Raymond Paul "Chief" Carey

Raymond Paul "Chief" Carey, ended one journey and began another on August 31, 2008. May Quain-se-ga-ma, meaning, "He who is most hated", enter into the "Happy Hunting Grounds" as joyful as his life was in this world. Raymond was born in Petoskey, MI on March 10, 1924 to James and Alvinia (Kagechiwan) Carey-Chingman. He attended the Holy Cross Indian School in Harbor Springs, MI and Ravenna High School while living in Muskegon. Upon hostilities toward the United States, he enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. While stationed in New Guinea, Chief surprised the locals with his ability to dance and demonstrate his fire eating skills. After settling in Muskegon, he worked as an Inspector at C.W.C. Plant #1 until his retirement 38 years later. Throughout his life, Chief was proud of his Ottawa heritage. He often led the Indians in parades and was honored to present the First American flag to fly over the Muskegon County Building. Chief was a fire eater in traditional ceremonies. Raymond held life time memberships at the Eagles, Moose, American Legion and was former Chaplain of V.F.W. Post 3195. He was also a tribal member of the Northern Michigan Ottawa-Chippewa Descendent Group and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Chief has two daughters, Lindy Sue and Joanne; one son, Stegwash; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A joyous celebration to honor Chief will be held at V.F.W. Post 3195, 5209 Grand Haven Rd., Friday at 11:00 a.m. on September 12, 2008. (No Indian Time). The memorial service will be officiated by Deborah Gutowski and Military Rite performed by the honor guard from Post 3195. To honor Chief, please bring a dish to pass. Miigwch.