Raymond E. Washburn

Raymond E. Washburn

Plainfield-Raymond E. Washburn, 88, passed away peacefully, at his home on Sunday, August 27, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

Ray was born in Brookfield, on August 16, 1935, the son of the late Allen and Grace Jones Washburn.  Ray was raised in Bridgewater and was a graduate of Bridgewater High School.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Republic of Korea.  On June 8, 1957, at the West Edmeston Baptist Church, Ray married Janet E. Schrag.  Their loving union lasted 63 years, until Janet’s passing in 2020.   Following the marriage, Ray and Janet took up residence on the farm Ray had purchased years before and set about fixing it up and calling it home.  They raised their cherished three children on the farm.  Ray was a knowledgeable carpenter.  He spent his entire working career in the trade and was known for his craftsmanship; he taught his son and grandsons these skills. He enjoyed his farm and his amazing gardens and the bountiful harvest they produced, always shared freely with family and friends. He was a skilled yearly deer hunter, enjoying the companionship with his son, brother and other family and friends at least as much as the hunt itself.  He had been a member of the former Unadilla Forks Odd Fellows Lodge.  Ray also served numerous years on the Town of Plainfield Town Board and had been a long-time member of the Unadilla Forks Volunteer Fire Department.  Ray doted on his family, especially his grandchildren. The farm and Summit Lake camp were the center of many family events.  Ray’s generosity, kindness and wisdom will be deeply missed by all, but never forgotten.

Ray is survived by his beloved children: Catherine Washburn, and her husband Dean MacKinnon of Baltimore, MD; his son George Washburn of West Winfield; his son Chris Washburn and his wife Teresa of Benicia, CA; his sister May Schwartz and her husband, Geoff of Deansboro; his brother Ralph Washburn and his wife Lorraine, of Bridgewater and Homosassa, Florida; and his sister-in-law Sharon Schrag of New Berlin.  Ray also is survived by his loving 8 grandchildren. Ray’s family wishes to thank the Helios hospice, especially Paula, Ellen and Rebekah, for their support and caring during his final days. 

Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife Janet and his brother-in-law Gordon Schrag.

His funeral will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at 1 PM, at the Paul Funeral Home of Brookfield.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, prior to the service from 11 AM until 1 PM, at the funeral home.  Interment in Fairview Cemetery, Bridgewater will follow services.  Ray and his family are being provided with personal and professional care by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Brookfield.  To offer a condolence or share a memory, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donations to the Unadilla Forks Volunteer Fire Department, 105 County Route 18A, West Winfield, New York 13491.

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