PORTLAND – W. Bradford Raymond, 72, of Norway, died peacefully Thursday, June 9, at Maine Medical Center with all his family by his side.

He was born in Norway, Feb. 19, 1933, the son of John W. and Constance S. Raymond. He graduated from Norway High School in the Class of 1952 where he excelled in skiing and football. He attended Boston University, studying aeronautical engineering.

He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1953, where he faithfully served his country and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant.

He married the former Carol Ann Hall on March 4, 1956.

After returning from the service, he attended New England Institute of Mortuary Science in Boston and graduated cum laude in 1958.

They returned to Norway where he joined his father in the funeral business. In the next 30 years, he successfully built the business to one of the largest in Maine. When he retired in 1988, he was the sole owner of seven funeral homes, Norway, South Paris, Mechanic Falls, Bridgton, South Woodstock, Bethel and Buckfield, serving the families of 25 communities. He sold the funeral business to his son Jeffrey and his partner, Stephen Wentworth.

He was a former selectman for the town of Norway. He was a member and had been treasurer for several years at the Second Congregational Church in Norway. A former Junior Chamber of Commerce member, also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Norway-Paris Kiwanis Club, the Scottish Rite, Kora Temple Shrine in Lewiston, Oxford Lodge 18 AF & AM, and the Weary Club of Norway where he was past-president. He was a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Maine Funeral Directors Association where he served on the board. He was still president of Norway Pine Grove Cemetery Association and was on the board of directors and consultant for Lake View Cemetery Association. He belonged to the Sky Streaker Radio Controlled Airplane Club in Auburn, where he was very active for many years. He became very proficient and was a flight instructor.

He was a man of all seasons, skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing and boating. He was an avid golfer and member of Norway Country Club for many years. He was very proud to be a Charter member of the Patch Mountain Boys. Brad and Carol Ann spent 20 wonderful winters in New Smyrna Beach, Fla., where they enjoyed wonderful friends and loads of good times. He especially loved boating on the intercoastal every Wednesday. He loved birds, flowers, and his animals – especially his dog, Max and his kitty, Missy. He was a legend in his own time. He attended the Daytona 500 for more than 35 years and was a Patriots fan. He also enjoyed restoring antique automobiles, especially his 1934 five-window Ford Coupe. The most important aspect of Brad’s life was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol Ann of Norway; his father-in-law, G. Freeman Hall of Norway; daughter, Audrey and significant other, Anthony Criscitelli; granddaughter, Coralee Foster of Mechanic Falls; daughter, Stacey and her fianc, Gerry Dresser; grandchildren, Danielle Richards, Devon Richards and his fiance, Kelly Bruneau, of Harrison; son, Jeffrey and his wife, Lorri Grassi Raymond, of Harrison, and Tyler Raymond of Portland; several cousins; and Godson, Harry Buote of Norway.

He was predeceased by his father and mother; and his mother-in-law, Virginia H. Hall.