Obituary for Raymond H. Tanguay
Raymond H. Tanguay, husband of the late Barbara Miron Tanguay, passed away February 11th at the age of 91. Ray graduated from Enfield High School, where he split his time at football games playing the position of Offensive End, and clarinet at half time.
After serving in the US Navy, Ray graduated from the Harrt School of Music where he was president of the senior class (Barbara, his future wife of 64 years was vice president), and was an accomplished clarinetist/saxophonist. Ray began a passionate 30 year career as Director of Music in Suffield where he had award winning bands and the top three clarinetists in the CT All State Festival.
For many years he was the Assistant Director of Laurel Music Camp and was affectionately known as “Uncle Ray”. Above all else, Mr. Tanguay taught his students the importance of phrasing, counting rhythms, and being nice to each other. At 91, he decided to take an ‘early retirement’ from the instrument repair business. Ray enjoyed traveling in his RV and time spent with friends in the Florida Keys.
He leaves a daughter Celeste and husband Lew, a son Lee and wife Lori and four grandchildren, Christine, Stephen, Kyle and his fiancé Mary Kate, and Logan; a sister Carol Richards and sister in law Phyllis Tanguay both of Enfield, and 13 special nieces and nephews. Ray will be remembered for his music, his warmth and his laughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Suffield Public Schools Raymond Tanguay Scholarship Fund, and mailed to 350 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06093.
Heritage Funeral home will be in charge of the arrangements. The service will be private, per Ray’s wishes. Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com
After serving in the US Navy, Ray graduated from the Harrt School of Music where he was president of the senior class (Barbara, his future wife of 64 years was vice president), and was an accomplished clarinetist/saxophonist. Ray began a passionate 30 year career as Director of Music in Suffield where he had award winning bands and the top three clarinetists in the CT All State Festival.
For many years he was the Assistant Director of Laurel Music Camp and was affectionately known as “Uncle Ray”. Above all else, Mr. Tanguay taught his students the importance of phrasing, counting rhythms, and being nice to each other. At 91, he decided to take an ‘early retirement’ from the instrument repair business. Ray enjoyed traveling in his RV and time spent with friends in the Florida Keys.
He leaves a daughter Celeste and husband Lew, a son Lee and wife Lori and four grandchildren, Christine, Stephen, Kyle and his fiancé Mary Kate, and Logan; a sister Carol Richards and sister in law Phyllis Tanguay both of Enfield, and 13 special nieces and nephews. Ray will be remembered for his music, his warmth and his laughter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Suffield Public Schools Raymond Tanguay Scholarship Fund, and mailed to 350 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT 06093.
Heritage Funeral home will be in charge of the arrangements. The service will be private, per Ray’s wishes. Online condolences please visit: www.SuffieldFuneralHome.com