Uncle Ray
My mother’s 4th of 6 brothers and I was his 1st niece when he was 5 years old. So we grew up together when I visited Gramma Nydam’s with my mother or on his many visits to my family home on Fay Mountain Road. He enjoyed our farm, playing in the barn and exploring the fields and woods. He later helped my father bring in hay in the summer.
I remember one summer when he visited often. Susie Putnam, my neighbor and lifelong friend and I were constantly together enjoying the summer exploring the ponds in search of frogs. Ray gave us the nickname “Susie and Susie playing in the Mud Puddles.”
I also remember times at Gramma Nydams as we grew up together. Climbing the big tree in the yard, getting candy as the G & U train went by, exploring the woods and searching the dump for treasures, enjoying the company of Grampa Orff—with Uncle Ray, Ronnie, Paul, and my sister Barbara.
At a young age Ray got a job as a Paper Boy and he quickly built a large route which covered most of Upton were he peddled his bike to make his deliveries. With the money he earned he loved buying gifts for his family including my sister and I. One reason why he became my favorite Uncle!
He also enjoyed helping his mother and one of his talents was cooking. I will never forget his Brownies…YUMMY
The Red Corvette, Rays saved for and treasured that car. What fun when he took us for a ride! We were Cool Kids as our Uncle took us for a ride in that Awesome Car…
A few years later he asked Susie Putnam out on a date and she became my Aunt as well as my friend. Uncle Ray traded his Red Corvette in for a Cute Red Head….
My husband Bill and I got married in 1962 and moved back to Fay Mountain road in 1965. Ray and Susie made their home on Merriam Road and we were family, neighbors and friends through all these years…..
So many shared memories of our children and Grandchildren, neighbors and friends. Holidays, Weddings and Funerals shared together. Laughter, Tears, Love and Respect…
Many are focused on Lazy Acres Farm, Ray and Susie’s creation and a well earned source of pride for them. It was not only a great place to stop and get fresh from the farm produce it was also the best place to stop and have a Coffee or Soda and visit with Ray, Susie, family, friends, neighbors etc. Ray very seldom sat long because he had work to do but the time together is a Treasure.
Uncle Ray I will miss you till we are together again! Hug our shared Love ones for me!
Your Niece--Susanne
