MEREDITH, NH---Raymond Burton Wyss, 89, of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, and previously of Foster, Rhode Island, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at the Golden View Health Center in Meredith, NH.
Ray was born on April 29, 1930 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the youngest son of Hermann and Stefany (Tyszkiewicz) Wyss. Raised in Warwick, Rhode Island he graduated as Class President from Lockwood High School. In those days Ray was an Eagle Scout and Life Guard on Gorton's Pond.
Working as a commercial shell fisherman on Narragansett Bay for 40 years, he was well known across the bay as “The King".
In his 30s he became a 32nd degree Mason. Ray kept his family active by taking them skiing, skating and hiking. This led him to being a member of the National Ski Patrol. Ray was an avid hunter his whole life and had a passion for salt water fishing. He enjoyed all sports, especially hockey. Ray and his beloved wife Ruth, were known to fly their own plane to different locations just for lunch.
Devout in his faith, he was involved with his church communities. While living in Rhode Island, he was active in the Summit Baptist Church. When he moved to New Hampshire, he continued his faith with the Gilmanton Community Church, where he was known for “Making the Donuts” at the Dump Run Cafe.
Ray was married to the love of his life, Ruth M. (Haswell) Wyss, for 36 years until she passed away in 1983. Ray was also predeceased by their eldest daughter, Eileen Ferrance of Iowa. He is survived by two other daughters: Deborah Went and husband Richard, of Rhode Island; and Cynthia Hilliard and husband Paul, of New Hampshire. He also leaves behind 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
After losing Ruth, Ray reconnected with a classmate from Warwick, RI, Carline (Johnson) Kallgren. They enjoyed 35 years of loving companionship. They spent time volunteering at their church, and traveling the country visiting friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gilmanton Community Church, 497 Province Road, Gilmanton, NH at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 9, 2019.
All are welcome for his burial at 11:00 AM, July 20, 2019, at the Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, 6365 Post Road, North Kingstown, RI. This will be followed at 12:30 PM with a Celebration of Life and collation at the Summit Baptist Church, 1176 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI.
In lieu of flowers please make a contribution, in Ray's name, to either Summit Baptist Church, 1176 Victory Highway, Coventry, RI 02827; or the Gilmanton Community Church, PO Box 16, Gilmanton, NH 03237.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.