Raymond Elphege Gamache, 82, of New Bedford, died August 13, 2013 peacefully at his daughter's home surrounded by his children. Raymond was born November 18, 1930. He was the son of the late Cora (Grenon) and Elphege Gamache.
He was the widower of Amy (Belanger) Gamache having shared 52 years of marriage.
A lifelong resident of New Bedford, Ray graduated from New Bedford High School in 1949 and went on to become Owner and President of South Eastern Supply Company.
Ray loved spending time in the mountains of New Hampshire be it camping, skiing or hiking with his family. He especially enjoyed the view from the top of Mt. Lafayette and Bretton Woods.
He traveled extensively through Europe with his wife and never failed to make a new friend along the way.
Ray loved a good project and found joy helping his children work on their homes and always being the “general contractor.” He enjoyed being a spectator at his children’s, grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events.
Ray was loved and admired by not only his many friends but his children’s friends as well and his greatest joy was simply spending time with them all. Ray took special pride in the fact that all his children lived close by. He was a good, kind and gentle man and leaves a legacy of joy, happiness, friendship.
Ray is survived by his children Joanne Cabral and her husband Stephen and their children Stephanie, Julianne and Sarah; Jane Filipek and her husband David and their children Joshua and Shana; Mary Beth Gamache wife of the late John Gamache and their children Jake, Benjamin and Elizabeth; Lori Pettengill wife of the late Alden Pettengill and their children Molly, Zachariah, Frances and Nicholas; and David Gamache and his wife Leslie and their children Ellis, Grace, Charles and John.
He also leaves six great-grandchildren Luc, Max, Tyler, Reid, Sophia and Maya; his brother, Donald Gamache and his wife Jacqueline; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He taught us to be grateful and to always count our blessings.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Alden Pettengill Foundation at 43 Franklin Street, South Dartmouth, MA 02748, which helps fund ALS and cancer research and local families in need.
His Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 17th at 10 AM in St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, Dartmouth. Visiting hours Friday, August 16th from 4-8 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford.