Raymond B. Small

PARKMAN / CANAAN – Raymond B. Small, 61, passed away unexpectedly April 13, 2025, at the farm. He was born Oct. 9, 1963, in Pittsfield, the son of Wayne G. and Violet Marie (Patterson) Small.

He always said, “I work hard, and I play hard.” It was true. He grew up on the family poultry farm in Palmyra, where everyone worked hard and developed a good work ethic. After high school, he began his own cement business with a crew of friends and family. The job site may have seen a few good times, but the job always got done.

Ray spent most of his life behind the wheel of a big rig. He spent years working for Hartt Transportation, PTS driving team across the country and locally with Estes. When he wasn’t hooked to a trailer, he had a plow dropped. Raymond served as Road Commissioner and Fire Chief for the Town of Canaan for many years. With the help of his department and auxiliary members, he led them from being known as the basement savers to a department you could count on. Once on the farm, he’d still jump in a plow truck and help with the roads of Parkman. Ray has also been a proud member of the Mason’s since 1996.

When he wasn’t “at work” you could find him starting a new home improvement project before he had finished the last one. When you showed up, he always had a cold one ready and it was break time. He was the epitome of a small-town man. It never mattered what town he was living in, everyone at the town store knew his name, he knew theirs, and they knew he wanted a pack of Marlboro Lights, soft pack. He was always there for his friends and family, (even if he was a little late). He was the type of guy that would stand up in the middle of dinner to respond to a fire tone, make sure the widow down the street had enough gas for her lawn mower, work all night driving truck, and get up early in the morning to haul Rachel across the state to spend the day at the race track with no sleep or make sure he got home in time to make it to Erica’s basketball game. In the rare moments he wasn’t working or on break, he enjoyed spending time with his many friends around a fire, with his wife, Bonny, at Bull Dog Camps in Jackman or eating a piece of steak with anyone who would join him.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Bonny (Luce) Small; daughters Rachel Small and Erica Small Cole, stepdaughter, Elizabeth Martin and husband, Scott; grandchildren, Rae Corson, Sariah Martin, Aris Thompson, and Eizley Martin; brothers Allen Small and wife, Patti, and Dorian Small and significant other, Jenny, sister, Carol Davis and significant other, Bill; several nieces, nephews; cousins; aunts and uncles; and his giant tribe of close friends.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Fred Small; and several other very close friends he cherished.

There will be a celebration of life held at the Carrabassett Masonic Hall, Oak Pond Road, Canaan, 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 28. Arrangements are in the care of the Lary Funeral Home. Messages of condolence and memories may be expressed at http://www.laryfuneralhome.com