SKOWHEGAN – Raymond E. Sylvain Sr. of Hinckley passed away at the Redington Memorial Home on May 31, 2016.
Ray was born Feb. 14, 1927 in New Britain, Connecticut, son of Paul and Homerine (Michaud) Sylvain.
He attended Skowhegan schools. At the age of 17, he joined the US Army Headquarters Company, 30th Infantry, 3rd Division and was sent to the European theater where he spent most of his time in Germany until he was honorably discharged in July 1946. Ray was very proud to be a WWII veteran and enjoyed reminiscing about the Hercules Monument in Kassel, Germany. On March 31, 1945, while on leave from the military, Ray married his sweetheart, Lillian Lancaster.
Ray worked in the local woolen mill, the logging industry, and with his father leveling and moving houses before he spent his remaining work years in construction. Ray worked for Sanders Construction and Consolidated Constructors and Builders; he was proud to state that he worked in every paper mill in the State of Maine. A self-taught, highly skilled craftsman, Ray had a passion for carpentry and construction. He was proud of being part of the crews that built the Skowhegan Catholic Church and Skowhegan Indian. Ray built three of his family homes, helped to build two of his daughters’ homes, and a log cabin in Moxie. In the early sixties, Ray helped his father and brothers build Eaton Mountain Ski Area.
Ray’s favorite pastimes included riding motorcycles, water and snow skiing, snowmobiling, biking, and long walks with his dogs. He especially enjoyed camping with his family and friends at Acadia National Park and Happy Horseshoe Campground. In retirement, Ray designed and created furniture and lawn ornaments; his recycled iron lawn ornaments are coveted by his family members. Ray’s ingenuity and love of tinkering allowed him to conquer any challenge put before him. Ray was a lifetime member of the VFW, local motorcycle club, and the local carpenters union.
Ray is survived by three daughters Sandra Whittenburg and husband Rick VanVoorhis of Tulsa, OK., Judith Whittemore and husband Darrell of Skowhegan, Diane Poulin of Readfield; grandsons Wade Whittemore of Auburn, ME. and Chris Whittenburg of Bixby, OK.; granddaughters Terri Dickinson of Tulsa, OK. and Arika Weller of Stuttgart, Germany; seven great-grandchildren Breeanna Nicoletti, Hannah and Ashton Dickinson, Nikolas and Lydia Whittemore, Warren Whittenburg and Rowan Weller; brothers Arthur of Waterville, ME., Ernest of Rochester, NH., Paul and wife Irene of Skowhegan, ME., three sisters Theresa Bersani and husband Dominic of Leesburg, FL., Albertine Franck and husband Ronald of Hinckley, ME., Annette Boardman and husband Douglas of Skowhegan, ME.
Ray was predeceased by his wife Lillian, their son Ray Jr., son-in-law Mike Whittenburg, son-in-law Peter Poulin, and sister Connie Savage and brother Lawrence Sylvain.
The family sends a special thank you to the staff of Redington Memorial Home of Skowhegan as well as Maine General Hospice of Waterville, especially Sandra, RN and Nancy, HHA for the care, comfort, and support afforded our family. It was greatly appreciated.
Ray was always up for a good joke and had an easy laugh. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The memory of this vibrant, bright blue eyed man will live on through his common farewell: “BE GOOD … IF YOU CAN’T BE GOOD … BE CAREFUL!”
Per Ray’s request there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to: Maine General Hospice, PO Box 828, Waterville, ME. 04903-0828.
Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME. 04976.
