Raymond Maurice Parent
June 12, 1943 ~ April 10, 2024
Resided in:
Sanford, Maine
Raymond "Chief" M. Parent, 80, of Sanford, passed away on April 10, 2024, at his residence.
Born in Biddeford on June 12, 1943, to the late Albert and Aline Parent, Raymond grew up and attended local schools, graduating from Biddeford High School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for four years as a Communications Specialist in Key West.
At the age of 15, Raymond met the love of his life, Pricille Jarry, whom he spent nearly 56 years loving and caring for. Together, they shared a lifetime of devotion and support.
In 1964, Raymond embarked on his lifelong career in the fire department, starting as a firefighter and ambulance attendant and eventually retiring as chief. His natural leadership skills propelled him through the ranks, serving as captain, deputy chief, and finally, chief. He also served as communications director for Sanford 911 and dedicated three years to building fire engines with Mike Anton. Raymond's commitment extended beyond the fire department; he served double duty as interim town manager and fire chief for six weeks and chaired the Veterans Memorial Cemetery Association, dedicating a decade to establishing the Southern Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Springvale.
Despite receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including Fire Chief of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kiwanis Citizen of the Year, Raymond remained humble, valuing his role as a dedicated public servant above all else.
Raymond's true joy came from his family. His wife and children were his priority, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Known for his zest for life and gratitude for each day, Raymond maintained an open-door policy at his home, always willing to lend an ear or offer guidance.
Raymond is predeceased by his beloved wife, Pricille Parent, an infant son, Rodney Parent and two sisters, Yvette Sylvester and Nancy Neault.
He is survived by his daughter, Noreen Parent, of Sanford; his son, Eric Parent, and his wife, Marie, of Hollis; grandchildren, John-Paul Parent of UT, and Zhanae Parent of Limerick; great-grandchildren, Boston Parent and Rylee Parent; his sister Claire Ouellette of FL, his sister Elaine Cobeil and her husband Roland, of FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 19, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main St. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, 66 North Ave., Sanford. The burial will take place at a later date.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Such an incredible Man. Not much better out there. He has forever blessed our lives and we send him our love and to his family, may you feel the comfort of so many prayers and much love for your loss. I am grateful to know he is with the love of his life and led a truly meaningful and inspiring life that he never sought recognition or praise for. True integrity and much respect for him and all of his family…And from his Grandson, he was missing him and sends his love and prayers.
I knew Ray by his sister Nancy and also my mom and his mom both Arlines use to ride us in our carriages on Cleaves street when we were babies. Also when Ray came home from the military that was the first time I met him at their house. Nancy love to tease her brother. I also use to see him when he marched in parades for the color guards. And just last year I saw him where my cousin works at her hair salon by the airport in Sanford. We were both getting our hair cut. We got to chat a bit about the time he had with his sisters in Florida. It was also nice to see that his sister Claires son had got honored at the fire department and Ray was there also in the picture to honor his nephew. Thank you Ray for your service in the military and to both the Biddeford and Sanford fire stations. I know you will be watching over your sisters and your children along with their families. You are now with your parents, Priscille, Rodney, Yvette and Nancy. God Bless you and your family and may you rest in peace.
My father, Bob I, is Raymond’s old Navy buddy. The two have kept in touch ever since they served together in Key West.
Maybe others already know, but I always found it a little funny Raymond lived in Maine and was stationed in Key West while in the Navy, but he didn’t like seafood.
Watching Raymond and my Dad argue with each other about what each remembered or didn’t remember about their days in Key West was funny.
Raymond and Pricille visited us in Missouri in the middle of the summer. They stayed in our pop up camper with no AC. I think they thought they were going to melt it was so hot and humid.
Thank you for keeping in touch with my Dad all these years and visiting us in Missouri recently when Dad was no longer able to travel.
Taking us on a tour of his fire house and then to the beach when we visited in the mid 80’s.
I am sad to see you’re gone but happy to know you are with Pris again…I will never forget you Ray! I Love you!!
Our condolences to Ray’s family and friends. RIP
We are so sorry for your loss. Raymond was a great man. So glad we had the pleasure of knowing him. Ray will be sadly missed.
R.I.P Raymond
So sorry for your loss. Raymond was a great friend and Bob’s Navy buddy for 60 plus years. He will be missed. Bob and Linda McArthur.
