CORNISH- Raymond G Howard, 87 years old, known to most as “Opa” went to his heavenly home on February 4th with his girls beside him after a long and tough battle with Alzheimer’s.
Raymond was born on May 28th 1935 in Fryeburg Maine to Kenneth Vernon and Manola Jane Howard. He attended Fryeburg schools, until moving to Limington with his family. There he attended Limington Academy. Anyone that knew Raymond, knew he loved sports and played basketball and baseball. His position in baseball was catcher, and there weren’t many players that could steal a base and not get picked off by Raymond’s throw from the plate, still on his knees. Many tried, but did not succeed. All three of his girls have that same throw that their Daddy taught them.
March of 1957, Raymond got the call to do his duty and serve his country in the United States Army. He was in the 1st Calvary Division. Raymond loved the Army life, so much that he re-enlisted in 1960. On May 10th 1961 he was sent to Germany. This is where Raymond’s life changed and he met the love of his life Gudrun Nier. On June 29th 1962, Raymond and Gudrun married in a German Church, and again on July 7th 1962, they married a second time in an American church.
In Oct 1964 they welcomed their first daughter, Diana Hildegard Howard. Raymond and Gudrun were so happy to become parents, however sadly Diana was called home in January of 1965.
Raymond and Gudrun, would continue to live the military life that they both loved. Traveling the world. They welcomed 3 more daughters, Dina Angela, Renee Michelle, and Melinda Jean. Finally retiring after almost 21 years in the Army in 1977. Raymond served two tours in the Korean War, making him a war Veteran. He moved his family back to his hometown of Limington Maine.
Raymond worked at the Reese Corporation and Gabriel Electronics before fully retiring in 2000. Raymond loved helping people in need. He was a former President of the Limington Lions club, where he created the “Sausage Tent.” Serving Italian Sausages and raising money for Limington residents that were less fortunate. Even when the Limington Lions dismantled he continued this with his wife Gudrun and their 3 girls for local charities, the last one that Raymond attended was this past summer at the Harvest Festival in Cornish. He loved the End 68 Hours of Hunger program. He would help pack bags weekly for kids with food insecurities. Even with dementia and Alzheimer’s he always worried about feeding and taking care of the kids. Raymond was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 6859, in Portland. Where he loved playing pool with his girls. He would do anything to spend time with his girls. He joined the pool league and played weekly with them. He was such a proud Dad, when his girls would win tournaments and make people “cry” when they got beat. He was such a great “girl” dad.
Raymond loved his grandchildren. Taking Brandon to karate 2-3 times a week, was probably one of his favorite things to do. Going to watch Jensyn in her cheering competitions. Watching Chloe riding horses, and of course his little mini, Logan, talking about the military and watching him do the Irish Jig. They will have a lifetime of memories of their Opa.
Raymond is predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Manola Howard. He is also predeceased by his wife of 58 ½ years, Gudrun Howard. His beautiful daughter Diana Hildegard Howard. As well as his siblings, Dolores Harmon, Wayne Howard, Sandra Devine and Donna Howard and brother in laws Erich Nier, Edward Harmon, Roger Devine and Edward DeWitt as well as his sister in law Cheryl Howard. Raymond is survived by his beautiful daughters, Dina Call and husband Mark Call of Cornish, Renee Roy and husband Jason Roy of Cornish, Melinda Singleton and husband Tharail Singleton of Limington. Four grandchildren, Brandon Harmon and fiancé Stephanie McDonough of Portland, Jensyn Harmon and boyfriend Shane Caron of Waterboro, Chloe Roy and Logan Roy of Cornish, as well as Myranda Whitney of Parsonsfield, whom he considered a granddaughter and loved very much. Three beautiful great grandchildren, Bronson Harmon, Bentleigh Harmon, and his newest great grandson Braxton Harmon. Two sisters Elaine DeWitt, of Limington and Gail DiBiase and husband Frankie of Portland. Ray is also survived my many nieces and nephews that loved their Uncle Ray.
The family of Raymond Howard would like to thank the Gosnell House for their wonderful care for our Dad during his last days.
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday Feb. 22 from 4 – 6 PM at the Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., Cornish. Burial will be on Saturday June 3rd at 11 AM at Riverside Cemetery. Online condolence messages can be submitted at the funeral home website, www.mainefuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to End 68 Hours of Hunger/Sacopee Valley. An organization that was very close to Ray’s heart.
End 68 Hours of Hunger
PO Box 261
Cornish Maine 04020
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