GARDINER – Raymond L. Lausier, 99, of Gardiner, died Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 at MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and LTC at Glenridge in Augusta with his family by his side from complications of COVID-19.

He was born in Augusta on Nov. 5, 1921, the son of Leo N. and Nellie (Poulin) Lausier. Raymond graduated from Cony High School in the class of 1942. On August 25, 1942, he enlisted in United States Army Air Forces. Raymond served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, stationed on the Island of Saipan in the Central Pacific and flew many missions to the Carolines, Palaus and Iwo Jima Islands for which he was awarded four battle stars. He was discharged on Dec. 17, 1945, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He was employed in the Finance Division, at the Veterans Administration, Togus, as an Analyst for 32 years. He retired March 12, 1977.

Ray was a devoted caregiver to his French-Canadian family on Sand Hill, assisting his mother, aunts, uncles and his first wife at the end of their lives. This compassionate care continued when in his late nineties he became the primary caregiver for his beloved wife, Marlene.

Raymond was an avid golfer and played with the popular Senior Skins group at Natanis Golf Course. During his golf career, he had six holes-in-ones; three of them on number 12 Arrowhead. During the winter he enjoyed playing pool with fellow club members at Le Club Calumet.

He was a life member of Le Club Calumet and past President of the Calumet Education Foundation. Raymond was a Parishioner at St. Augustine Catholic Church, in Augusta and since 2003 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Gardiner.

He was predeceased by his parents; first wife, Solange V. Fontaine, died in February 12, 1985, and a sister, Madeleine, brother-in-law’s, Ronald Bailey and wife Betty and Phillip Bailey.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Marlene W. (Bailey) Lausier; seven stepchildren, Thomas Wood, Farmingdale and his child, Jennifer Wood and partner Rodolfo Hernandez and their children Trent and Jayden, Kissimmee, Fla., Tina Wood and husband Robert Kus of Gardiner and their children Evan Kus, Dover, NH and Til Kus, Philadelphia, Pa., Dr. Robert N. Fontaine, PHD, Colette Gararneau and husband Michael, of Pittston, Larry Fontaine, Paul Fontaine and wife Darlene, and Anne Fontaine, all of San Francisco; sister-in-law Nancy Bailey, of Winthrop Center, and brother-in-law, Dennis Bailey and wife Rose, of Englewood, Fla.; several nephews, nieces and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbors who made it possible for Ray to live independently up to his 99th year in his home with dignity. Thank you to MaineGeneral Home Care and Hospice with special thanks to Erin, Shula, Nicole and Bill. We also extend our deep appreciation to the staff at Glenridge for their compassionate care in Ray’s last month of life.

We will always remember Ray’s simple and insightful words, “Do your best each day.”

To read more about Ray’s life story click on this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rvgT024q1FSQvXrkbzP311o1Qmjx4PbkrX4QUnOo058/edit?usp=drivesdk

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 17, at 11 a.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Gardiner. Following the guidelines set forth by the State of Maine and the CDC face masks and social distancing will be required.

A Spring burial with full military honors will be at the Old Maine Veterans’ Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website: http://www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com

Donations in Raymond’s memory may be made to:

Calumet Education Foundation

P.O. Box 2085

Augusta, ME 04330 or to:

an Institution of your choice

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