In Memory: REALTOR Wayne Syphers

Maine REALTOR Wayne Syphers passed away on July 16, 2011. Wayne was a beloved part of the REALTOR family: the Greater Portland Board of REALTORS (GPBR) 2011 REALTOR of the Year, past GPBR president, past MAR Legislative Chairman and member of our Board of Directors. He was a wonderful man and volunteer leader.

In tribute, here are thoughts from GPBR AE Kelley Craig: "I feel so fortunate that I was able to work with Wayne Syphers. His quiet competence and unyielding enthusiasm were matched only by his sincerity and level of commitment. He was one of the warmest people I’ve ever met. Wayne, the pleasure was all ours."

And this poem written by MAR President Mike LePage, originally for Wayne's REALTOR of the Year celebration:

"Wayne was 'the Man' as my son would say
As he understood life in a special way
Wayne always put others first indeed
Be it client, REALTOR or a friend in need.

He did it so quietly but I know you heard
'How are YOU doing' he’d ask with kind thoughtful words
Yeah how you doing as he’d just gone through something rough
Yes our Wayne Syphers was . . . very very tough

Tough of spirit oh yes no matter how grim
but tough with words? no that’s wasn’t him
He’d listen he’d think he’d solve til everyone would win.

We learn in the business by watching others perform
And Wayne’s performance was way above the norm
From his contributions to Windham and the retroactive moratorium defeat
To Chairing the Legislative Committee his actions are hard to beat.

Wayne cared about this business for you and for me
And he gave of his time so readily
Many are invited to serve – some say yes, some say no
But with Wayne he was always revved up to go.

So on behalf of your clients, colleagues and friends
We want to say you are missed but your impact will never end.
Cause Wayne, You were the Man there’s no doubt
You showed so well what life is all about."

Ah Wayne, we'll miss you.

Pictured: Wayne Syphers with Senator Olympia Snowe

Need to take safety precautions ...

This week a man in Wisconsin was arrested for murdering a REALTOR at a showing of a vacant property. He had apparently never been to the office before and she met him alone. In a letter to members the Wisconsin REALTORS Association relayed, "Do not let your guard down - your safety is primary!"

Sadly, several murders in Maine during the past decade have been REALTOR members and daughters of REALTORS - a devastating reminder that violent crime can happen in small communities, safe communities, and as people do ordinary daily things. Please ensure your office has specific safety procedures, take safety courses, and talk with your children about date rape drugs being put in drinks (often used prior to assault). Here's a safety video and safety materials from NAR.

In Memory:

REALTOR Cindy Beatson

REALTOR Selby Bullard

Amy St. Laurent - pictured (daughter of REALTOR Diane Jenkins)

Ashley Ouellette - pictured (daughter of REALTORS Lise Oullette & Bob Ouellette/deceased)

In Memory: REALTOR Barbara Shields

Barbara Shields passed away January 25, 2008. She was a REALTOR for over 30 years in the Lewiston/Auburn area when she retired in 2004. Awarded Life Membership in MAR for decades of service to the REALTOR association, real estate industry, and her community, Barbara's contributions included RVP of MAR, 3 times president of the Androscoggin Valley Board of REALTORS, twice local REALTOR of the Year, plus many state/local committees. She was a beloved and dependable volunteer who genuinely cared about the issues and people she worked with.

Barbara suggested to the then-pregnant CEO of MAR that she put aside "special wrapping paper" for each child (or grandchild) so they can find their own gifts without needing tags.

Her early years in real estate included the former ERA McCann Realty in Lewiston and Mark Stimson in Auburn. She was a long time member of Central Maine Medical Center Women’s Hospital Assn. and ran their local gift shop; and served 20 years on the Auburn Community Development Committee.

NAR and MAR past president Sharon Millett (Coldwell Banker Millett Realty, Auburn), who worked with Barbara for many years relayed, "It's very sad for all of us who loved her."

In Memory: REALTOR Joe Jones

REALTOR Joe Jones (Jones Co., Bath) passed away February 4, 2008. He entered residential and commercial real estate in Maine in 2004, with nearly three decades of real estate experience in another state. We got to know Joe quickly, or maybe it would be more accurate to say that he made sure to get know to many brokers, his community and MAR staff quickly. From attending many meetings and education programs, to regular communication by phone/email, and even sending postcards to MAR while on vacation - Joe made sure he was in contact. He'll be remembered for his friendliness and work ethic.

Tony Donovan (Fishman Realty Group, Portland) who runs the Maine Commercial Association of REALTORS (MCAR) monthly commercial marketing sessions, relayed this: "MCAR member and Realtor Joe Jones passed away this week. Joe was a regular attendee of our sessions, a good source of information for the mid-coast area and in general a really great guy."