Raymond "Ray" Fontaine, Jr.

Exactly 57 years ago, on January 16, 1960, Raymond G. Fontaine, Sr., and his wife, Mary Jean (Jeannie) Owens Fontaine gave birth to their first child, a son, Raymond G. Fontaine, Jr. And, on his 57th earthly birthday, Ray, Jr., celebrated his first Heavenly birthday with Jesus and his (now deceased) mother, Jeannie, embracing him. Ray’s wife of 30 years, Mary Helen Brauner Fontaine, was by his side through years of a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Dementia. She was by his side throughout life in health, as well as during the disease that finally took his life on the evening of his birthday. Remembering Ray on his birthday as he departed his earthly life and finally succumbed to this insidious disease are his father, Raymond G. Fontaine, Sr., and stepmother, Maxine Monnin Fontaine, of Slidell; his only child and daughter, Lindsey E. Fontaine & her fiancé, Gregory P. Orkus of New Orleans; siblings John P. Fontaine of Ponchatoula, LA; David S. Fontaine of New Orleans; Stephanie F. (Don) Davis of Ridgeland, MS, and their children, Madison and Wyatt; sisters-in-law and their families Barbara B. (Gerald) Barbe and Janet B. (Gary) Mills of Slidell, LA; Kathy B. (Dennis) Winkler of Spring, TX; and Susan B. (David) Landeche of Madison, MS. Ray was the founder, President, and CEO of Coast Concrete Services, Inc., a successful business he and his wife Mary Helen began in 1994, is headquartered in Lacombe with other offices in Baton Rouge and Scott, Louisiana. Ray’s vibrant spirit, charisma, and natural leadership skills attracted many friends and loyal employees throughout his 57 years. His character, ethics, and morals contributed to his success as a businessman – as well as his fun-loving personality – Ray was ever-smiling and “never met a stranger.” Ray loved celebrating an event – as well as hosting them! His many friends describe his willingness to help others, his generosity of spirit, and his infectious smile. All will continue to celebrate Ray’s life and the courage with which he fought the disease that took his life. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, and all were awed by Ray’s courage in facing this terminal illness. To encapsulate such a vibrant man in ordinary words is to do the impossible. Ray’s vivacious personality being silenced is but one of the consequences of Frontotemporal Dementia. But, ultimately, no longer having this selfless man is the greatest tragedy. However, for his life well-lived, he is now safely home in Heaven at Peace in Everlasting Light. Throughout the endless struggles of this debilitating, progressive disease, many loyal individuals have been a continued source of strength and comfort to the family. Although too numerous to list, the family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ray’s daily companion, Roy Estep; to Janet Robertson, his close business associate and friend; and to his many caregivers. Relatives, friends of the family, and employees of Coast Concrete Services are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, on Friday, January 20, at 2:00 P.M. A visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, Masses or donations in memory of Raymond G. Fontaine, Jr., to Hospice Foundation of the South, 501 Robert Blvd., Suite 304, Slidell, LA 70458; or to www.theAFTD.org are preferred.