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Obituary for Bernard Eugene Raynes

Bernard Eugene  Raynes
OWLS HEAD – Bernard E. Raynes, 81, set sail one last time to sail Home to be with his Heavenly Father, Friday, July 12, 2013 surrounded by his loving family, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Born on Vinalhaven, July 4, 1932, he was the son of Alton and Irene LeBlanc Raynes. Growing up in Owls Head, he was educated locally, and was a 1951 graduate of Rockland High School.
Bernard served in the Merchant Marines until being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served four years in the European Theater after World War II. While working for the Navy testing sonar buoys in South Bristol, Bernard was involved in a successful rescue mission of a pilot and crew of a downed P3 Orion from Brunsiwck Naval Air Station.
Shortly after his discharged from the Army, he enrolled in Diesel Engineering school in Chicago, Illinois.
On November 11, 1956, Bernard married Eleanor Daniels in Rockland. Together they raised four daughters and have made their home in Owls Head for most of their married life.
A communicant of St. Bernard's Catholic Church he served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years, and was involved in the Knights of Columbus. He served as Grand Knight and Faithful Navigator, 4th Degree. He was on the board of directors of the Stella Maris Corporation while the building was under construction.
Bernard loved the water, and being on the sea. He was an active member of the Rockland Red Jacket Sea Scouts, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was also involved with the Camden Handicapped Association.
An avid wood worker and boat builder, he loved building small model boats, and building and repairing wooden boats. In 1976 he built his own 58' fishing dragger, the F/V Irene Alton, which he operated up until his declining health forced him ashore. He also took great pleasure in diving and working on schooners. Bernard and his work have been featured in New York Times, Country Living Magazine, Maine Boats and Harbors and the Fishermen's Voice.
Bernard had a zest for life, and especially loved his family and spending time with them. He thoroughly enjoyed being able to host annual summer boat trips with 50 or more people aboard his boat.
In more recent years Bernard has enjoyed doing puzzles with his daughter Denise.
For more than 19 years Bernard has endured dialysis treatments at the Damariscotta Unit. His family said that although his journey was plagued with rough seas, ultimately the Lord called him Home to calm waters. They said he enjoyed the care and support he received from the wonderful nurses and doctors at the unit.
His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.
Bernard is survived by his wife of 57 years , Eleanor Raynes of Owls Head; his daughters, Deanna LaCombe and her husband Bryan of Lincolnville, Dawn Heuser and her husband Stephen of Memphis, TN, Delisa Morong and her husband Chris of Camden, Denise Raynes of Owls Head; six grandchildren, Airika LaCombe Rucevice and her husband Eric, Brenton LaCombe, Olivia Heuser, Lilly Heuser, Joshua Morong, Dylan Morong; he was proud to have been blessed with his first great-grandchild Leiken Rucevice born April 1; his sisters, Sylvia Raynes Couture and her husband Alden of Candia, NH, Patrica Raynes Elliott of Gray; a special aunt Betty Hoban of Marlboro, MA; and several nieces and nephews.
Bernard’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to their dear friends, Donald Williams and Steve Dow for their selfless acts of kindness. Their constant assistance driving Bernard to dialysis treatments was truly a God send for the family.
Family and friends are invited to visit from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway, Rockland. Family friend, The Reverend Edward McCarthy will officiate. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, the funeral home's reception facility. Interment will take place at Mt. View Cemetery, Camden.
In liue of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Navigators Special Olympic Team, c/o Coastal Opportunities, P.O. Box 637, Camden, Maine 04843, or Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, 7 Union Street, Camden, ME 04843.

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