Obituary of Ray C. Newman

Dr. Ray C. Newman, 89, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2013. He was born in Ithaca, New York, February 22, 1924. Dr. Newman obtained his early education in Ithaca where he graduated from Ithaca High School in 1942; from Cornell Veterinary College in 1947. Doc went on active military duty in 1944 as a mule skinner at Fort Riley, Kansas in the 129th Calvary. He received his commission at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1945 and was discharged as a Field Artillery officer in 1946. Doc then returned to Cornell University graduating in 1947 with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation Doc moved to Windsor, Vermont to work with the local veterinarian. It was there he met his wife Joy. They married and moved to Augusta ,Maine where he worked as the State Veterinarian. In 1949 he and Joy established the Island Falls Veterinary Hospital. A lifelong member of the Masonic fraternity, he was a member and Past Master of Mechanics Lodge No. 206, AF & AM in Island Falls. He was a member of the Anah Shrine Temple in Bangor; York Rite and Scottish Rite Bodies. Obtaining the 32 Degree of the Scottish Rite. High Priest in the Daniel Randolph Chapter #65 and Past District Deputy of the 24th Masonic District. Doc was actively involved in numerous community activities; President and founding member of the Maine Mountain Ski Association, Chairman and member of the Island Falls School Board, President of the Fish and Game Club, Whittier Congregational Church Deacon and Town Moderator. Within his profession, he served as Chairman of the State Board of Examiners, President of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association and President of the New England Veterinary Medical Association. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Joy S. Newman; his parents Ray C. Newman and Edna Beech Newman, brother Gerald Newman and sister Betty De Wolfe. He is survived by his daughter Candace Newman Rupley and her husband Theodore , Sandra Newman, Darcy Newman and Heather Newman and her husband George; his grandchildren, Mea , Kara, Chelsey, Gretchen, Nicholas, Paige and Colin; great grandchildren, Hannah, Willow and Leo. Those who wish to remember “Doc” in a special way may make a donation in his memory to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital Boston. A direct link to their site is available: www.shrinershospitalboston.org A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 11 am, Bowers Funeral Home in Island Falls, ME. Interment service will be held in August. On-line condolences may be offered to the family at www.ripostafh.com.