LEWISTON – Raymond A. Waterhouse Jr., 92, of Poland, died Monday, July 31, 2023, at St. Mary’s hospital after a long illness. Raymond was born in Poland, the son of Raymond A. Waterhouse, Sr., and Florence (Kennedy) Waterhouse. He was educated in Poland and Auburn schools. He married Harriet Priscilla Howard of Auburn, on Oct. 25, 1955. They were married for 30 years and had two children, Joy Ann (Waterhouse) Lagasse and Brian Scott Waterhouse.
After High School, Raymond went to work for First National Bank in Lewiston as a teller in 1954. The bank merged over the years to become First National Manufacturer’s Bank, then Northeast, Norstar, and finally Fleet Bank of Maine, He retired after 35 years and rose to Vice President serving as the bank’s Corporate Security Officer. In this capacity, he worked with local, state, county, and federal law enforcement agencies. He served as Chairman of a security committee of the Maine Banker’s Association for a number of years.
With the exception of a few years living in Auburn, he was a lifelong resident of Poland. He continued serving the town of Poland in many capacities, following in the footsteps of his parents who served as Tax Collector and Town Constable. During his employment at the bank he served as Town Selectman, co-founder and Chief of the Poland Fire and Rescue Departments, continuing until his death as Chief-in-Emeritus. He also served as the Police Chief for the Town of Poland, Deputy Sheriff of Androscoggin County, and Public Safety Officer for Poland. In recognition of his municipal achievements the 1980 Town Report was dedicated to him with the following: “His contributions of time and effort to the Town exemplify the highest ideals of citizen participation in the success of local government.”
He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed camping and traveling around the country, he especially loved visiting the Pennsylvania Dutch country and Florida. He also enjoyed painting, antique hunting and photography.
He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Florance Waterhouse, his wife Priscilla his son Brian Waterhouse, his grandson Paul Austin Lagasse, his brother Duane Floyd Waterhouse and his second wife Marion Stewart.
He is survived by his daughter. Joy Lagasse and her husband Peter along with several nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends on Tuesday August 8, 2023 from 5-7 p.m., at the Chandler Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 26 W. Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
To make an online condolence please visit http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation in Raymond’s memory to the Poland Fire Department Benevolence Fund. Poland Fire Rescue B.A. PO Box 163
Poland, Maine 04274.
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