July 29, 1940 - September 9, 2020
Robert (Bob) Raymond, aged 80, of Fort Myers Beach, FL, formerly of Auburn NH, died September 9, 2020 at Evans Healthcare Center, Fort Myers after a yearlong battle from the effects of a stroke. Bob was born in Concord NH and graduated from Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, NH.
After retiring from Gibson Greeting cards in 1998, Bob turned to NH real estate, owning a Century 21 and later as a managing broker for Prudential Verani. Retiring, once again, Bob moved to Fort Myers Beach, FL where he continued in real estate until he turned to his true passion and calling – politics.
When Bob was thinking of running for office on The Beach, he was told he would never get elected because he was not a local. Not only did Bob get elected but he fulfilled his passion by representing Fort Myers Beach citizens for many years from the Local Planning Board, Town Council, Mayor and represented the Beach to many Lee County agencies. Once term limited to Town Council, Bob turned his energies to the Fire Department and was elected and later re-elected Fire Commission Seat 1, which he held through January of 2020. Bob was always watching out for budgets and making sure the town got its monies worth.
Anyone who knew Bob, knew he was always ‘peachy’ and often describe himself as a ‘grumpy old man’. Peachy yes, grumpy never as could be seen by his good-hearted nature and willingness to help people. He’d flip burgers at a fundraiser or help to make sure kids had toys at Christmas.
Bob will surely be missed. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Donna (Murphy) Raymond, son Bryan Raymond and his wife Dianna, daughters, Karin Raymond and Colette Tyler and husband Christopher, a brother Maurice and sister-in-law Jacqueline Raymond, six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, a niece and numerous nephews.
Commissioner Raymond was passionate about the Town of Fort Myers Beach and the Fort Myers Beach Fire Department. Specifically, his key areas of concentration included training, education, and safety of our Firefighters. To honor him and further support his passion, the family requests that donations be made to the fire department in lieu of flowers and gifts. Donations can be made to the Fort Myers Beach Fire Control District, PO Box 2880, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, 33932.
A memorial service will be announced later. A graveside service will take place at Atkinson Cemetery in Atkinson, NH at a later date.
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