Raymond was a great friend. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss, Raymond was a great friend for many years.
The first time that Ray, Pris and the kids came to visit us in Missouri. Ray and Pris were outside in our popup camper parked it the driveway. A storm came up all of a sudden with lots of rain and wind Ray was yelling get me out of here. He could not get the door open. I went outside and open the door for them, Needless to say we were soaked by the time we got in the house. We had a lot of laughs about this over the years.
Ray and Bob were stationed together in Key West Florida in the Navy, and were still best friends after 60 plus years
My Dad ( Roger Belair) was in the Biddeford fire department with Ray and my child memory of him was always smiles and laughs. My condolences to the whole family. – Lisa (Belair) Lewis
My deepest Sympathy in your loss. My Dad had the upmost respect for Raymond
I knew him through a bowling league
Kind, knowledgeable, compassionate
Let’s drink some drinks, and hit some pins?
Hey Ray, I went down to Amesbury and got my over 300/ 3 string in a tournament…
But I think he knows that because I think his spirit guided me to it.
He FINALLY beat Fred a few weeks ago for the first time ever. The excitement in his eyes…..
His kindness to Us.
Taught us about how the points work in our handicap bowling league
Well, I was only fortunate to know Ray for 4 months. We got paired up in a bowling league.
Needless to say, those 4 months were some of the best of my last 10 years. He was so kind and patient. He would let me know when I was speeding up my game too much.
He showed kindness to my GF and all the other bowlers in the house. He FINALLY beat Fred for the first time a few weeks ago, and Chief, we need 6 points this week to place 3rd! Who would have thought it? You and your team of MISFITZ, would be placing 3rd.
Thanks Ray for everything this year. We got Skip from here boss.
I was so shocked and saddened by Rays passing. He was such a huge presence in his family and in his communities. Such a wonderful man. My deepest condolences to all of the Parent family. May your memories help you during this difficult time. 💔😔
Happy go lucky and such a great man with a big heart.
RIP Ray💔
He served on the Maine EMS Board for several years, served as President of the board. He was one of the first Chiefs in the State of Maine to promote EMS in the Fire Service. He was a big supporter of The Maine EMS Honor Guard… We Honor him for his years of service.
I’ll always remember what Ray would say to his crew…”You work for John Q Public, whatever John Q Public wants you to do is what you’re going to do!”
All business when he was at work, however, always a comedian, when at events with friends and Fire Chiefs meetings.
Serving several years on The Board of EMS at The State of Maine
Life Itself!
His 1964 Ford Fairlane
His 1964 Ford Fairlane
Organization and taking care of his employees
Outstanding!
Maine Fire Chiefs Association
He served on the Maine EMS Board for several years, served as President of the board. He was one of the first Chiefs in the State of Maine to promote EMS in the Fire Service. He was a big supporter of The Maine EMS Honor Guard… We Honor him for his years of service.
We would very much like to be involved in “Posting the Colors” at the Funeral Service on the 20th… Please contact us at 207-650-3090 (Ron Morin, Director of the Maine EMS Honor Guard)
Noreen and Eric, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man! We will never forget how good he was to our family after we lost our dad in a house fire. May his memory be a blessing.
Sandra Mahany
Rest well, Ray. I will miss you.
I have many memories of you and Pris going with my parents (Lawrence and Esther Dolby) to York County firefighters meetings.
My most recent memory was sitting with you this past September at my brother’s funeral. Lawrence S. Dolby
Rest well with Pris, Ray.
He was dedicated to family first, the fire service and our veteran’s.
A man who loved his family, riding his motorcycle, the fire service and working to help our veterans.
He could type faster than me. He got that from the Navy.
Was so sorry to learn the Chief had passed. I have known him since I started working at Sanford Fire. First, through the fire attack school, as a committee member and as an instructor, and then as my Chief when he came to Sanford. More important, as a friend. I will miss him.
Ray was an amazing soul. Rarely do you see someone so in love. He loved his lady with all his heart, you could feel their love when you were near them. He seldom ever said a negative word about anyone, if he did he always followed it up with a compliment. I will fondly remember all the bike rides/runs and trips. I will forever think of him when I hear a motorcycle go by blaring 50’s and 60’s music.
My deepest condolences