CANAAN, NH — Raymond E. Estes, Jr., 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020 at Genesis Lebanon Center after a long illness. He was born June 20, 1949 at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH, the only child of Raymond E. Estes, Sr. and Dorothy (Carter) Estes. He was raised in Lebanon, NH and graduated from Lebanon High School, class of 1967. After graduation he joined the US Marine Corps and spent most of his service in Vietnam, the artillery division, Second Battalion, Platoon 2006.
Once completing his military service, he was employed by various employers to include, White River Veterans Hospital, Watts Regulator, and Kleen Laundry Services. He met Susan Tucker in 1975 and they were married May 7, 1977. For many years they moved throughout the Upper Valley until making their permanent home in Canaan, NH.
He had a great passion for hard rock music and in 1976 had an opportunity to hang out with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and on another occasion with Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. He loved talking about the experience. Over the past years he enjoyed watching movies with his wife, listening to that rock music, and playing baseball on his play station. He was an avid New York Giants and Red Sox fan, but also followed the New England Patriots.
Ray was predeceased by his wife, Susan, in March 2019, of 41 years, as well as his parents, sister-in-law, Carol Villeneuve, and brother-in-law, Ed Tyler. He is survived by his son, Raymond Estes, III of Canaan, NH, grandson, Raymond Estes, IV, grandson, Jaymie Gosnell, and granddaughter, Tiiersten Gosnell, mother-in-law, Eva Tucker of Vero Beach, FL, sister-in-law, Joan Aldrich (Wayne) of LaBelle, FL, sister-in-law, Mary Tyler (Doug Maynard) of Enfield, NH, and several nieces and nephews.
There will be no funeral services per Ray’s request. His son will host a tribute to his life in the summer or fall of 2021.
Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
An online guest book is available to leave a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.