Robert A. Raymond

VERNON, CONN.-- Mr. Robert A. Raymond, 61, of Vernon, Conn., passed away at home on Monday, July 16, 2012, after a long, courageous battle with colon cancer. Born in West Stewartstown, NH, on June 5, 1951, Bob grew up in Colebrook and graduated from Colebrook Academy in 1970. He left for college, then a stint in the Air Force in the early 70s. During his 10 years in the service, Bob obtained his pilot’s license, reached the rank of captain, and enjoyed many travel opportunities. In addition, Bob earned two masters’ degrees which facilitated his civilian career in hospital administration and eventually in pharmaceuticals as a sales rep for TEVA during the last nine years. Bob, known as “Bobby” to his northern friends, loved life. He made the best of every day and enjoyed all occasions. A big “people” person, Bob loved to visit the North Country and reminisce with old friends. Playing golf was his favorite pasttime. He was both a very good golfer and a very good golf teacher. Generous, kind, always willing to help, clever, and bright are ways that he will be remembered. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Raymond; his cherished daughter, Rochelle Christiansen of Georgetown, Mass., and energetic, two-year old grandson, Colin, who lovingly refers to Bob as “Beepa.” Other important members of Bob’s family include his former wife, Dyan Raymond of Atlanta, Ga.; his brother Richard and sister-in-law Susan of Durham, NH; his brother Larry of Concord, NH; a sister, Lisa Whitaker of Colebrook and her husband. Michael. He is also survived by his in-laws, Louie and Alice Murphy, sister in-law Mary Alice Chrabascz and husband Carl; his sister in-law Jean Kirwin and husband Peter; brother in-law Robert Murphy and wife Lisa of Portsmouth, RI; and brother in-law Louie Murphy and wife Kara of Newport, RI. In addition, there are many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, all of whom Bob thoroughly enjoyed throughout his life. Anita Belle Hammond was his special aunt. Millard “Woody” Crawford of Colebrook has been Bob’s absolute best friend for 52 years. Bob is predeceased by his mother, Clara Atherton, and stepfather, Frederick Atherton, of Colebrook. The Raymond family would like to thank the medical staff at the Helen and Harry Gray Cancer Center, especially Dr. Bob Siegel and his nurse, Donna, for dedicated compassion during Bob’s four-year treatment. More recently, we want to thank the Conn. VNA Hospice staff for making Bob’s final weeks at home comfortable. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center, c/o Hartford Hospital, Attn: Fund Development, 80 Seymour St., P.O. Box 5037, Hartford, CT 06102. Memorial calling hours will be on Saturday, July 28, 2012, from 9-11 a.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. A graveside committal service with military honors will immediately follow at the Colebrook Village Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.