NORTH WATERBORO- Jonathan Linwood Raymond passed away peacefully at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House on March 29, 2017 after battling synovial sarcoma for more than a year. He was surrounded by love.
Jonathan was born in Presque Isle, Maine on March 17, 1966. He was the son of the late Linwood and Dolores Raymond of Presque Isle. Jonathan attended Presque Isle schools and graduated in 1984. He then pursued a degree in Music Education at the University of Southern Maine in Gorham. While attending USM, Jonathan met his wife, Trish Houy of Scarborough. They were married on September 1, 1990 in Portland. They made their home in Saco for several years before having children. They later moved to Brewer for a few years before returning to southern Maine where they built a home in North Waterboro.
Jonathan’s career was focused primarily on retail management. He worked for many years as a manager for Staples and then transitioned into a traveling computer technician for Staples’ Easy Tech program. In between his job with Staples and his final employer, Jon had the opportunity for management with Cumberland Farms where he met many different people from different walks of life who enjoyed his enthusiasm for life. Jon’s final career was with Music and Arts where he worked as a Music Educational Sales Representative. This job incorporated Jon’s love for music, working with children, and meeting new people. Jon traveled throughout the state of Maine meeting many music teachers who became fast friends. Jon also had a private music studio where he taught students for many years. He was blessed to have former students stop into the Gosnell House during his last few weeks of life. This meant so much to Jon to know how he had touched their lives. Anyone who came in contact with Jon would remember his vibrant spirit, positive attitude, cheerful countenance, generosity, and most importantly, his faith. Jon’s faith in God is what gave him the strength to face the courageous battle he fought so hard.
Jonathan loved spending time with his wife of almost 27 years and their four children. He was so very proud of all their activities and accomplishments. He sacrificed much to work multiple jobs to provide opportunities for his family. They have fond memories of family traditions and special outings together. Jon was also passionate about the outdoors. He was an excellent brook fisherman from spending countless hours fishing in Aroostook county where he was so proud to say he was from. Jon always had a dream to build a log cabin in the woods away from the busyness of life. Jon also found countless hours of enjoyment watching sports with his family and friends. He was able to celebrate his 50th birthday by attending a Bruins game in Boston with his son and closest friends.
Jonathan enjoyed playing his trumpet for years in many different group settings as well as private engagements where he played for weddings and holidays. Jon enjoyed playing in the Alumni Band, Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra, Sacopee Valley Community Band, and the Casco Bay Band to name a few. One of his fondest musical memories was playing Mahler Symphony No. 3 with his children, Amanda and Carter, at Merrill Auditorium to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Portland Youth Symphony.
Jonathan and his family were long time members of the South Waterboro Bible Chapel in Waterboro. For many years Jon was active in his church. During the last year, Jon was not able to attend church on a regular basic, yet was blessed to have love and support from his home church as well as several local churches. It was Jonathan’s wish to be able to visit all the churches who came along side him during this time of trial and sickness. Jon wanted to share his journey and faith with every single person he could. Although Jon was never able to physically attend the churches to share his message, they know it was in his heart to do so. He touched everyone he came in contact with in such a way that will not be forgotten.
Jonathan is survived by his beloved wife, Trish ( Houy ) Raymond; children - Amanda Raymond, Carter Raymond, Amy Raymond, and Allison Raymond all of North Waterboro; brother David Raymond and his wife, Sara, of Presque Isle; sister Lynne Raymond Costello and husband, Bill, of Massachusetts, a niece, and several nephews and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 5, from 6-8 PM at the Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service Chapel, 498 Long Plains Road (Rt. 22) in Buxton. A memorial service to celebrate Jonathan's life will be held on Thursday April 6 at 11 AM at the First Parish Congregational Church, UCC, 12 Beach St. in Saco.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to either the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough or the Center for Grieving Children in Portland. Both places offered wonderful care and support to Jon and his family over the last several months.