Raymond Clare MacKenzie

AUBURN- Raymond Clare MacKenzie, age 81, fought a courageous 4.5 year-battle with extensive small cell lung cancer until peacefully passing away at the Andwell Hospice House on November 4, 2025. Born on February 24, 1944, in Marlborough, NH, to Clare MacKenzie and Claire Marie Croteau, Ray became a resident of Lewiston, ME in 2022. Ray is predeceased by his parents; his first wife Kazue Yoshida, who he met in Japan; and his younger brother Lee MacKenzie, previously of Marlborough. After 42 wonderful years of marriage to Kazue, Ray was determined to marry Cyndi Desrosiers, his next-door neighbor in Marlborough, which he happily accomplished in 2014.

Ray spent his childhood in Marlborough, where he enjoyed a lot of free time with his grandfather. Ray was a popular athlete and was not too serious about school as a young man. He was recruited out of high school by the Class A Mets team where he realized that even though his last Little League season ended with a batting average of .833, he was not going to have a professional baseball career. Instead, Ray dedicated 25 years to the Air Force working in Intelligence with 19 of those years in Japan. Ray was highly respected and sought after by his commanders for his accuracy and calm demeanor during over 200 combat missions in Vietnam where he was involved in many classified operations. Ray had tremendous pride in serving his country. After military life, Ray worked at Filtrine Manufacturing Company in Keene, NH until retiring at age 55.

Ray leaves behind his devoted and loving wife, Cyndi of Lewiston, and her children Thomas Yerrick of Lewiston and Ashley Kalloch (son-in law Jon) of Freeport. Ray was very proud to be a role model and friend to Thomas, who brought him surprised joy having never been in the role of stepfather. He shared a love for cooking and golf with Ashley and Jon. Ray also leaves his three nieces and their spouses, and his sister-in-law: Marcie and Chris MacKenzie-Giles of Jaffrey, NH; Jennie MacKenzie and John Christopher of Weymouth, MA; Mollie MacKenzie and Rahul Singh of Canton, MA; and Sandy MacKenzie of Marlborough, NH. He cared deeply for them and their children: Abbie, Sam, and Emily, and treasured their visits. Ray was very touched by the open arms shown by Cyndi’s immediate and extended family over the past 11 years, and grateful for their love and support. The card games and family gatherings were some of his favorite experiences. Ray will be missed immensely by his dog, Cocoa, who never left his side showing unconditional love and his cat, Tina, who fought for his attention.

Before and after retirement, Ray spent a great deal of time golfing wherever he was, whenever he could, spending the most time in Spofford, NH and Brooksville, FL. Even through three years of various cancer treatments, Ray was golfing regularly. His favorite golfer was undeniably Tiger Woods. Ray spent his winters from 2009-2022 in the High Point Golf community where he shared many laughs and golf frustrations with his fellow club members, particularly “the backroom boys”, who became treasured friends. Ray loved many sports, especially watching New England teams.

Ray was a very sentimental and kind man who had many close longtime friends. These bonds were a tremendous source of strength over the years. Ray was also known to be a bit of a curmudgeon and very stubborn, feeling deeply about politics. His tenacity helped him fight cancer for as long as he did.

Cyndi would like to thank the remarkable staff at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, where Ray was first treated and participated in a trial, and the Cancer Care Center of CMCC in Lewiston, ME, where his treatment continued, especially Dr. Julia’s team, along with nurses and staff at the Infusion Center. Ray received expert care with compassion throughout his cancer journey for which we are forever grateful. In the end, Ray’s compassionate care was provided by the team at Andwell Hospice Services, for which we are grateful. Cyndi would also like to thank the Dempsey Center for their support of her as a caregiver.

Funeral Services honoring Raymond's life will be celebrated on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 AM at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 217 Turner Street in Auburn, Maine 04210, 207-783-8545. Services will be live streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25113624639418 . Family and friends are invited for a catered reception following the services in the funeral home. Ray disliked suits, so dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Raymond's memory to Moffit Cancer Center at Donate to Moffitt Cancer Center, or to the Dempsey Center. To share memories and condolences with the MacKenzie Family, please visit www.fortinpinettegroupauburn.com .