PRESQUE ISLE and BANGOR – Ray N. McBride, 90, died peacefully May 27, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Sept. 22, 1920, in Belleville, New Brunswick, son of Stanley and Beryla McBride.
Ray married Lulu Foster in 1941 and they lived on the family farm in Belleville, New Brunswick, with their daughter, Marilyn, for nine years before moving to Houlton and then to Presque Isle. Ray drove an 18-wheeler to Boston for 28 years until he retired in 1981. After retiring he and his wife spent the winters in Florida and the summers in Maine. In 2006 they relocated to the Bangor area to be close to their granddaughter and her husband. They were active members of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Presque Isle, for many years and most recently members of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Brewer. He was known for his sparkling eyes and love of life. He will be fondly remembered by William and Brenda Roope of Winterport, and his many friends at Boyd Place, Bangor.
Ray is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lulu E. McBride; son-in-law, Claude Lyon; grandson, Douglas Lyon; granddaughter, Deborah Roope and her husband, William H. Roope Jr.; and four great-grandchildren, Matthew Roope, Ashley Roope Cooper, Joseph Lyon and Lindsey Lyon. He was excited about the upcoming birth of his great-great-granddaughter, Alexis Cooper. He is also survived by his cousins, Lawrence Ketchum, Carrie Hayden, Irma Parker and Greta Fream. Ray was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Mabel McBride; and by his daughter, Marilyn McBride Lyon, with whom he had a very close and loving relationship throughout his life.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden, with the Rev. Ann Kidder officiating. Family and friends are invited to share in a reception immediately after the service. Contributions in Ray’s memory may be made to St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Brewer, or to a charity of one’s choice. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through
www.hampdengilpatrick.com.