Randolph names gym for 43-year janitor Wyman
BY MECHELE COOPER
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 10/30/2008

RANDOLPH -- According to the dictionary, a custodian is someone who has custody.

A keeper, guardian, watchman.

The description fits Ronnie Wyman, who for 43 years cared for T.C. Hamlin School.

Wyman, who has serious health issues and recently retired, attended a dedication ceremony Wednesday at the school.

His friends at the school dedicated the gymnasium to their beloved janitor for all his years of service.

Richard Ouellette, a teacher, handed Wyman, 64, the dedication plaque.

"This is for you, guy," Ouellette said placing his hand on Wyman's shoulder. "Because you put your life's blood into this (gym), we wanted to show our appreciation. So we all said let's dedicate this spot where he spent so much time and so much love and caring."

Wyman, tears in his eyes, thanked Ouellette. Later, he said staff at the Hamlin school were the greatest, that he enjoyed working with them, and that he especially loved the children.

"They are the best people," Wyman said. "They have been so supportive. I love each and every one of them."

Wyman's wife, Marguerite, said her husband was always faithful to his school and did a lot for the teachers. His daughter, Tanya Sirois, said her father was dedicated.

Veronica Sawyer, who works in food service, said Wyman was always helping out kitchen staff.

"He was always there for us either fixing the plumbing or dish machine," Sawyer said. "We'd call him up and he'd come right down. He's such a wonderful man. I'm going to miss him. He was like a fixture here."

Charlene Rogers, a semiretired teacher who worked with Wyman for 40 years, taught his daughter and grandsons.

"Ronnie was always there any time we needed him," Rogers said. "When we came in the morning with our bags and at night when we left. He never complained. He always was willing to help us rearrange our rooms. And he always looked forward to us coming back."

Jon Stonier, director of operations for School Administrative District 11, said he worked with Wyman for 10 years.

Stonier said Wyman had a dry wit, was a hard worker and was always open to new ideas.

"I always bring two or three ideas a year to the school system to improve the process or the way we do work, and he was just always so willing to work with us and accept those ideas," Stonier said. "He was a staple in this school. He was consistent. You could always count on him. He never went home sick unless I sent him, and then he would still work half a day. I couldn't get him to leave. He didn't want to leave the building stranded."

Ouellette said Wyman kept the place running so smoothly it was easy for him to blend into the background.

But in all his years, he never forgot there were children in the building. Wyman, of Randolph, always conducted himself with dignity and never spoke an ill word about anybody.

"For 43 years, he was a fine example, a fine human being while at work," Ouellette said. "Just remember, Ronnie, this is all coming from love. That's all I have to say."

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com

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