SOUTHWICK – Ronald H. Raymond, 77 of Southwick left this life Sunday, July 14, 2013 surrounded by people who loved him. Born in Sharon, Vermont, he was the son of the late Percy Raymond Sr. and Delia Lydia Wood. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother he idolized, “Junie” Raymond and his loyal dog, Bonnie.Missing him more than words can say are is his loving wife of 38 years, Gert Ryan Raymond; his best friend and adored daughter, Jennifer Vazquez her husband Milt and their son, James Raymond who Ron just called “Grandson”. Ron’s beloved daughter, Amy Hartley and his EMT granddaughter that he was so proud of, Sarah Brooks and her husband Rick. Ron also had two stepchildren and their families, Joseph Grenon, his wife Chrissie, their sons, Cole and Seth who loved racing dirt bikes with their grandfather. Melissa Grenon, her sons G.B., Wesley and Raven Carrao and her daughters, Kylie and Sierra Clark, the twins who brought such fun to Ron’s life. He had many siblings, all were special to him: Winston Raymond and his wife Hazel, Beverly Bradley and her husband Bob, Nathalie George, Lloyd Raymond and his wife Vina, Theresa Brown, Billie Raymond and his wife Ann, Sandie Hatt and her husband Herb, Colleen Watkins and his closest brother and partner in crime, Teddy “Red” Raymond and his wife Irene. He had many nieces and nephews, one who always there for him, Danny Raymond who was his lifelong sidekick.
Raised on a farm he learned the value of hard work, dependability and keeping your word. Leaving VT for MA at 20 he worked numerous backbreaking jobs so his family wanted for nothing. He worked at Wolf Motor sales where he earned his wild man reputation and retired from Hamilton Standard where he built jet engine components. Fast cars and motorcycles were his life and he raced in motocross, hill climbing, and speedway. An expert mechanic there was nothing he couldn’t fix and one could always find him tearing down, rebuilding or rigging something.
He loved being outdoors running his pay loader, splitting wood or mountain biking. He loved horses, dogs and especially kids and they loved him. He was the “cool’ dad and grandfather because he knew how to have fun. He didn’t worry about what others thought of him – he just did what he thought was right. He was the strongest person anyone could be, physically and mentally and was always ready to take on the world. He never backed down and never gave in no matter what life threw at him. He always made time if you needed help or wanted advice and was someone who didn’t judge. Many times he would drop everything and be gone in minutes if someone needed him. Countless people have said he was like a father to them and he changed their lives by his love and caring. He was a kind, generous and faithful friend and his unique gift was making you feel as if you were the most special person in the world. We just can’t imagine our lives without him.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Highway, Southwick. The repast to celebrate his life will be immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall next door. We welcome photos, small mementos or written stories of your special memories of Ron to share and be placed with him if you wish.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Church United Methodist, 222 College Highway, Southwick. The repast to celebrate his life will be immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall next door. We welcome photos, small mementos or written stories of your special memories of Ron to share and be placed with him if you wish.
Donations can be made in his memory to the “Christian Appalachian Project”, “Ronald McDonald House” or “Christ Church United Methodist”.
