M. Paul “Bear” Fordyce
M. Paul “Bear” Fordyce, 61, of Ralph, Pa., passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005, in the Uniontown Hospital. He was born Sept. 15, 1944, in Lamberton, Pa., son of Claude A. Fordyce and Alice L. Coffman Fordyce.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by four brothers, Wendel Fordyce, Jimmy Fordyce, Thomas Fordyce and Homie Fordyce.
“Bear” was a lifetime member of the Footedale Volunteer Fire Department. He was a United States Marine and served in the Vietnam War Veteran.
He is survived by his loving companion and partner of 33 years, Mary; these children, Connie Verbus of Smithfield and her fianc?, Bill, Robert West of Lambert and his fianc?, Missy, Lisa Opel of Uniontown, Thomas Opel of Footedale, and Jamie Astolas and her husband, George of Ralph; six grandchildren, Shannon and Sabrina Verbus, Brandon West and Zachary, Corey and Christian Astolas; these brothers and sisters, Carol Wickhurst of Minnesota, Patricia Opel of McClellandtown, Pa., Brenda Lawson of West Virginia, Aleta Lawson of Smithfield, Pa., Blaine Fordyce and his wife, Nancy of Point Marion, Pa., Nevin Fordyce and his wife Elsie of Hopwood, Pa., Gary Fordyce and his wife, Margaret of Ohio, Barbara Chervenak and her husband, Frank of South Carolina, Roma Ritz and her husband, Edward of Masontown, and Louis Fordyce of Grindstone, Pa.
Friends will be received in the H. DAVID McELROY FUNERAL HOME, 803 Main St., McClellandtown, on Friday, Oct. 14, from 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m., at the funeral home, with Pastor Buzz Hall officiating. A private interment will be held by the family at a later date.