Raymond E. Callard

Raymond E. Callard, 93, of Medina entered into rest peacefully on Saturday, September 7, 2019.

Born August 29, 1926 in Waterport, Ray was a son of the late Earl and Lillian (Warn) Callard. He graduated from Albion High School class of 1944. A World War II veteran, Ray served in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre from 1944-1946. Soon after being discharged, he met the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerry” Stehler and they were married April 5, 1947.  While raising his family, he served as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #34. During his lifetime he was employed by many places in the area including the Iroquois Job Corps, where he was in charge of the sign shop, the Albion Correctional Facility teaching carpentry and sign making and also owned and operated his own business, The Rustic Sign. Ray had many hobbies including hunting, fishing, wood carving, making turkey calls, photography, fur tanning and hat making (raccoon, opossum and skunk). He also enjoyed making homemade wine, operating his backhoe and triple-nickel bulldozer. In his downtime he liked listening to classical music. One of Ray’s favorite places to go with his family was his cabin and property in Canisteo, where they enjoyed many great times. One of his earned nicknames was “the skunk-whisperer”, for his ability to calm live skunks and handle them safely. Ray had a positive attitude and was a positive influence on many who came to know him. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 72 years, Gerry Callard; son, Gary (DeeDee) Callard; daughters, Peggy (John) Foss and Lori (Ronald) Ettinger; ten grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his son, Richard Callard; granddaughter, Sarah Callard; brother, Chesbro Callard; and two sisters, Madelyn Roberts and Virginia West.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14th from 11am-2pm at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina, with a service and military honors immediately following at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Bates Road Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s name may be made to Hospice of Orleans, P.O. Box 489, Albion, NY 14411 or to a charity of one’s choice.