Raymond Willard Boushie, 83

Raymond Willard Boushie, 83, of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, passed away on December 13, 2023. Born on March 15, 1940, in Tupper Lake, Ray was a beloved husband, father, and brother.

Ray grew up in Tupper Lake and attended Tupper Lake Central High School where he starred on the men’s basketball and football teams, as well as track and field. In 1978, the school invited him to give the commencement address and awarded him the school’s first Distinguished Alumni Award; an award he cherished.

Ray was a caring, thoughtful, and intelligent individual who touched the lives of many. He had a great sense of humor and was well known for his compassion and hard-working nature in all aspects of his life. Dedicated and competitive, Ray always strove to be the best version of himself throughout his life. A prolific writer, he often took the time to reflect on the world around him and put his thoughts to paper.

His time at Colgate University shaped him as a young man. Ray was the first in his family to go to college and, being a tireless worker, he held down several jobs throughout his collegiate career to pay for his education. An excellent athlete, he also played varsity football, basketball, and ran track all 4 years at school.

After graduating from Colgate University in 1961, Ray began his journey in sales and marketing with Reynolds Metals, serving the New York and New Jersey markets. It was the beginning of what would become an impressive 40+ career in the growing field of aerospace and technology.

Recognizing his potential, Alloys Unlimited hired him as vice president in 1965. Ray was a key member of the team when Alloys Unlimited was acquired by Plessey Ltd., one of the UK's largest electronic manufacturers, in 1970. Plessey named him president at 27 years old to one of Alloys’ most important divisions.

In 1973, Ray made a life-changing career move and joined Arkwin Industries in Westbury, N.Y., as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. His dedication and expertise led him to become the president of the company in 1981.

Under his leadership, Arkwin Industries became one of the fastest-growing companies in the aerospace industry. After accomplishing everything he could at Arkwin, Ray and his first wife, Odette moved to California to embark on a new chapter.

In 1989, Ray joined Vickers, Inc. as Vice President/General Manager of their Sterer Division. He successfully orchestrated a complete cultural and operational turnaround of this new acquisition for the company. His remarkable people and business skills shone brightly during his tenure at Vickers, Inc.

Ray’s track record of success was most demonstrated during his final position before retirement. In 1994 he was tapped by then CEO of Crane Co., Shell Evans, to become president of Crane's Hydro-Aire Division and their numerous subsidiaries across the US. until his retirement in 2005. During his time at Crane Co., Ray recruited amazing talent, improved efficiencies, and helped oversee tremendous growth and profitability.

Ray remained active in his later years by serving on several boards of directors and enjoying golf with friends and family across the United States. One of Ray's favorite trips each year was his annual Father-Son & Son-In-Law Golf Trip where he and his boys enjoyed golf and adventure. A long-time member of The Plantation Golf Club, Ray served in several leadership roles, including a stint as chairman of the board.

He and his wife, Mary Ellen loved traveling across the country and around the world to visit family and enjoy reunions with those they love.

Raymond Willard Boushie is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen Boushie, and his children Allan Boushie, Joanne DiPaulo (Mike), and Brian Boushie (Jennifer) and grandchildren, Meg, Will, Emma, Kayla and Matthew. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy DeGrace (Butch) and Janet Davies (Jim), as well as his half-brothers David and McGee. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Willard Boushie, mother, Frances Boushie, first wife, Odette Boushie, and sister, Joanne Lanthier.

A Celebration of Life is planned for early 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, as well as in Upstate New York in the summer of 2024.

May Raymond Willard Boushie rest in eternal peace, leaving behind cherished memories in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville in Raymond's memory. https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC or Mail to:

Department of Development
Mayo Clinic
200 First St. SW
Rochester, MN 55905