Raymond J. Violette

VAN BUREN - Raymond J. Violette, 81, died Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010, with his family by his side at a Caribou hospital, from leukemia. He was born April 7, 1928, in Van Buren, the son of Sylvain and Anna (Thibodeau) Violette. Raymond completed the eighth grade and went to work for Bangor and Aroostook Railroad to help provide for his family. He spent the next 47 years on the railroad, mostly as a conductor. After his retirement from the railroad, he bought a chainsaw and a truck and cut firewood for families throughout the St. John Valley until he retired at age 78. Raymond also spent a number of years as the "local paper boy" delivering the Bangor Daily News, making sure the papers were delivered before anyone awoke, a service he was extremely proud of. Ray served his country during the Korean War stationed in Germany. After the death of his younger brother, Don, in Korea, he was honorably discharged so that he could return to work to support his widowed mother and five younger siblings. Returning to Van Buren, he met and married Carmen Dubay, Oct. 25, 1952. He was a member of American Legion Post 49 of Van Buren. Ray was a quiet and gentle man who loved the outdoors and was a true sports enthusiast. Like many of his generation, he took great pride when the Boston Red Sox won their first World Series since 1918, in 2004. In addition to his wife of Van Buren, he is survived by his children, Donald Violette and wife, Nancy, David Violette and wife, Gisele, all of Van Buren, Lena Strange and husband, Eric, of Frederick, Md., James Violette and wife, Diana, Paul Violette and wife, Rebecca, all of Westbrook, Gina Cyr and husband, Greg, of Madawaska, Rona Violette of Presque Isle, Myra LeViness and husband, John, of Raymond, and Raymonde "Nicky" McGrath and husband, James, of Fairport, N.Y.; two sisters, Yvette Blaisdell of Fort Fairfield and Rachel Tyrone of Pennsylvania; 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or public funeral. Spring interment will be at Maine Veterans Cemetery, Caribou. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in his memory to Cary Medical Center Intensive Care Unit and Clinics, 163 Van Buren Road, Caribou, ME 04736. Arrangements are a service of Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. To leave online condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.