Raymond G. Wakild

April 24th, 1924 - March 22nd, 2013

Raymond's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Raymond here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Rest in Peace Uncle Ray. Until we met, I only knew Uncle Ray through stories shared by the New Jersey families. My husband Joe has many fond memories of times spent in South Haven visiting his Aunt Sis (his father's sister) and Uncle Ray and their family as a young boy. On our last visit to Michigan, Uncle Ray took us to one of his favorite restaurants and he and Joe were lost in each others fishing stories. I sat and listened, wondering if it was Uncle Ray who started my husband on his journey of finding the perfect fish. I believe we were in the restaurant for three hours. I remember thinking to myself....."How many fishing stories could there be?" There were many and I will always remember how alive Uncle Ray and Joe were exchanging boating/fishes tales. Thank you Uncle Ray for passing down your love of fishing to my husband and our sons! We will remember you with much love. Barbara and Joe Handley, Tabernacle, New Jersey

Barbara and Joe Handley

When I was in high school, we were assigned a major science paper and I did my project on how the water we drink is filtered. Mr. Wakild invited me to tour the plant and he went over every detail with me, patiently answering all of my questions and waiting for me to write all of my notes. Not that long ago I was telling my teenage son about it, remembering how kind Mr. Wakild was to me that day - some 33 years ago! I've never been able to drive over to the South Beach without thinking about that morning and how a man I didn't know took the time to talk to a kid who needed some help.

Karyn Adler Fasel

During the summer of 2005 I was interning at South Haven Fire Department and living with my Grandma, this was the summer that I met Ray. He and Bea would come over every so often and we'd go to lunch (but he'd order breakfast most of the time), then go back and play cribbage. Oh how he would get such a kick out of my, or rather lack there of, 'Poker Face'. He laughed everytime I grinned knowing that I had finally gotten a good hand. I'd usually sit on his left playing my cards after, he'd get so flustered everytime i'd either pair or '15' his card. It was a good summer and just by knowing Ray he made my life better. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Rest in Peace Ray.

Erika Dykstra

I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I remember him as a good friend of my father, George Hinz, who worked with Ray for many years at the South Haven Filter Plant and had known Ray since his school days. Dad and Ray often fished together on Lake Michigan, and I remember that Ray was always smiling and was quick with a funny line or story. Ray was a joy to be around and I am sad to know that I shall no longer see him. My deepest condolences to his family. John Hinz

John Hinz

Chuck and Susie - Carolyn and I were sorry to hear about Mr. Wakild's passing. I know you have had a tough first of the year. I hope there is some relief on the way. I was surprised to see that Mr. Wakild was a commercial fisherman. I am not sure I had ever heard that information. I think I would have headed to Michigan to visit and fish as well as trade stories with him if I had known that was part of his interest and career. We have been thinking about you and our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

Raymond G. Wakild

Raymond's Memory Wall

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