Robert Whitney Ray

WEEKAPAUG - Robert (Bob) Whitney Ray, 88, died peacefully on August 16th with his family by his side. A resident of Weekapaug, RI, he had previously lived for over 40 years in Peterborough, NH.

Bob was born in Goodyear, CT to Charles and Mildred Whitney Ray. He attended local schools, graduated from the Loomis School in Windsor, CT in 1955, and received a BA in Economics from Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT in 1959. While a student at Middlebury, he enjoyed playing intramural sports and was a talented singer and member of the Dissipated Eight, an octet which entertained at Middlebury and other colleges. Also while at Middlebury, Bob met Polly (Philbrick), and the two became a couple. Following college, he served in the U.S. Army Finance Corps for two years.

In 1961, Bob and Polly married and they moved to Peterborough, NH where they raised their two sons, William and James. Bob was employed by the First National Bank of Peterborough, eventually becoming the president of the bank. As he neared retirement, he started his own financial advisory company where he enjoyed working with and building relationships with his clients.

While living in Peterborough, Bob was an active member of the community. He was a member of the Rotary Club where he became a Paul Harris Fellow, he served on the town finance committee, and also served as the chairman of the school board for two terms.

Bob retired to Weekapaug, RI in 2006, where he became an avid golfer and was a charter member of the Weekapaug Golf Club. In retirement, he enjoyed fishing from both his boat and the shoreline and playing duplicate bridge, as well as spending summers with his family and supporting his grandchildren's academic and athletic activities throughout the school year. He and Polly also travelled extensively with close friends.

Bob was happiest when near, on, or in the ocean. He enjoyed spending time on the beach where he grew up, a gift which he shared with both his children and grandchildren. As a teen, Bob was a lifeguard at Seaside Beach Club in Westerly, RI and taught many local children to swim. A life-long fisherman, Bob had a great love for nature and the outdoors and contributed generously to the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation.

Bob lived his life tenaciously, bringing his strong work ethic to every endeavor. He built lasting, memorable relationships with those around him, becoming a pillar of each community he was involved in and changing it for the better. He was a fun-loving man with innumerable jokes and stories who loved to laugh and always had a kind word to say.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and dear friend.

He is survived by his wife Polly, his son William, wife Kerry, and grandchildren Emily and Zachary; his son James and wife Lara and grandchildren Elsa and Graham; and a cousin Raymond Paris of Richmond, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Weekapaug Foundation for Conservation or to the South County Hospital.

The family will hold a private burial service. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main Street, Westerly, RI is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.buckler-johnston.com