Raymond William Gareau
December 03, 1926 - August 17, 2016
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Raymond William Gareau
December 03, 1926 - August 17, 2016
Obituary
Raymond William Gareau passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2016. He was born in Montreal, Canada, in 1926 and moved to New York City as a youngster where he attended the public school system prior to graduating from Mount Saint Michael Academy.
Raymond moved to Baltimore and began a life-long career in public transportation. He was blessed with two special daughters, Patricia Bradley and Susan Giroux, both of whom he held close to his heart throughout his long adventuresome life.
His career in transportation took him from the east coast and New England states to the mountain states and California, finally settling in on the Southcoast of Massachusetts for his final 20 years as owner and President of the Union Street Bus Company. In 2005, he moved to Bellingham, WA and spent his remaining years enjoying the Pacific Northwest with his wife of 40 years, Mary Pfluger Gareau.
All who were blessed with knowing Raymond will remember his unending zest for life and new experiences—his love of traveling, especially for many years by motor home and by boat. He was a good and supportive friend to many, and will be remembered for his enthusiasm and optimism by his many friends and loved ones.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 26th at 11am with a funeral service following at 11:30am at Moles Farewell Tributes (2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham). All are welcome to join afterwards for a reception.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice (2901 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225).
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: August 26, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
Visitation
- Date & Time: August 26, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes- Bellingham
- Location: 2465 Lakeway Dr Bellingham, WA 98229 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (360) -73-3-0510
24 responses to Raymond William Gareau
Sharron and Dale Messmann says:
August 17, 2016
Mary, your in my heart and prayers, we are going to miss Raymond so much.i am so glad we had the visit with you guys, send our love to the girls.Sharron and Dale❤️
Judy (Wunsch) Elsner says:
August 17, 2016
Oh, Oh, Oh……………I don’t what made me open email tonight. Maybe it was because I have been thinking of Ray and Mary this summer while at the shore and while going through lots of mom and dad’s pictures. What a friend Raymond was to my father! Looking back as an adult I came to realize that in so many ways his friendship “rescued” dad. Work, marriage, kids – I’m sure Raymond heard about it all and came up with the perfect smile and one-liner!!! His last special visit to Pennsylvania was a true gift from one man to another. Dad and Raymond accepted it as the last face-to-face meeting of “brothers”. I’ll never forget it and am so grateful.
I don’t have to tell you, Mary, that he was one-of-a-kind. Bruce and I are sorry that he is gone from your daily presence but know that he will never be gone from your life. Our heart-felt sympathy goes across the miles to you, to Susan and to Patty and the family.
My only hope is that God can handle the two of them !!!!!
Love and tears, Judy and Bruce
Cliff Watts Sr says:
August 17, 2016
Mary, Patty, and Sue, I was sadden to learn of Ray’s passing. I always remember with great fondness whenwe all moved from Maryland to Massachusetts back in the Eastern Mass RR days. My Mother and Father, Beulah
and Walter, always said that Ray made the transition from Maryland much more enjoyable. I will always remember
the fishing trip your Dad and I took down the Assonet river to Sakanonet Pt, RI. He made life a fun adventure.
He was a special person. I know that he had a big bowl of my mother’s crab soup awaiting him when he reached
heaven. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Cliff Watts Sr says:
August 17, 2016
Mary, Patty, and Sue, I was sadden to learn of Ray’s passing. I always remember with great fondness whenwe all moved from Maryland to Massachusetts back in the Eastern Mass RR days. My Mother and Father, Beulah
and Walter, always said that Ray made the transition from Maryland much more enjoyable. I will always remember
the fishing trip your Dad and I took down the Assonet river to Sakanonet Pt, RI. He made life a fun adventure.
He was a special person. I know that he had a big bowl of my mother’s crab soup awaiting him when he reached
heaven. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Mary Winterbottom says:
August 17, 2016
MaryMy deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Ray. He was one of the most intelligent and fun-loving guys I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I always knew when the two of you were at Joan & Ron’s house without even seeing your car in the driveway-the laughter was echoing through the neighborhood. My wish is that Ray is sharing a laugh with them again. All my love to you and his daughters, Mary