GARFIELD PLANTATION – Deane “Buzz” Allen Rafford, 36, died Feb. 2, 2012, with his beloved wife, Kim and a special friend, Randy Caron by his side. He was born Aug. 8, 1975, in Presque Isle, the son of C. Deane Rafford and Charlotte (Robinson) Howe.
Deane is survived by his wife, Kim (Michaud) Rafford; his children, Daniel, 12, and Vanessa, 9, all of Garfield Plantation; his mother, Charlotte Howe of Mapleton; his sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Rafford, Darlene Rafford and Jean Rafford, all of Mapleton; a brother, Allen Rafford and his wife, Lisa, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Claudette Michaud; his brother-in-law, Lonnie Michaud and his wife, Rachelle; a nephew, Cole Michaud; nieces, Noelle Michaud and Anna and Alyssa Trombley; several aunts and uncles; and his chocolate lab, Cinnamon. He will also be dearly missed by special friends, Randy and Mary Caron. He was predeceased by his father, C. Deane Rafford; his stepfather, Tom Howe; his niece, Deanna Trombley; his maternal grandparents, Dorothy and Wayne Robinson; and his paternal grandparents Chester and Elizabeth Rafford.
Deane graduated from Ashland Community High School in 1994, where he was a star athlete in soccer, basketball, baseball and golf. He enjoyed playing the saxophone in the ACHS and Bodacious Brass bands. He attended Northern Maine Technical College majoring in construction electricity and diesel hydraulics. Deane was a tireless worker, always giving 150 percent to whatever job he tackled. While in high school and after college he worked for Fournier Logging and Graham Farms. Later he worked for Sullivan Logging. Eventually he purchased his own logging equipment and started DVR Logging. With the help of his father-in-law, Gary Michaud, he started his own cattle farm. Recently he owned and operated Rafford Spring Water. Dean was active as a Boy Scout leader with the Ashland troop and was also a Little League coach. Deane loved and was well loved by family, friends and neighbors. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by the five remaining members of “The Garfield Kids.” The family wishes to give special thanks to John Orcutt, Richard Fillion, Mike Graham and the community for their support during his recent illness.
Relatives and friends are invited to call 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, and 1 p.m. until the time of service Sunday, Feb. 5, at Ashland Advent Christian Church. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Willliam Harris officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to help defray education costs for Dean’s children, care of Mary Caron, 269 Garfield Road, Garfield Plantation, ME 04732. Funeral arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland. To leave online condolences, please visit
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.