Whittier, Raymond R., 90, January 17, 2013. Interment to be held in the Evergreen Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements by Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, Caribou.
CARIBOU – Raymond Roy Whittier, 90, beloved husband of Gladys G. Whittier, died January 17, 2013, at a Presque Isle healthcare facility. Raymond was born March 6, 1922, in Caribou, the only son of Roy H. and Irene Hoyt Whittier. He was a parishioner of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Caribou.
Raymond attended school in Caribou and was a graduate of Caribou High School in the class of 1939. Being interested in music, he played the violin in the school orchestra during his school years. He also enjoyed playing the piano, harmonica and guitar. He later took flying lessons, flew solo for a few years and joined the Civil Air Patrol. Raymond and Gladys were married on May 8, 1943, where they began their life on the family farm. On January 18, 1944, they moved into the present home they have today which was Raymond’s father’s home as a young boy.
One of Raymond’s favorite loves was farming. Getting on the tractor to work the land was his pride and joy. He was in partnership with his father in the potato and dairy industry. He joined the Young Farmers of America where he was a very dedicated member and gained many ideas about the farming industry. He later became active in the milk producers association for many years, where he served as president for four years, traveling to Boston for the yearly meetings. Raymond was also very active in the Caribou Historical Society (a Whittier Memorial) serving as treasurer for 12 years. He retired in 1980, spending his spare time doing carpentry work, making items that he enjoyed and making crafts. He also enjoyed many happy years fishing and camping with family and friends….it was not uncommon to hear a harmonica playing “Red Sails in the Sunset” on a moonlit night on Schofield Point!
Throughout his life, he was always an excellent husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He is survived by his wife, Gladys of 70 years come May 8; a son, Roy Whittier and wife, Debbie of Presque Isle; four daughters, Joanne Bossie and husband, Richard of Caribou, Susan Foreman and husband, James of Charleston, SC, Ellen Heavner and husband, Charles of Aiken, SC, Janet Music and husband, Allen of China, ME; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews including one special niece, Elaine Gross and her husband, Earl in Morehead City, NC. He was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Kathryn Hersey; and great-grandchild, Lucy Bland.
Family and friends called at Lancaster Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. A Mass of Christian burial was held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, on Monday, January 21, 2013, at 11 a.m. with the Very Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie officiating. A reception followed the service in the Parish Center. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in the spring. Donations may be made in his memory to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Fund, P.O. Box 625, Caribou, ME 04736. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lancastermorgan.com.
