DOVER-FOXCROFT – Wilford “Babe” Clarence Raymond, 86, died peacefully Dec. 23, 2007, surrounded by his family, at a local nursing home. He was born Sept. 22, 1921, in Winterville Plantation, the oldest son of Joseph and Laura (Gagnon) Raymond. Wilford had many jobs in his life, starting out by helping his father working in the woods and potato fields in Aroostook County. He was a skilled woodsman at an early age. He later worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps and was a corporal with the U.S. Army, serving overseas during World War II. He worked at Stowell-McGregor and then for many years at Pride Manufacturing Co. After retiring, he worked part time for the town of Dover-Foxcroft, going into full retirement at the age of 82. Wilford was a very hard worker who took pride in everything he did. He loved the outdoors, walking or working in the woods and “going for a drive.” Wilford was a kind and gentle man, who loved his wife and family dearly. He lived a full life with many experiences that he enjoyed telling stories about. The oldest of 11 children, Wilford was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary (Butler) Raymond; by brothers, Willard, Lawrence and Ernest; by sisters, Gladys Raymond, Joanne Cooley and Jeanette Rancourt; as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He is survived by brothers, William and Camille Raymond; and sisters, Antoinette Lesser and Doris Dean and her husband, Robert. He is also survived by his six children, Gary and his wife, Pauline, of Farmington, Bruce and his wife, Suzanne, of Dover-Foxcroft, Clarice Dunn and her husband, Timothy, of Saco, Brian of Dover-Foxcroft, Larry and his wife, Tammy, of Corinth and Joseph and his wife, Belinda, of Milo; 13 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. Friends and family are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27, at Lary Funeral Home, Dover-Foxcroft. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Dover-Foxcroft, with Father James Robichaud, celebrant. Burial will be in the family lot at Gray Cemetery in the spring. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at www.laryfuneralhome.com. <
WILFORD ‘BABE’ CLARENCE RAYMOND
