Robert C. Gonyer

LANCASTER - Robert C. Gonyer died Sunday morning May 7, 2017 at his home in Lancaster. He was born in Lancaster on February 8, 1941, the son of Robert and Madeline (Brigham) Gonyer. He attended Groveton schools and enlisted in the US Army at age 17. He was a paratrooper and MP with the 82nd Airborne Division. After leaving the service he was employed by the various paper mill companies in Groveton. He retired after 35 years. His first job at the mill was sorting pulp at the top of the huge wood piles. He always said he had the highest job in the mill. Clyde enjoyed spending time with family and friends at hunting camp on Page Hill, which was built in 2003 with wood from the family lot sawed on the family sawmill, where he earned his nickname "Wild Clyde" making baked beans and chili for all the family gatherings. When he was younger he enjoyed taking all the neighborhood kids to Col Town Community Camp for the day. After retirement he was bossed around by his wife Zelda and her specialty food business. He loved to garden for the business. He often was dragged around to all the craft fairs and flea markets. He enjoyed mowing the lawn several times per week. Surviving family members include his wife of 53 years, Zelda (Nadeau) Gonyer; two sons Steven Gonyer and his wife Larissa of Lancaster and stepsons Jared and Jake Cassady, Kirby Gonyer and his wife Randa of Groveton and and stepsons Alan and Adam Young; daughter-in-law Cassie Gonyer; four grandchildren Separta Welch and Benjamin, Hayden and Zachary Gonyer; 7 great-grandchildren; his children's best friend, considered a family member, Joe Velie and family and his beloved dachshund Tootsie; three sisters Patricia Fitzpatrick and children from Windsor, CT, Julia Campbell and husband Alan and family of and Peggy Gonyer all of Newport, NH, Roger Gonyer and wife Diane and family from Littleton. He was predeceased by his oldest son Robby; his parents; and two sisters Mary and Brenda. Visiting hours for Clyde, and in memory of his sister Brenda who died March 16, 2016, will be held Wednesday, May 10th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster with a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Burial with military honors will follow in Northumberland Cemetery. Donations may be made in his memory to Riverside Animal Rescue, 236 Riverside Ave., Gilman, VT 05906.

Robert C. Gonyer

February 8, 1941 - May 7, 2017