BRUNSWICK – Retired U.S. Air Force Officer Raymond M. Gehrig, 89, died Nov. 28, 2006, from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease at his son’s home in Saco. Born Oct. 28, 1917, in Cohocton, N.Y., the son of Raymond B. and Helen Miller Gehrig. Ray played both baseball and basketball, graduating from Cohocton High School in 1935. In 1939, he graduated from the New York College of Forestry at Syracuse University. Shortly thereafter, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corp Flight School, graduating in March 1940. When the U.S. Air Force was activated in 1947, he became a member, serving overseas in the Philippines, Australia, New Guinea, Italy and southern France during World War II and in Japan and Korea in later years. A decorated war hero, Ray and his crew were shot down and managed to avoid detection on an enemy-occupied island in the Pacific. Eventually, they escaped by stolen boat and sailed 100 miles before being rescued. During his 31 years of service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, the Air Medal, the Joint Services Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Purple Heart. In 1942, he married the love of his life, Sally Wellington, his wife of 63 years, who passed away March 2005. Colonel Gehrig’s last tour of duty was as Commander of the 36th Air Division, Topsham. Both he and Sally fell in love with the state and what had always been a temporary move became a permanent one. As residents of both Cundy’s Harbor and downtown Brunswick, they opened their home to many an actor at Maine State Music Theater, where Ray served as a member of its board of directors. Comfortable in their roles as host and hostess, they entertained regularly and enjoyed the company of close friends. An avid golfer, Ray loved nothing more than to play 18 holes on a warm summer day, then barbecue what he jokingly referred to as the “colonel’s chicken.” He is survived by two sons, Raymond Gehrig of Midwest City, Okla., and Flick Gehrig of Saco; a daughter, Sally Derosier of Presque Isle, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass with full military honors is being planned for the spring at the Brunswick Naval Air Station Chapel. Interment will be at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Maine Chapter, 163 Lancaster St., Suite 160B, Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 471 Deering Ave., Portland.
RAYMOND M. GEHRIG
