Raymond A. Ayotte

Raymond A. Ayotte, age 71 of Sanford, died Thursday, September 16, 2010 at MidMichigan Medical Center.

The son of the late Raymond and Mary (Harrison) Ayotte was born March 11, 1939 in Huron County, graduating from St. Andrew High School in 1958. Raymond served with the U.S. Navy for four years on board the USS Saratoga. He moved to Sanford in 1973 and bought the Red Oak Lounge. He developed a business that catered to thousands of customers and gained many life time friends. He was known as "Red Oak Ray". Raymond enjoyed his family, friends, fishing, hunting and traveling.

He married the former Cindy S. Orlich on March 28, 1986. She survives him. He is also survived by daughter, Kimberly (Harry) Gough of Traverse City; son, Kevin (Kimberly) Ayotte of Sanford; step sons, Dustin Jussila of New Castle, Oklahoma and Ryan (Christie) Jussila of St. Charles; grandchildren, Amanda Gough, Erica (Michael) Paul, Melissa (Patrick) Kutcher, Brandon Ayotte, Andrew Jussila and Cash Jussila; sisters, Viola Ruby of Kalkaska, Dorothy Renig of Freeland and Shirley (Eugene) Martin of Naples, Florida.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Louis, Leonard, Joe and Lawrence; sisers, Lucille Stirrett, Helen Boxey and Marlene Keane.

In honoring Raymond's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider his granddaughter, Erica Paul, (who is battling cancer), 11104 Boathouse Ct., Reston, VA 20191.