1927 – 2014

LISBON — Raymond J. Audet, 86, formerly of 44 Russell St. in Lewiston, died Sunday, June 1, at The Lamp Residential Care Facility, with his family at his side.

Born in St. Camille de Bellechase, Quebec, son of the late Joseph and Elda Boutin Audet, he was educated at St. Mary’s School as a youth and received his GED from Lewiston High School on Aug. 8, 1986. Raymond was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

He worked as a weaver at Bates Manufacturing Co., for 40-plus years, prior to his retirement around 1985. Raymond was the caretaker of the family home/historical landmark, “The Holland House,” as well as caring for his parents, an uncle and his youngest brother.

He enjoyed having family and friends to his home and always made them feel welcome. Having the family reunions at his home brought him great joy. Raymond managed to stay in touch with everyone and keep the family connected. He would visit relatives in Canada, North Carolina, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

In the early 1990s, Raymond started jogging! Jogging here, jogging there. People from the Lewiston-Auburn area would always say, “There goes that running man. I see him running all the time!” If Ray wasn’t running, you could always find him working around his house and in his gardens that he was so proud of. Sounding horns and waves as cars passed him while working outside were a common occurrence. His hand would just go up and wave, without skipping a beat in his chores!

Ray is survived by 21 nephews and nieces, and loved them all very much: Raymond Audet, Virginia Dunton, Lorraine Purdy, Carolyn Bosely, Kay Pierson, Fay Sherrick, Beatrice King, Rhoda Audet, Leonard Audet, Daniel Audet, Robert Burke, Marguerite Rodrigue, Lillian Burke, Constance Goding, Ronald Burke, Michael Burke, Rick Burke, Bobby Gildea, Louise Vye, Louise Ouellette Quirion and Michelle Bourque, and their spouses and children; and special friends, Don Gaudreau, Ray Whitehouse and Ken Sprague.

He has left a legacy of a kind and giving spirit and will remain lovingly in our hearts forever as “Mon Oncle Pate.”

He was predeceased by his mother and father; four brothers, Philip, Roland, Joseph and Claude; five sisters, Bernadette, Marie, Noella, Florence and Lilianne; one niece, Arline; and three nephews, Armand, Lyle and Harold.

The family wishes to thank the truly wonderful and special caregivers at The Lamp, who could always make him smile.

Online condolences at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com.