Raymond J. Girouard

Westbrook- Raymond Joseph Girouard, 88, of Duck Pond Road, passed away surrounded by his family, on February 19, 2017 following a brief illness. He was born in Fitchburg, MA, a son of Hector and Alma (Legere) Girouard. He attended catholic schools in Fitchburg before moving to Maine in 1942 and attending Westbrook High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 and served In Japan, while keeping in touch with the love of his life, Yvette Tanguay, whom he met before enlisting. They later married in 1949.

Music was a big part of Raymond's life. At the age of 13, he competed and won a fiddle contest, allowing him to play for numerous crowds along the coast of Massachusetts and Maine. Although very humble about his musical talent, Raymond was an extraordinary guitar player. He played with the Lee Russell Big Band on the pier in Old Orchard Beach and played with numerous bands throughout his life. He appeared on the Ken Mackenzie show several times and played with famous artists such as Dick Curless, Dicky Monroe, and many other talented musicians. He also played for Betty Davis and her husband on a few occasions. Raymond also entertained his fellow Army buddies with Boogie -Woogie swinging music on the piano. His talents didn't stop there, he loved drawing cartoon characters for children at the schools where he worked and for his grandchildren.

Raymond dedicated his life to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He used to enjoy spending time with his family at his brother's camp and enjoyed spending all his free time with his children. He was known to his grandchildren as Pepere and to his great-grandchildren as Pepere Downstairs. He would spend hours with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren swinging, singing songs, and watching movies. Raymond had the patience of a saint and loved everyone. One of his favorite past times was driving out to Huot's Restaurant with his wife.

Raymond worked at Dana Warp Mill, St. Hyacinth's Parish, and his last 30 years before retirement at The Westbrook School Department. He made many special friends in his years at the school department whom he held near and dear to his heart even after retirement.

He was pre-deceased by a brother, Rev. Robert Girouard.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvette C. Girouard of Westbrook; his children, Anne M. Leroux and her husband Dale of Westbrook; Robert J. Girouard of Windham; grandchildren, Amanda Lane and her husband Ryan of Gorham, Diana Mayo and her husband Joseph of Windham, Leah Girouard of Windham; great-grandchildren, Lucas & Evan Lane, Benjamin Mayo; brother, Emery Girouard and his wife Sylvia of Westbrook.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 am on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at St. Anthony's Church, 268 Brown St., Westbrook. Spring interment will be at St. Hyacinth's Cemetery.

Please visit www.jonesrichandbarnes.com for additional information and to sign Raymond's online guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude's Children Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.