Laconia ----- Raymond George Behnke, 88, of Taylor Community in Laconia, NH, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020, following a long period of declining health.
Ray was born in Chicago, IL, on May 4, 1932, to George and Esther Behnke. In 1954 he married Evelyn Hann and ultimately settled in Bernardsville, NJ. Ray graduated from Duke University in 1954 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and later from Farleigh Dickenson University with a Master’s degree in business administration. He worked for many years at Union Carbide Corporation"s chemical plant in Bound Brook, NJ; ultimately retiring in 1990 as Chief Engineer for the facility’s steam power house. When asked, Ray always liked to joke that he “boiled water” for a living.
Ray enjoyed many summers with the family at their camp on Lake Winnipesaukee until he and Evelyn relocated after retirement to North Conway, NH, and finally to the Taylor Community in Laconia. He was a consummate do-it-yourselfer, and he turned the lake camp from an empty shell to a fully finished and perfect summer cottage. Ray also enjoyed hiking and was particularly pleased to have bagged all of the 4,000 footers throughout the White Mountains.
Always on the lookout for something new to try, Ray kept bees, tapped sugar maples in the spring, collected coins and with his wife became an enthusiastic square-dancer. While living in North Conway he also volunteered his time with the U.S. Forest Service and Meals-on-Wheels.
A loving, encouraging, generous and supportive husband and father, he will be missed and remain in his family’s hearts forever.
Ray is survived by the families of his two sons: Karl and wife Carolyn of Skaneateles, NY, and David and wife Tricia of Huntersville, NC, and grandchildren Stephen and wife Hannah, and Alexandra. In addition to his parents, Ray is predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, and his sister, Ruth.
There will be no calling hours per the family’s wishes.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at Hilltop Cemetery, in Mendham, NJ, on Monday, December 7, 2020.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services and 603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia, NH, 03246, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.