Obituary: Russell Rorick Raymond

As received from the Pearce Funeral Home:

Russell (Russ) Rorick Raymond, age 89, of Houghton, MI peacefully passed away at Keweenaw Aspirus Hospital.

Born October 8, 1934 to Russell B. and Marie L.(Rorick) Raymond in Adrian, MI, Russ graduated as salutatorian from Adrian High School in 1952. He attended the University of Michigan and Michigan Tech University before serving in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Cold War. After his service, he worked with his father at the family Ford dealership. His grandfather, Samuel W. Raymond, established the Adrian dealership in 1911 and was the brother-in-law of Henry Ford. One fateful day, Russ sold a car to Norma Howard, to whom he fell in love with and married on August 5, 1962.

Russ and Norma honeymooned at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Copper Harbor and continued to regularly visit the area from their downstate home. In 1973 they built a cottage outside of Copper Harbor, which became a summer home to them and their two children. Russ and Norma moved to Marquette in 1995 where they enjoyed living until Norma’s passing in 2012 after 50 years of marriage. Russ then moved to Houghton to be near his son for the remainder of his life, during which time he remained largely independent.

In his later years, he enjoyed trips to the Baraga Casino, afternoon coffee with his friends and visits with family, while in younger years, he enjoyed family time at the cottage and socializing with neighbors, golf, fishing, watching the ore boats and traveling with his wife. He was a fan of sports, including U of M, Detroit Tigers and Lions, college basketball, golf and the Tour de France. He was a history buff and enjoyed watching classic movies, reading the daily newspaper and collecting coins.

Russ was preceded in death by his wife, sister (Kathryn Houghton) and brother (William Raymond) and their spouses and was the last surviving family member of his generation.

He is survived by his son, Sam Raymond and daughter-in-law Shelby of Copper Harbor, daughter Kimberly (Jason) Decker and grandchildren Camryn and Dane Raper of Hudson, MI, three nieces and a nephew and two cousins.

There will be a Memorial Gathering for his family and friends at the Arbor Green Apartments basement-level community room in Houghton on December 30 at 2:00pm.  Donations in his memory can be made to Copper Country Senior Meals 821 W. Water Street, Hancock, MI 49930. The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at pearcefuneralhome.com