This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Girard, Raymond Francis, Col USAF(Ret).
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Very little is known about his USAF career. He was mainly a fighter pilot but which aircraft he flew is unknown. His ribbons show that he served in the Vietnam War, but units and dates are also unknown.
His obituary:
GIRARD, Raymond F.
USAF, Col., Ret.
Feb. 23, 1929 - Feb. 17, 2012
Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather. The son of Helena and Raymond Girard, Ray was born and raised in Plymouth, MA. He graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1952 and entered the US Air Force to fulfill his dream to be a fighter pilot. Ray spent the next 26 years in the Air Force, including flying 100 missions in Vietnam. Upon retiring from the military, he worked at Aerojet as the Director of Manufacturing from 1978 to 1991.
Ray is survived by his 'young bride' of 56 years, Ruth; children Michael (Selina), Kirk (Catherine) and Vanessa. He also leaves behind four treasured grandchildren: Kristen Flores (Andy), Ian, Carlyn, and Iyana; niece Susan Tolivaisa and nephew Michael Tolivaisa. He was preceded in death by his sister Elaine Tolivaisa.
For the past twenty years, Ray and Ruth split their time between Sacramento and Naples, FL, where he died. He enjoyed skiing the Sierras, hiking the redwoods, fishing the Gulf of Mexico, and birding in the Everglades. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family. He worked on countless cars and do-it-yourself projects alongside his children and grandchildren as they made their own ways in the world. If the after-work relaxation included a very dry martini, so much the better.
There will be no public service; his ashes will be scattered in a private ceremony. The family would like to thank the staff at the Avow Hospice (Frances Georgeson Hospice House) for the tender care he received. Remembrances may be sent to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105 or to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, one of dad's favorite places, at corkscrewnature store.org or (239) 354-4468.
Published in The Sacramento Bee on May 27, 2012 Follow this Obituary
Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/SacBee/obituary.aspx?n=Raymond-F-GIRARD&pid=157791505#storylink=cpy