Bow, NH – Ronald Hazen Smith, age 90, formerly of Caribou, Maine passed away peacefully at Pleasant Valley Nursing & Rehab in Derry, NH on January 18th, 2026.
Born April 16th, 1935 on the Smith family potato farm in Caribou to Albert and Doris (Woods) Smith. He was the oldest of 4 children. He resided many years in Caribou and was a graduate of Caribou High School class of 1952. He was class marshal of his graduating class, and a 4 year starting Varsity basketball player and point guard.
He attended Ricker College in Houlton, Maine from 1952-1954 earning a degree in business. He married Doris Pelletier in 1955.
After graduating from college Ron pursued his love for basketball by becoming a top referee official for high school, college, and state basketball tournaments. He was regional president and member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials.
At age 19 Ron became proprietor of the drive-in restaurant Sesme car hop which he opened in Caribou on July 4th, 1956. It became a fast growing success, and would remain one of Ron’s greatest achievements. Local residents, and Loring Air Force Base military officers and families were some of his most loyal patrons. The Sesme car hop earned numerous accolades for its great service and a reputation known as the “best place to work.” Ron has received many letters from car hops and past employees who write of fond memories working at the Sesme. The car hop remained open for 19 seasons until Ron and Doris sold it in 1975.
In 1968 he built and opened the Burger Boy restaurant on Sweden Street in Caribou which stays open year round, and still operates today.
He also owned and operated a second Burger Boy in Fort Kent, Maine in the early 1970’s.
In 1975 Ron was hired as bank treasurer and loan officer at Aroostook County Federal Savings where he worked for 22 years before retiring in 1997. He helped numerous young families obtain financing so that they could own or build their first home.
Ron will be sadly missed by his family. He will be remembered for his steady grin, sense of humor, and quick-wit.
He is survived by his wife Doris, son Derek Smith of Washburn, ME., daughter Nicole (Smith) Wilke and husband Chris Wilke of Bow, NH.
Grandchildren: Zak Smith, Emma, Luke, and Claire Wilke, and Great grandson Karson Reidy.
His sister Sue Giggey of Bangor, ME, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, his brother’s Jerry, and Gary, and his granddaughter Karli Smith.
Ron’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the Pleasant Valley nursing & rehab staff, as well as Harborside Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Ron.
A family gathering of remembrance and burial will be held in late spring at Evergreen Cemetery, Caribou, ME.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: donorservices.alz.org
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