Raymond L. "Ray" Lane

Raymond L. "Ray" Lane, 68, of Lowell, formerly of Billerica, died peacefully on December 23, 2011 with his daughter and sister by his side.
Born August 23, 1943 in Boston, he was one of eight children of the late Robert L. and Madeline (Blouin) Lane.
Ray was proud to have served aboard the USS WASP as a member of the US Navy. He often recalled his most memorable moment while on the WASP, as he watched the recovery of the "US Gemini IV" spacecraft on June 7th, 1965. Over the years he has proudly displayed firsthand photographs from the recovery, and told stories of what it was like to be a significant part of American history.
Raymond spent his later years dedicated to what he loved above all else – his family, his grandchildren, and his golf game. He was an avid golfer and upon his retirement, he spent almost every day, rain or shine, on one or another of his favorite golf courses with who he fondly referred to as his "golf buddies".
Above all else, Ray's grandchildren were his most cherished relationships. He loved the way their faces light up and they would knock him over running and leaping into his arms when he would come to visit. Whether it be playing "horsey" on the floor and letting the kids "ride" him (which often led to a "tickle-fest" on the living room floor), or sneaking them extra candy or ice cream, Ray put his love of his grandchildren above all else, and strived to be a part of their lives as much as he could. He never failed to show up for a soccer game or dance recital, and he was very proud of his grandson's budding music career.
Ray leaves behind two children and their spouses, Denise Rocha and her husband John of Dracut, Raymond Lane Jr. and his wife Susan of AZ; five grandchildren, Joshua and Isabella Rocha of Dracut, Alexandrea, Madison, and Julia Lane of AZ; two sisters and a brother in law, Clara Hughes of Rockland, Theresa and Patrick Keane of N. Conway, NH; his former wives, Providenza Lane-Sorensen, Mary Hesterberg; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was also the brother of the late Robert, Richard, Ronald, Ralph Lane and Marilyn Freitas.