Raymond Kelso

RAYMOND — Raymond Williamson Kelso, 92, died peacefully at Gosnell Memorial Hospice on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017, after a brief illness.

He was born on April 27, 1925, in Sabinal, Texas, to Raymond and Bonnie Kelso. He lived in Hawaii and served in the Marine Force during WWII. Ray graduated from Whittier College and married Carrie Jackson in September 1950.

Ray worked for the federal government and moved his family of seven children around the East Coast, most recently at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He moved to Maine in 1977 and bought a horse-boarding facility in Windham, primarily working with Standardbreds. Ray ran this up until his move to Raymond in 2000. Ray was an active, independent man who loved his family, gardening, sports and animals, most recently his rat terrier “Charlie.” He was able to live independently in his own home up until three months ago when he moved to the Inn at Village Square in Gorham. He participated in numerous activities while living there and his family would like to thank the staff and other residents for making his last few months so enjoyable.

Ray was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Carrie Kelso; and his son, Ross Kelso.

He is survived by his four sons, Gregory Kelso of Athens, Ga., Mark Kelso of Gorham, Scott Kelso of Yarmouth and Paul Kelso of Sabattus; his two daughters, Melissa Maksimenko of Chatsworth, Calif., and Catherine Melinda Kelso of Windham; as well as four grandchildren.

A private ceremony and burial will take place in the spring in Raymond.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to the Greater Portland Animal Refuge League, PO Box 336, Westbrook, ME 04098.