LACONIA ---- Raymond Mason Ide, of Laconia, passed away peacefully Thursday morning on October 8th, 2026.
Born and raised in Grafton Massachusetts, Ray was the son of Vesta (Mason) and Harold Ide. His early years were spent on the family farm, as both his Grandpa Mason and Grandpa Ide were farmers in the early part of the last century. Ray’s Mom began taking him to church with her when he was around four years old. He would attend Sunday school while she sang in the choir.
While Ray was in grade school his family lived on Leland Street in Grafton. He grew up there with his two younger brothers Reginald (Reggie), and Edward (Eddie). When Ray was young he and his brothers would play with the neighborhood boys. One of the boys was Dickie Putnam, they became lifelong friends; friendship was an important theme throughout Ray’s life. Upon graduating from High School, Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps motto is “Semper Fidelis”, which means “forever faithful”. Ray demonstrated this with his family without wavering.
After his time in the Marine Corps, Ray returned to Grafton and worked different jobs. He delivered Clicquot Club soda, worked in a Chevrolet garage, and did small engine repair for Sears and Roebuck. Eventually truck driving became his career. Throughout his career as a truck driver, he drove cement mixers, dump trucks, and tractor trailers. He also spent many years delivering home heating oil, mostly for Dow Oil Company in Laconia NH. He enjoyed working for the Dow family.
In 1969, Ray worked for P.J. Keating Company, who provided road building services in Massachusetts. While driving dump truck in the quarry Ray met a bulldozer operator by the name of Ralph Nash. The two of them began to have lunch together each day and became friends. One day during lunch Ralph invited Ray up to New Hampshire to meet his daughters. A year later Ray took Ralph up on his offer and met Susan, the love of his life. On May 1st, 1971, his friend Ralph became his father-in-law, and his best friend Susan became his wife. He moved to New Hampshire, without regret.
Ray’s life in the Lakes Region consisted of raising two sons with his wife Susan, working, and attending church, which was a continuation of the seed of faith planted by his mother many years before.
He retired at the age of 62, then continued to work seasonally for local construction companies driving dump trucks. Ray worked for Cormier Construction, Winnipesaukee Marine Construction, but most of those years were spent working for Breton Construction, a local paving company. Despite the tiring work, he would say working for the Breton’s was his favorite job. This was due to the Breton family, who Ray became close friends with, and they treated him like one of the family.
When Ray finally gave up driving the “big trucks”, as he would say, he spent a few more years working, he delivered auto parts for NAPA and Federated Auto in Laconia before fully retiring at the age of 83.
Ray enjoyed reading, wildlife, trains, and old cars, though he never really had a hobby. His favorite thing to do was making friends, which he did everywhere he went. Whether he was working, running errands, or just out for a walk. Ray always took time to have a chat with whoever path he crossed. He enjoyed sharing stories and getting to know people as they shared their stories with him. Ray’s friends have said that he was a sweet, kind, gentle man, with a quiet, humble way about him, and he will be missed.
The family would like to thank Concord Hospital and Granite State VNA, their staffs treated Ray with care and compassion.
Thanks to the Belknap County Nursing Home, their entire staff and the residents who welcomed us into their community from the moment Ray arrived. They always made Ray feel special and treated all his visitors like family; we made many new friends. Words cannot describe our gratitude for the love, kindness, and hospitality you expressed in the care of Ray. May God bless you all.
Special thanks to our loving friends Skip and Gina Langlitz, Pat Wilson, Adam Mini, and Patty Rice. They were there every step of the way through Ray’s final weeks. We truly couldn’t have done it without you.
Ray is predeceased by his youngest brother Eddie. He leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 55 years Susan; his son Ray, daughter-in-law Shelli, and his grandniece Paige: his son Neil, daughter-in-law Kim and four grandchildren Braelyn, Nicholas, Alexander, and Asher; his younger brother Reggie, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:00pm-7:00pm in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia.
A Graveside Service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 3:00pm at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services / 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 wilkinsonbeane.com.