1951 – 2016

LISBON FALLS — Raymond G. “Zip” Mathieu, 65, died at home on Monday, Feb. 22, with his daughter and former wife and “true best friend” by his side, after battling sickness for seven years.

Born in Lewiston to Fernand and Rita (Fournier) Mathieu on Feb. 21, 1951, he was educated in Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High in 1969.

He graduated from Husson College in Bangor with a business degree in 1975. He was a member of Kappa Delta Pi fraternity and enjoyed his time with his brothers, which continued on throughout his life.

He married the former Barbara Colello on Sept. 6, 1974. Ray was in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1971. Through the Navy, he was able to visit many countries. Ray was a gifted car salesman and sales manager while working for the Lee Group beginning in 1979 to 1986. He went on to own and run Motorworks Auto Sales for 10 years. He continued his salesman career working at Lee Topsham Toyota before retiring from the car business and then went to work for Coastal Metal Fab in Topsham as a sales manager from 2001 to 2008.

Ray was also a registered Maine guide and took many people fishing and hunting. He was proud of his title and loved his trips with clients and friends.

Ray loved to play hockey while growing up, loved to sing, doing karaoke and with his guitar, doing magic tricks to entertain friends, fishing and hunting, skiing, and he loved cooking for himself and others. He will be remembered by all as an entertainer, for his cooking skills, card tricks, and his great sense of humor. He knew how to make a deal and close a deal.

Ray loved his daughter, Jessica; his granddog, Riley; and remained friends with his former wife until he passed away.

Survivors include a daughter, Jessica Mathieu of Lewiston; former wife/longtime friend, Barbara Mathieu of Litchfield; a sister, Suzanne and husband, Allan Turgeon, of Auburn; two brothers, Richard Mathieu and wife, Patricia, of Rhode Island and Robert Mathieu and wife, Linda, of Lewiston; many nieces and nephews; and the granddog, Riley, who kept him company in his final days.

He was predeceased by his mother, Rita T. Mathieu in 2014; and his father, Fernand R. Mathieu in 2012.

Your continued prayers will be greatly appreciated by his family. Thank-you to the staff at Androscoggin Home Hospice, especially Holly, Melissa, Megan and Angela, for their support, comfort and loving care while he was at home.

Online condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed at www.lynchbrothers.com.