Raymond A. Buckminster (1932-2017)

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Raymond A. Buckminster

NEW VINEYARD – Raymond A. Buckminster, 84, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at CMMC in Lewiston, Maine, surrounded by his wife, Debbie Martin and family.

Raymond was born on Nov. 30, 1932 in Sunshine, Deer Isle, Maine, the son of Emery and Ethna (Shepard) Buckminster. He graduated from Stonington-Deer Isle High School in the class of 1950. He served in the U.S. Army for 30 years being stationed around the world, along with his first wife Autice (Moore) Buckminster and children, to various assignments including: Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ethiopia, Japan, California and Germany. He was also a veteran of Vietnam and the Korean conflict. Raymond was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Korean Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal, and other medals of merit.

In 1987, after serving his country, he received a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Maine at Farmington. Ray then worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Strong, Maine. Ray married Debbie Martin of Farmington on October 22, 2002 in Guildhall, Vermont. Ray was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars associations, and the Farmington Falls Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. He enjoyed meeting friends for coffee at local restaurants, going to see movies, reading, and watching televised football games, and NASCAR races, often with his beloved cat, Tomcat, nearby. Ray loved to travel, especially to Stonington, Maine, to visit family and a yearly trip to Reid State Park. He very much enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and step grandchildren.

Ray is survived by; his wife, Debbie Martin; his children, Aleta Harrell (Gene Gilbert), Arleen McBee, Alesia Fortier (Steve), Andrea Butterfield (Jim), Raymond Buckminster II (Michele); his 13 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; his sisters, Myrna Webb and Marie Jones; many nieces and nephews; his step children, Tina Bedell (Steve), Gabe Martin (Sarah LaCombe), Tim Martin (Amy); and 4 step grandchildren. He was predeceased by; his parents, Emery and Ethna (Shepard) Buckminster; his sister, Alfreda Buckminster; and his favorite Brother in-law, Alan Webb.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at CMMC, the staff at FMH and Dr. Kristine Sanden.

Donations may be made to establish a Memorial Bench at Reid State Park in his honor, and sent to the Raymond Buckminster Memorial Fund, c/o Franklin Savings Bank, PO Box 825, Farmington, ME 04938.

On Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a funeral service to begin at 3 p.m. at Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.

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18 Comments

  1. Our condolences to all the family.. Ray was such a nice man and always asked about the family. He will be miss at the Farmington Falls chicken bbq..and by many in this community.. May he rest in peace…

    Rachel and David Heath.

  2. Sorry for your loss Deb, I meet Ray when he was going to UMF down in the snack bar. He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed our short conversations. Rest easy Ray!

  3. Ray was always there when the Falls community needed his help. Was a true friend. He will be missed.

  4. Mr. Buckminster was such a nice guy. Always involved in tbe community, and friendly to the kids riding by on their bikes, or making noise walking up the hill. I think of him and Audice everytime I have reason to drive up the hill. My thoughts and condolences to his friends and family.

  5. Andrea and family you will be in our thoughts and prayers in this most difficult time. Not once did we ever see Buck when he did not have a smile on his face and kind words for all. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Buck.

  6. Ray, Michele and family, we are so sorry to hear that your father passed. He lived an active life and was a wonderful man that served his country and family. The honorable Purple Heart ❤️ is something to be proud of. As you go through this difficult time, know we are praying for you to find peace among your beautiful memories. With sympathy love Claude and Lorraine

  7. Ray was one of the nicest men, always met us with smiles and friendship. To Aleta and family: We are so sorry for your loss.

  8. Ray always had a kind word to say as he greeted us with his smile. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers to Aleta and family.

  9. Deb, I am so very sorry for your loss! Ray always had kind words to say and always wore a smile! He will be missed by all !

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