Raymond Culver

Waterville – Raymond E. Culver, M.D., 89, the best kind of man, passed from this life to the next on Tuesday August 22, 2017. He was born on November 14, 1927 in Jackson, MI a son of Ophelia (Kohls) and Guy Culver. He grew up in Stockbridge, MI and graduated from Hill School in Pottstown, PA. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1956 with an M.D. in Internal Medicine. In 1957 he enlisted in the US Army and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne. After a parachuting injury he was reassigned to West Point where he was physician to the Cadets. He was discharged a Captain and always remembered his time of service as a highlight in his life.

In the early 60s he came to Waterville’s Thayer Hospital and became Maine’s first formally trained gastroenterologist. A humble and unassuming man he rarely spoke of the honors he received in his specialty over the years. He retired in 2005. He was a member of AA for over 32 years and was not ashamed of being known as one, especially if it meant it could help someone. He personally knew the challenges faced by anyone making an effort and of the courage needed to recover – he knew everyone was redeemable and worthy of forgiveness. Often recognized for his kindness and gentleness and being very approachable he would quickly say, “I’m just another Bozo on the bus.” It was in his service to others that he was being true to himself.

A lifelong learner, Ray was an avid reader of mostly biographies and history. He was a classical pianist who enjoyed hunting and fishing; as well as tennis and sailing; throw in his love of cribbage and life was good. Simply put: he was the consummate officer and gentleman.

Ray is survived by his wife of 15 years Jean Culver; his sons: Christopher Culver and his wife Catherine, Jonathan Culver and their mother Suzanne Culver; his stepchildren: Lori Ward and her husband Capt. Ronald Ward; Doris Vermette and her husband David; Shawn Newton and his wife LeeAnne; his grandchildren: McLean, Saxon, Emma, Isabelle, Cooper, Charley, Jennifer, Chelsea, Lacey, Brecken, Spencer, Austin, Jackson; his great-grandchildren: Mabel, Hanna, Charles, Blaize, Benjamin; as well as a large extended family and circle of friends. Ray was predeceased by his twin sister Ruth, his brother Guy; his stepdaughter Natalie and his beloved mother-in-law Doris Bemis.

A time of gathering and visitation will be held on Thursday August 31, from 10:30 to 11:30 am at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm Street, Waterville. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon at the United Methodist Church, 61 Pleasant Street, Waterville with a reception following in the church hall. Burial will be in Robinson Cemetery in Moscow. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Ray’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

For those who wish, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to: Travis Mills Foundation, 89 Water Street, Hallowell, ME 04347