Obituary of Raymond Joseph Archiel Paquette
Raymond Joseph Archiel Paquette was born in Quebec, Ontario, Canada on October 22, 1940. He was one of seven children born to Henry and Cecelia Paquette. Ray graduated from High School while still living in Canada. He later settled in Detroit, Michigan and began working as a dock loader for Yellow Freight. Ray retired in 1997 after thirty-two years of employment.
In 1999, Raymond made his home in Dundee, Michigan. He could often be found socializing with his friends at Bricktown Coney Island. Ray also volunteered to call Bingo numbers while he was a resident at Eagle Springs Senior Community. An animal lover, he was very fond of his daughter’s dogs and enjoyed watching the “Animal Planet” channel on television. Ray also had a soft spot for children and adored his great granddaughter and namesake, Stella Ray. He shared his love of sweets with Stella, sneaking her bites of his favorite Pop-Tarts and doughnuts.
An avid sports fan, Ray cheered on the Detroit Tigers baseball team and Detroit Lions and University of Michigan football teams. Growing up on skates in Canada made him a natural hockey fan. Ray often spent time at the former home of the Detroit Red Wings, Joe Louis Arena, where he came to know a young and upcoming player who became a hockey legend, Gordie Howe. An October baby, Ray loved Autumn and celebrating Halloween. He looked forward to interacting with kids during Trick or Treating. Naturally, he also enjoyed watching scary movies and counted “Halloween”, “Nightmare on Elm Steet”, and “Paranormal Activity” among his favorite flicks. A consummate jokester, Ray went as far as changing his phone number to set up a prank call for his family!
Raymond Joseph Archiel Paquette, age 83, of Dundee, Michigan passed away peacefully at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital on Thursday; December 14, 2023. His passing was preceded by his parents; a daughter: Lisa Miscovich on February 14, 2019; two brothers: Camille and Johnny Paquette; and a sister: Denise Paquette.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter: Bernadette Stowe of Dundee; his son: James Paquette of Wayne, Michigan; his grandson: Chad (Taylor) Dailey; his granddaughter: Breanna (Phillip) Stahl; a beloved great granddaughter: Stella Ray Stahl; and three brothers: Denny, Andy, and George Paquette.
A Celebration of Raymond’s Life is being planned for a later date. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
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