GARDINER – Raymond L. Perkins, 85, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

He was born in Gardiner on Oct. 27, 1937, to Roland and Ethel Perkins.

Ray graduated from Gardiner area schools and immediately joined the U.S. Air Force where he served from Jan. 4, 1956 to July 3, 1960. During his service in England, he met Margaret “Maggie” Mahon whom he married on April 8, 1961.

Ray retired early from Sears, Roebuck and Co. in Augusta to establish R & M Catering Service with his wife, Maggie. Ray loved to cook and was famous for his chicken wings and lobster stew. Try as we might, we’ve been unable to duplicate the deliciousness.

Ray created a childhood of adventure and memories for his family. There were mystery trips to places like Storyland and Washington, D.C., homemade ice rinks and igloos in the backyard and a trapeze connected to a beam in the barn. He was an avid fisherman and spent many hours fishing from the shore of Fort Popham Beach with his daughters in tow. From camping at Head Beach in Phippsburg to cabin rentals on Sheepscot Lake in Palermo, Ray kept his family near the water every summer.

We are so incredibly grateful for the joy and wonder we experienced as children because of our Dad and will remember him fondly with every smell of the ocean and every call of a loon.

Ray was predeceased by his brother, William “Billy” Perkins and his son-in-law, Christopher Condon. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Perkins; his two daughters, Susanne Mansir and Carolyn Condon and her partner, Tieche Shelton III; three grandchildren, Robert Condon and his wife, Katie, Kelsie Sue Condon and Richard Mansir and his wife, Gina LoMonaco; three great grandchildren, Richard “Ricky” Mansir, Christopher Condon and Reid Condon.

Ray’s family would like to convey very special thanks to the staff at Bedside Manor in Oakland for their kind and compassionate care during his stay.

Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared with the family at http://www.staplesfuneralhome.com.

Memorial donations may be made to Androscoggin Hospice, 236 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME 04210 or Kennebec Valley Humane Society, 10 Pethaven Lane, Augusta, ME 04330.

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