Raymond J. Park

DORSET -- Raymond J. Parks, 86, a lifelong resident of Dorset, died Monday, Aug. 22, 2005, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

He was born on Aug. 15, 1919, the son of John and Blanche (Beverage) Parks and attended local schools. Raymond was a master carpenter and cabinet builder. His work was so admired that he was a mentor to other carpenters, unselfishly teaching them his trade. He was a caretaker for many area homes, cutting grass one week before his death. He served in the Philippines during World War II in the Pacific Theatre as a member and technical sergeant for the United States Army.

Raymond loved the outdoors. He was a great sportsman, which was evident through his love for golf, fishing, deer hunting, camping, ice fishing and hiking the Long Trail. He enjoyed sugaring and made maple syrup from the time he was a child until two years ago. He cherished times spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made all his granddaughters log cabin style dollhouses to enjoy. Raymond was a lifetime member of the Harned-Fowler VFW Post 6471 in Manchester and a former NRA instructor.

He is survived by his wife, the former Charlotte Tobin, whom he married in Granville, N.Y., on Nov. 3, 1945; a son, Larry J. Parks of Arlington; three daughters, Cheryl Larson of Sandgate, Eva Bushee of Hinsdale, N.H., and Anita Howard of Glen Burnie, Md.; two brothers, Robert Parks of Maxwell, W.Va., and Duane Parks of Pawlet; four sisters, Dolly Chelpaty of Norwalk, Conn., Jean Towslee of Dorset, Jane Beebe of East Dorset and Patricia Bishop of Rutland; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Raymond will be held Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at 1 p.m. at the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert. The Rev. James Gray will conduct the service. There are no visiting hours.

Memorial contributions in Raymond’s memory may be made to the Manchester Rescue Squad, c/o Brewster Funeral Service, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255. To send e-mail condolences, visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the care of Brewster Funeral Service, 34 Park Place, Manchester Center.