Raymond Proctor Houle

Raymond Proctor Houle died on Dec. 10 at home in West Tisbury.

He was born on April 25, 1918, to Frank and Dorothy Proctor Houle in Newbury.

He attended Newburyport High School where he participated on the football team. As a youth, he formed a life guard station on Plum Island. He went on to Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts, where he received a certificate in wildlife and forestry. In June 2005, he also received an associates degree in science as an alumnus of the school. It was at the school that he formed a friendship with Arnold Fischer of West Tisbury that lasted more than 60 years.

He married his wife, Myra Graves, in August 1941 and traveled to Connecticut to work at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He was drafted at the age of 26 and served his country during World War II as a flight mechanic in the Navy, being stationed at the equator in the Galapagos Islands defending the Panama Canal. He came back and continued to work at Pratt and Whitney until his retirement as engine warranty manager in 1973.

Ray and Myra resided in Andover, Conn., for 30 years. It was there that they purchased a 230-acre dairy farm and later established a Christmas tree farm. During those years, Ray remained active in the community. He served as a trustee of the Andover Congregational Church, and member of the Andover board of finance and zoning board.

Ray moved to West Tisbury in 1979 and continued his commitment to community service. For years Ray served as treasurer of the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, a nonprofit organization committed to raising shellfish for island towns. He served on the board of the Vineyard Haven Conservation Society and also the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary board. He was a honorary member of the Martha’s Vineyard Garden Club and the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club. He served as shellfish constable and also town assessor for the town of West Tisbury for 20 years, retiring from both posts at the age of 87. He also was a member of the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury.

Ray had a zest for living and led an exemplary life of purpose, stewardship, and service. He loved nature and savored the simple pleasures offered by life. The many friendships that he had with people of all ages and walks of life are a testament to the man he was. Those who knew him were blessed.

Ray was predeceased by his sister, Caroline.

Survivors include his brother, William of Clinton Township, Mich.; his sons, Peter and wife Christine of Andover, Conn., and Mark and wife Laurel of Hebron, Conn.; his daughter, Elisabeth (Betsy) of Andover, Conn.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Raymond’s life and words of remembrance will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at the First Congregational Church in West Tisbury.

Donations may be made to Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group, P.O. Box 1552, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 494, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.