harvest. He really enjoyed visiting with his family and friends in West Paris and Wayne and was always willing to lend a helping hand to all.

Mr. Belskis worked for Ekco Wood Products for 15 years, Emery Building Supplies, Kaiser Modular Homes, Calvin Young A&C Plumbing and most recently with Ryerson Building Construction working with his brothers, Perry and Troy.

A powerful pitcher in the local Maine baseball leagues during his youth, playing in Little League, the Woodstock High School Team and the Men’s Pine Tree League representing West Paris, he loved baseball. His fast ball was feared by batters and catchers alike. He fondly remembered coaching the West Paris Little League teams. He reminisced often about seeing his hero Ted Williams play at Fenway Park. He was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. He always looked forward to his trips to Fenway Park with his stepdaughter Deborah and husband Greg.

He enjoyed many trips traveling with his family especially to Cancun and St. Thomas but he especially enjoyed returning home to West Paris.

Mr. Belskis leaves behind Carol, his beloved wife of 35 years; his daughters, Pammi and husband Forrie Everett of Morristown, FL and Julie Morgan of Westbrook; stepchildren, Dr. Deborah Hadley and husband Greg Bowman of Waltham, MA and Andrew Hadley and his wife Sherri of Norway; mother, Cleo Ryerson of South Woodstock; brothers, Craig Ryerson and his wife Jane of Bethel, Duane Ryerson and his wife Lisa from South Woodstock, Perry Ryerson and his wife Anna from Wayne and Troy Ryerson from South Woodstock; biological brothers and sisters; sister-in law Donna Kennison and brother-in-law Kenneth Kennison. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews with whom he was always glad to share a special moment. He was predeceased by his father, Emery Alexander Ryerson and his grandparents, Walter and Evelyn Appleby.

Family and friends attended a visitation on Saturday, April 9 followed by a funeral service at Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St, Rte 26, Oxford. Interment will be at Wayside Cemetery in West Paris at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Paris Athletic Association, c/o Town Office, P.O. Box 247, West Paris, ME 04289 in David Belskis’ memory. On-line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

David Belskis Photo:

David Belskis