MILLINOCKET and HAMMETT, Idaho – Edward J. Raymond Jr., 56, passed away April 24, 2006, at home. He was born Sept. 2, 1949, the oldest son of Edward J. Raymond Sr. and the late Jacqueline (O’Mara) Raymond. Edward grew up in Millinocket and moved to Connecticut shortly after his graduation from Stearns High School in 1967. He was also a resident of Mountain Home and Hammett, Idaho. “Crazy Eddie,” as he was known to his family and friends, was never a man of few words. He was an animated storyteller and could make anyone laugh with his anecdotes. He was a lover of music and sang and played the guitar. Eddie especially enjoyed his involvement in church choirs both in Maine and Idaho and touched many hearts with his music. Growing up in Northern Maine, Eddie was particularly fond of the outdoors; he enjoyed fishing, hunting, canoeing and camping and shared this love with his children who will always remember their summer trips to Baxter State Park. He was most at home behind the wheel and imparted on his children a deep love of driving and automobiles. Eddie was an active member of the Catholic church and found great comfort and strength in his faith in difficult times. He taught high school CCD and felt truly blessed to be able to share his faith with others. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Eddie is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Fortune and her husband, Jody, of Willow Spring, N.C.; his son, Edward J. Raymond III of New Providence, N.J.; his sister and brothers, Kathleen Gibbs and her husband, Garth, of Mountain Home, Idaho, Donald Raymond and his wife, Roseline, of Millinocket, and Patrick Raymond of Mountain Home, Idaho; three grand-daughters, Cassandra, Charlotte, and Cecilia, all of Willow Spring, N.C.; and his father, Edward J. Raymond Sr. of East Millinocket; as well as several nephews and a niece. He was predeceased by his mother, Jacqueline; and a sister, Judith Raymond. A memorial Mass will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church followed by burial at Millinocket Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Raymond Family, in care of Donald Raymond, 183 Ohio St., Millinocket, ME 04462 or to the Katahdin Area Support Group, 10 Field St., Millinocket, ME 04462. Arrangements are by R. L. Bouchard Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack St., Millinocket. To place condolences online, please go to www.bouchardfh.com
EDWARD J. RAYMOND JR.
