Raymond Morency Sr.

All who knew Raymond Morency, Jr. would agree that he certainly put the spice into life. He was a vibrant man who was deeply involved in the community he called home throughout his entire life, and he was someone who didnt shy away from speaking his mind. With the love of his life by his side for more than 60 years, Ray was delighted to witness his family tree grow to include the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Life was not always easy for him, but Ray was a resilient man who faced everything that came his way with courage, strength, and unwavering faith. The memories he leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for years to come. It seems only fitting that Rays story began during a decade that was as colorful as he was. The Roaring Twenties were filled with more affordable cars, motion pictures that became available in both color and sound, jazz music, and the peak of Broadway. It was in 1924 that an active family from Muskegon, Michigan, was overjoyed to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on January 18th. Raymond Edward was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Raymond and Jeanne (Phillips) Morency, Sr., and he was raised in the family home on Estes Street in the Lakeside neighborhood of Muskegon. This home had been in his family since 1865, and it would be the place he would call home throughout his entire life. Rays father supported his family including Rays sisters, Martha and Edna Rae Tiny, and his brother, George, by working at Consumers Power while his mother was a homemaker. For the most part Ray experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He worked as a paperboy delivering the Muskegon Chronicle and attended St. Marys Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy. Ray was a student at Bunker School and then went on to Muskegon High School. With a desire to serve his country during the days of WWII, Ray quit school during the 11th grade to join the Army Air Corps. Since he was underage his parents needed to sign a permission slip to make this possible. Ray was a decorated WWII navigator who flew some 60 missions over Germany in a B-26 Marauder. It was while back in the states in 1944 that Ray spotted the girl of his dreams while at a base in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He couldnt help but notice a pretty blonde shopping, and his life was forever changed. Her name was Cleo Trenker, and it was love at first sight. Within that same month Ray bought her a train ticket back to Muskegon to meet his family. He then brought her to where he was stationed in Shreveport, Louisiana, and married his sweetheart on March 2, 1944. After the war ended Ray attended Michigan State College on the GI Bill, and he and Cleo lived on campus. They welcomed their daughter, Kathryn, in 1946. Ray went through their accelerated business program, graduating in three years. Shorty thereafter their family of three lived in Panama for one year. At the end of that year they returned to Muskegon where Ray eventually found work with GMAC. His career there began in car repossessions, and he later moved up the ladder, working as an account executive with all the dealers in the West Michigan area. Their family grew to include four more children including Ray III Trip in 1952, Michelle in 1958, Theresa in 1960, and Chris in 1963. Although Ray worked hard to support his family, there was also plenty of time to spend together. There were memorable vacations to South Dakota to visit Cleos relatives and plenty of fun times at Elks Park in Muskegon during the summers. They attended St. Francis deSales Catholic Church as a family as well. The Morency family's faith was tested when Trip died as a result of a motorcycle accident in 1974. The impact Ray made in the Muskegon community is significant as he was involved in so many things. He and Cleo were a very socially active couple and so much fun to be around. They loved sailing and were longtime members of the Muskegon Yacht Club where Ray served as the commodore for one term. One of his greatest passions was music, and for several years he was a big band drummer for the Frank Lockage Band and the Bob Warner band, too. Ray was a member of the Muskegon Elks and also served as their exalted ruler. In addition, he was a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church and the VFW Post #3195. As a huge supporter of the community, Ray was instrumental in getting the Tall Ships to visit the Muskegon area, an exhibit that was greatly appreciated by so many. Later in life Ray continued to maintain an active lifestyle. After retiring from GMAC with 25 years of dedicated service behind him, he worked for Witt Buick for a time while continuing to play drums in the local bands. Ray and Cleo enjoyed traveling to visit their children and spending time with the grandchildren. He was deeply saddened with Cleos death in 2005, but he continued to live on his own for seven years. As the years passed Ray slowed down, and with the help of his daughter, Kathy, he was blessed to remain in his home. It was with his family by his side that he drew his last breath. Through the life of Ray Morency, Jr. we are reminded that true happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in loving those around us that we are richly blessed. He was a true character, and all would agree that once you met Ray he was truly unforgettable. Ray was proud of his family and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Life will never be the same without him here, but the lives of so many will be forever changed because of his touch. Raymond E. Morency, Jr. died Thursday, December 20, 2012. Rays family includes his daughters, Kathryn Schrader of Muskegon, Michelle (Bruce) Bushing of OR, Theresa (Rex) Antinozzi of Traverse City; son, Chris (Amy) Morency of MS; grandchildren, Jason (Nelly), Alicia Bushing, Sarah (Reid) Peterson, Rachel (Bob) Erspamer, John (Noah) Bushing, Brandon, Anna Marie, Rex III, and Lauren; great grandchildren, Ashlee, Sydnee, Natalee, Lucee, Rehlina, Trystin. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Cleo in 2005; son, Raymond III "Trip" in 1974; granddaughter, Kendra in 1992. Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, 11:00 a.m. and visitation one hour prior to the service at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Phil Salmonowicz officiating. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice or charity of choice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory.