BRYANT POND — Raymond S. Melanson, 61, of Bryant Pond, died Saturday, Sept. 22, in his home, surrounded by his family, following injuries sustained in a motorcycling accident on Sept. 3.

Ray was born in Portland, the eldest son of Raymond and Pauline Melanson. He attended Portland schools and was an excellent athlete, playing baseball and running cross-country, while he began his flooring profession in the family business. Following his graduation from Portland High school, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and trained at Parris Island, N.C. He married his love, Carol Bishop and together they had two sons, Eric and Timothy, settling in Bar Mills.

From an early age, Ray showed a strong work ethic and a talent for flooring, learning the trade from his father, Ray Melanson. He attended the Armstrong Trade School in Lancaster, Pa., earning his certification as a flooring mechanic and eventually started his own flooring business. His reputation for quality work and excellent business sense made him a highly sought after flooring contractor. After their sons graduated high school, Ray and Carol relocated to Bryant Pond, where his reputation followed him, contracting many upscale projects in the growing vacation destination of Bethel.

In Ray’s spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors year round with family and friends. He lived to ski, making numerous trips out west to the Rocky Mountains while being a regular at Sunday River, skiing competitively in a men’s alpine league. He particularly loved the mountains of Utah. During the winter, when he wasn’t working or skiing, he enjoyed taking trips on his snowmobile.

Summertime for Ray meant fishing and motorcycle riding. He and Carol enjoyed long trips on the bike. Ray was also an avid bass fisherman, he loved tournament fishing. Ray more often than not did well, thanks to his competitive nature and willingness to get on the water early and stay out late.

Ray lived life to the fullest extent and had a larger than life personality. He was a gourmet cook and an entertaining, gracious host. His annual Christmas celebrations were legendary, when he and Carol opened their home to their large extended family and many friends. Ray always made a perfect Santa while sharking everybody at pool and darts. His honest smile and hearty laugh were contagious.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of Bryant Pond; their son, Eric and his wife, Stacie, of Albany Township; their son, Tim of Bryant Pond; his four grandchildren, Kaleb, Celia, Lidia and Audra; his mother, Pauline of North Yarmouth; brothers, Peter Melanson of Yarmouth and Philip Melanson of Portland; sisters, Carol Tedford of Westbrook, Gloria Brown of North Yarmouth, Rosemary Patterson of Winslow and Donna Melanson of Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was predeceased by his father, Raymond J. Melanson.

We will all miss him very much.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.