Raymond G. Tobey, 80, of Haverhill passed away after a long illness.
Born Aug. 6, 1936 in South Berwick, Maine, son of Fred D. and Marion L. (Welch) Tobey. He attended Haverhill public schools and Indiana Institute of Technology where he was sports editor for “The Nucleus.” Tobey was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in 1972 as a private first class of Company A (Yankee Division). He worked for the Consentino School and retired on his 60th birthday as head custodian. He had a “waste not, want not” attitude and could fix anything with whatever resources were available. This was highlighted when he hand built a house in Newton, N.H. He would people he had “gasoline in his blood” and again showed his skill by rebuilding and maintaining several classic cars. Building a cabin allowed him to enjoy the outdoors even more, as he liked fishing, hunting and camping. Simply exploring the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his partner and wintering in their home in Haines City, Fla., brought him happiness.
Tobey had a busy life and kept his mind sharp solving puzzles, tending to his coin and stamp collections, shooting pool, as well as attending the weekly 45s tournaments at the Citizens Center. He was a long time member of the Salem-Derry Elks.
He leaves his longtime companion Nancy J. Bartlett as well as her entire family; nieces Norma Bates and husband John, Cynthia Leavitt and husband Ralph Morris, Suzanne Comeau and Dianna Donnelley; nephews Michael Cunningham and wife Susan and Shawn Cunningham and significant other Carla Vochowski. He is also survived by several third and fourth generation nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Fred A. Tobey and his twin sisters Marion (Mickey) Cunningham and Marjorie Donnelley.
In respect of his wishes, there will not be a wake. There will be a private service at Walnut Cemetery. His family invites guests to a celebration of life at the Haverhill Elks, Summer Street, Haverhill at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9. Arrangements are by Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St., Haverhill. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the MSPCA/ Nevins Farm in Methuen, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.