Calais – F. Ray Beaulieu Jr., 62, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, May 3, 2020 on Bearce Lake in Meddybemps. Ray was born in Calais on September 6, 1957, son of the late Francis and Ruth (Deacon) Beaulieu.
After graduating from Calais High School, Ray’s passion for flying led him to attend Air Tech in Limerick, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and earned his A&P License. He moved to Boca Raton, FL where he worked as an aircraft mechanic. Eventually Ray moved back home to Maine, helping his father in the family business, Beaulieu’s Locksmith. He worked for the Calais Water Department and currently was employed at Johnson’s True Value.
Ray was proud to be a Mason. He was Past Master of St. Croix Lodge No. 46 in Calais, Crescent Lodge No. 78 in Pembroke, and Lewy’s Island Lodge No. 138 in Princeton; Past High Priest of St. Croix Chapter No. 17; member of Orion Chapter No. 45 O.E.S.; and served as District Ritual Instructor for the Second District of Grand Lodge of Maine. Ray was a private pilot and was a member of CAF Rise Above Wasp and an organization for aircraft mechanics. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed kayaking, fishing, flying airplanes, attending air shows and the Rockland Blues Festival.
Ray loved to spend time with his grandson Grayson. The had a very special bond, always talking about comics and movies. Grayson referred to them as the “Geek Squad”. When together, it was very hard to get a word in edge wise. Ray and Grayson treasured their time together.
Surviving are his beloved wife, best-friend and soulmate, Jill Skillings; four step-children, Jennifer Campbell and husband Daren of Belfast, Holly Doyon and husband Joey of Frankfort, Michelle Skillings and companion Scott Earle of Bangor, and Jason Linscott and companion Brianna Giggey of Monroe; step-grandchildren, Theresa, Grayson, Jacoby, Cole, Regan, Kenzie, Colton and Jace; a cousin, Cathy Knudsen of Turner; his extended “family” at Johnson’s True Value and his Masonic family throughout Maine; numerous friends; his feline companions, Bloo, Bella, Sarah and Cali; and his canine companion and kayaking buddy, Dug.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donation’s in Ray’s memory may be made to PAWS, 368 South St., Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.