This is my Dad. I have just finished the first draft of his obituary, and sent it off. I've included it below, because it says it all. There are a few blanks that someone else is going to fill in, but they aren't central.RAYMOND JAMES NILE
1939-2009
CLINTON – Raymond James Nile, the elder son of Irene Lillian Nile Childs, ended his battle with cancer at his home on Sunday, April 26, 2009. Those who knew and loved Ray knew that he lived his life with strength, dignity, courage and humor, and battled his cancer in much the same way.
Ray Nile was born at home in Langtown Plantation, Maine on September 28, 1939. He attended Stratton and Kingfield schools, and graduated from Stratton High School in 1958. Throughout his boyhood, he hunted and fished and worked at logging in the woods of Maine’s Western Mountains, learning alongside his grandfather and uncles. After high school graduation, he worked full-time in the woods before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. He trained extensively in radio repair, and served in Evreux, France in the 37th Air Support Group. Although that airbase was eventually closed, the airmen who served there continue to hold regular reunions, and Ray delighted in traveling and meeting with his fellow servicemen. Upon returning to the U.S. and civilian life, Ray was employed by IBM in Boston in the Customer Service division, starting as a Field Engineer, and retiring after 4x years as a ?Service Manager? His expertise and skill continued to be sought out, and he contracted his services as a ?Fiber Optic something-or-other? Ray retired in December 2006, and took up his battle with cancer in January 2007.
Ray married Laurie Jo Scribner on December 27, 1958, and together they raised 4 children. Their marriage ended in 1979. Eventually, Ray met Susan Kowalczik and they married on November 25, 1989. Ray and Sue divided their time between residences in Pembroke, Massachusetts (during the workweek) and Clinton, Maine (on weekends).
Ray loved to keep busy, and was perpetually active, whether working at his job or on a project at home, or bringing a lively and competitive spirit to his recreational pursuits, particularly golfing, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and gardening. He loved to travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C. on golfing excursions, and he and Sue were very happy to purchase a home at The Villages, where he looked forward to golfing, dining, and tooling around in a golf cart. Even while fighting cancer, he golfed, gardened and traveled to Florida when he was able.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife Sue; his 4 children and 5 grandchildren: David Nile and his wife Paula, of Stratton, Maine, and their daughter Emma; Wendy Nile Black and her husband Jeff, of Biddeford, and their sons Ian, Evan, and Sean; Michael Nile of -------------, Massachusetts; and Jonathan Nile of Nantucket, Massachusetts, and his son Sovann, of Oquossoc, Maine. In addition, he is survived by all of his 5 siblings: Donna Maine and her husband of Stratton, Maine; Richard Nile and his wife Carla of Mexico, Maine; Hazel Nile of Evergreen Manor in Farmington, Maine; Genevieve Dubois and her husband Carl of Clinton, Maine; and Bethany Redmond and her husband Marc/k of ------------, Maine. He also leaves behind 8 nieces and 4 nephews. [ Ray was predeceased by his parents and a stillborn daughter.]
A private graveside service is planned. There will be a Celebration of Life for all who knew and loved Ray, to be held soon. A date and place are being determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ray’s honor to:
The American Cancer Society
Or:
Disabled American Veterans
(these addresses need to be filled in)
*******Me again************
We have a service on Sunday and I'll be gone Sat. and Sun. to travel for it. So I might continue to post a bit unpredictably............
In the meantime, enjoy this YouTube video . (Get your hanky!) You can also view by clicking on any of the pictures in the video bar in the upper right.
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