Raymond A. “Ray” Auclair, 77, of Woonsocket died Monday February 10, 2020 at Landmark Medical Center surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Doris C. (Carpentier) Auclair. They were married on March 14, 1961.
Born and raised in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Rene and Lucille (Barras) Auclair. He lived in Woonsocket for most of his life and also resided in Albion and Manville for several years.
Ray was employed in the construction industry as a heavy equipment operator. He worked for several firms in the area including Forte Brothers and Cardi Corporation. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
Ray was a born handyman. Working with his hands was ingrained into the nature of Ray’s being. Ray was a one-man home improvement and landscaping company. Ray could put Bob Vila to shame! You name it, Ray could tackle it. From remolding an entire house to building porches and decks and then pouring walkways there wasn’t much beyond Ray’s capability and expertise. As for landscaping, Ray could take a neglected patch of earth and turn it into a magazine-worthy showpiece complete with manicured lawn and magnificent garden.
Ray’s ability with his hands extended to his mechanical aptitude for fixing cars and motorcycles. Ray was an avid motorcyclist and loved to experience a beautiful day on his bike. Ray rooted for the New England sports teams and enjoyed winters in Florida where he and his son managed to flip a house in their “spare time”.
An outgoing and friendly gentleman, Ray was the first to help anyone in need he came across. Ray had the ability to connect with people and form quick bonds of friendship through his upbeat and cheerful approach to life. Ever the “ladies man” Ray even managed to charm the nurses who cared for him. Above all else Ray’s most treasured time was when he was with his family. They will always be the center of Ray’s universe.
In addition to his wife of nearly 59 years Ray is survived by two sons Raymond B. Auclair and his late wife Christie Lee Auclair (who passed away in 1996), and Russell A. Auclair and his wife Jill, and a daughter Debbie Kerrigan and her husband Sean all of Woonsocket. He was the brother of the late Robert, Rene and Roger Auclair and Jacqueline Gallant. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
His funeral will be Friday Feb. 21st at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Precious Blood Church, Carrington Ave. Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Bellingham. Visiting hours are Thursday from 4-8 pm.
www.menardfuneralhome.com