OLD TOWN – Ovila J. Raymond, 78, died Aug. 21, 2009, at a Bangor hospital, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born May 23, 1931, in Caribou, the first of 12 children born to the late Joseph and Lydia (Belanger) Raymond. He attended Old Town schools and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish, now known as Resurrection Parish of the Lord, Old Town. From a very young age he was a hard worker, working in the Old Town shoe factory until dedicating more than 20 years of service to our country in the U.S. Army and Air Force, as well as the National Guard. After leaving the military he went to work at Bangor Tire, where he retired. Ovila was a very private man, but was well known for his gardening, especially his oversized pumpkins. He had a love for cooking and loved his dog, his loyal friend, Scooby Doo. Ovila is survived by his three sisters, Winnifred Searle of East Boston, Mass., Alfreda Mower of Old Town and Theresa Ouellette of Bradley; and seven brothers, Edward of Felton, Calif., Octave of Milford, Father Wilfred of Los Angeles, Edmond of Bangor, Richard of Merrimac, Mass., Gerald of Hepzibah, Ga., and Deacon Hector of Pickerington, Ohio. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who all were very special to him. His sister, Ramona King of Old Town, predeceased him. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of New Hope Hospice for the kindness, compassion and support. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Resurrection Parish with the Rev. Wilfred Raymond, celebrant. Friends may call 9 a.m. until time of dismissal to the church at Birmingham Funeral Home, 438 Main St., Old Town. Burial services with military honors will be afterward at St. Joseph Cemetery. After the services at the cemetery, all are invited back to the parish center for a light luncheon and continued fellowship. Memorial contributions may be made to New Hope Hospice, P.O. Box 757, Holden, ME 04429. An online memorial and guest book has been established at www.mem.com.
OVILA JOSEPH ‘MACK’ RAYMOND
