AUBURN — Ray N. Garza, 79, of Clinton, the most amazing Dad and Grampy, went to heaven on Aug. 26, to be with God and rejoin our Mom. Dad passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

He was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to the late William Garza and Nora Luna. In 1959, he and his late wife, Brenda, moved to Maine to start their family, building a home and settling in Oxford.

Our Dad worked for many years at Cornwall Industries, and retired from Seltzer and Rydholm in 1995.

Dad enjoyed family vacations, fishing, hunting, playing cards and visiting the casino, he also had a love for animals and their well-being.

Our Father’s greatest joy and passion in life was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, family was truly the essence of his life.

He is survived by his children, daughters, Erlene LeBorgne and her husband, David, of Windham, Carlene Barnies and her husband, Peter, of Auburn, Sherry Collins and her husband, Brent, of Clinton; sons, Corey Garza and his wife, Beth, of Buckfield, James Garza and his wife, Phyllis, of Staunton, Va., and Ray Garza of Mia, La.; grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy and Lacey Barnies, Ryan Dufour, Ashley, Amanda, Alana and Aaron Garza, and Katlyn, Garrett and Shane Collins; great-grandchildren, Kayley Jones (his little girl) and Alex Dufour (his little Alejandro); and loving significant other, Helen Taylor of Madison.

He was predeceased by his wife, Brenda Garza in 1994; and his mother and father.

Thank you to the staff at Marshwood Center, especially the team on Elliot

House for taking such good care of our Dad; and the Androscoggin Hospice House for the support given to our family, and the comfort and caring compassion shown to our Dad on the last days of his journey.

Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralalternatives.net.