Madawaska-- Gilman R. Cyr passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2021. He left this world on his terms, staying in his home, by his wife's side until the end.  Gilman lived a full and rich life, marked by an incredible work ethic and love for his family.  He was born to Leon and Emily (Bouchard) Cyr in Hamlin Maine on July 10, 1935.  He grew up working on the family's potato farm.  He met his bride, Rinette (Martin), in 1955 and they married in 1957. He left farming to become a businessman when he purchased a General Store (Gil's General Store) in Hamlin, which he ran from 1958 to 1970.  In 1970, the adventurous couple sold the store and purchased the Madawaska Tastee Freeze. They moved their young family to Madawaska and served their community delicious food and ice cream until 1992, when they sold the business to their nephew Greg Cyr.  Gilman went on to work with Greg for a number of years before finally retiring.  Gilman is survived by Rinette (Martin) Cyr, his wife of nearly 64 years; son Clifton and his wife Verna of Madawaska; daughters Shirl Gendreau and husband Mike of St. David; Marsha Cyr of St. David; Lisa Smith and her husband Randy of Hermon; Mary Gervais and husband Scott of Frenchville; and his brother Donald Cyr and wife Marietta of Hamlin.  Gilman always said that he was "rich in family" blessed with 12 Grandchildren: Christine, Kyle, Jacob, Lucas, Melyssa, Michelle, Myles, Michael, Isaac, Blake, Olivia and Spencer.  His life was further enriched with 9 Great Grandchildren; Chloe, Marleigh, Brayden, Quinn, Jaxson, Lawson, Jett, Lucy and Addison. There is nothing he enjoyed more than to be surrounded by his family, despite the cacophony of noise that inevitably ensued.  Gilman was predeceased by his sister Hilda (Cyr) Martin of Van Buren, and brother Ronald Cyr of Hamlin. Gilman and Rinette attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Madawaska, where they served for many years as altar servers and eucharistic ministers.  He was a 4th degree Knight of the Madawaska Knights of Columbus.  Gilman was a man of quick wit, which he often delivered with a serious look on his face leaving his listener not quite sure how to take him.  He reminded his family often to not grieve when he was gone, but to have a good laugh over a hand of cards and raise a glass to him.  Here's to you Dad, forever in our hearts! Due to the current pandemic, a funeral service and celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lajoie Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.lajoiefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Knights of Columbus for the St Thomas Aquinas Energy Fund.  Mail to Jim Plourde, 430 Summer Street, Madawaska ME 04756.Gilman