Charles “Chuck” Raymond
BRUNSWICK – Charles “Chuck” Raymond, 93, of Brunswick, passed away on Feb. 22, 2023 following a sudden illness.
Chuck was born on Nov. 21, 1929, in Portland. He graduated from the local high school and upon graduation, did an apprenticeship to become a Press Operator. He then entered the Marine Corps, which he served in for two years. Upon his honorable discharge in 1952, he returned to Maine, where he married the love of his life, Barbara “Barbie” Wilkes on Oct. 25, 1954. They moved to Bolton, Conn. a few years later where Chuck embarked on his printing career working for Finley Brothers in Hartford from 1957 to 1974. It was also in Connecticut that Chuck and Barbie adopted their only daughter, Linda. In 1974, the family moved back to Maine settling in Denmark, where Chuck spent an additional 23 years as a Press Operator for Cardinal Printing, retiring after 50 years in the printing business in 1997. During 12 of those years, Chuck and Barbie also ran a greenhouse from their home in Denmark, where they were best known for their gorgeous hanging begonias. Not to be idle after his retirement from Cardinal Printing, Chuck finished out his career working a few more years at Minuteman Press in North Conway, NH.
In 2005, six years after his wife had passed, Chuck moved to Brunswick to be closer to his daughter and family. He resided there until January of 2022, at which time he suffered a stroke that required rehabilitation. For the last year, Chuck had been at the Springbrook Center in Westbrook until the time of his passing.
Chuck had a quick wit, loved history, card and word games, scratch tickets (he was very lucky), cribbage, and undoubtedly had a green thumb that was unmatched by many. His family and friends were extremely important to him, and he would do anything for those in need. He enjoyed holidays, Sebago Lake, a good meal and a strong cup of coffee.
Chuck was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Varney, stepfather Henry Varney; and his wife Barbara Raymond. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Linda Bonnar-Ivery and David Ivery; his beloved grandson Kellen Bonnar; great grandson August; and step-grandson Nicholas Osborne; as well as two nephews and several cousins. He was especially close to his nephew Scott Wilkes, who visited him weekly, his favorite coffee buddy Patrick Bonnar, and friends Jacky MacFarlane, Annie Beckwith, Laura Anderson, Betty Banks, and godson Dana Banks. He will be sorely missed by these people and so many more.
The family would like to thank the staff at Springbrook Center for the care they gave Chuck over the last year, and those at Maine Medical Center who helped to comfort him in his final hours.
A service and celebration of life will be held in the spring, Chuck’s favorite time of year, with arrangements made through David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home. A notice with details of this celebration will be made available closer to the time.
To share your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit http://www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to:
Denmark Public Library
P.O Box 50
Denmark, ME 04022
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