Brewitt Funeral Home-Epping
Donald Matthew Rymer, 87, born on May 28, 1936, in Niagara Falls, NY, and passed away on February 7, 2024 in Epping, NH. He was a remarkable man with a diverse array of talents and passions. Raised in Niagara Falls, he was the youngest of three children. He grew up working in his father's grocery store, and excelled in mathematics while attending school.
Don served in the Army National Guard for several years and was stationed at Ft. Bliss for some of that time. In his late twenties, he obtained a BA in Math from California State University, Northridge. This made his mom very happy. Professionally, he pursued a successful career in aerospace engineering, leaving his mark at renowned organizations such as Hughes Aircraft, Martin Marietta, IIT Research Institute, and Raytheon. Don worked on various programs supporting the US defense industry including the F-14, F-15, Roland tank programs, NASA Space Shuttle, Air Force radar systems, and Air Force One. His life travels took him to various locations across the United States, including: Simi Valley, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, Rome, NY, Greenville, TX, and many places in between. Upon retiring from Raytheon, he and Linda settled in Epping, NH in 1998.
In his personal life, Don's love story was marked by resilience and new beginnings. He initially married Karen and was blessed with three beautiful daughters. After their separation, he met Linda while working at Hughes Aircraft, and they began a new chapter together, marrying on September 24, 1973, and adding to the family a daughter and a son.
Don was a man of many talents. He was a gifted athlete who excelled at basketball, but also had the soul of an artist. He was a skilled pianist, singer, painter, and won county fair contests for his Rockwellian needlepoint. Don and Linda loved hosting parties for friends and family. Countless family members have cherished memories of Don singing and playing songs on the piano. His favorite musicians were Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, and Johnny Cash to name a few. He enjoyed entertaining others AND he was the life of the party. Don loved the outdoors. He enjoyed camping in California and Colorado, gardening vegetables as well as flowers, and taking leisurely neighborhood walks or local hikes. It was not uncommon for Don to pick some of his flowers, and surprise his wife with a bouquet. He was always a romantic at heart.
Don was an avid sports fan, but soon after marrying Linda discovered an even a bigger sports fan. The Rymer household had an ever-present game on television. Early in their marriage, they had season tickets to USC Trojan football games. Tail gaiting with Linda's fried chicken while enjoying time with friends was a huge part of the experience. His favorite basketball team was the Showtime Lakers of the 80's, featuring Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He often would try the sky hook while playing basketball with his kids. He also loved the Denver Broncos with John Elway and cheered on the Dallas Cowboys during 3 Super Bowls wins in the 90's. He also attended Dodger games in Los Angeles, Ranger games in Texas, and Red Sox games in Boston. He managed to keep a team from every place he lived.
Christmas held a special place in the Rymer's hearts. Don and Linda delighted in adding pieces to their ever-expanding collection of Department 56 Christmas decorations. Don not only filled his Christmas scene with collectables, he hand-painted Christmas villages and constructed landscapes to bring the scene to life. Displayed in the entirety of a finished attic, and affectionately christened Rymerville, Don and Linda's passion always brought smiles of joy and disbelief to the faces of their family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Mathew Rymer and Grace (Pierce) Rymer, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Rymer, daughter, Laura, and sister, Florence Serafini.
He is survived by his loving family: daughters, Denise Bisson, Kathy Boe, son-in-law Scott Boe, Sharon Kostansek, son-in-law Jim Kostansek, son Matthew Rymer, Matt's girlfriend Jami Harmon, sister Jean Fyffe, and grandchildren Sara Fischer, Kristin Boe, Heather Carter, Katie Boe, Dylan Salazar, Robbie Boe, Jacob Kostansek, Kaitlyn Rymer, and Jack Kostansek.
In remembrance of Don Rymer, let us celebrate the life of a multifaceted individual who brought so much joy, talent, love, and laughter to all those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in peace.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Epping, NH. Friends and family may visit with the family from 12:00 PM until the start of the service.
Burial will follow in the Old Pine Grove Cemetery, Raymond, NH.
Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association, www.act.alz.org.
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