MEREDITH - With full hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we share the passing of Raymond "Ray" Fraser, recently of Portsmouth, NH and Parrish, FL, who left us peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Golden View Health Care Center in Meredith after a period of declining health.

Born on May 22, 1936, in Nashua, NH, Ray was the son of William and Rose (Gould) Fraser. He grew up in Nashua, attended local schools, and graduated from Nashua High School in 1955. Shortly after, he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he trained as an electronic radar technician. His service introduced him to the wider world and sparked a lifelong love of aviation that stayed with him always.

Ray recently celebrated his 90th birthday, a milestone that reflected a life filled with purpose and dedication. He spent 40 years working as an environmental test lab technician and engineer at Sanders/BAE Systems in Nashua, a role he truly enjoyed for its challenge, variety, and innovation. He retired in 1998, leaving behind decades of meaningful work and cherished friendships.

Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His life was shaped by love, faith, curiosity, and adventure. He shared 66 wonderful years with his wife, Margaret (Laliberte) Fraser, whom he met on a blind date arranged by his brother Bob. Together they built a warm and lively home in Nashua, raising three children before enjoying retirement between Portsmouth, NH and Parrish, FL.

Ray embraced every opportunity to explore and spend time with family. Many of his happiest memories were made camping throughout New England, across the country, and into Canada with "the gang," a group of families who filled countless summers with laughter, campfires, and unforgettable stories.

Music was woven throughout Ray's life. As a teenager he fell in love with the bass fiddle, guitar, and country and western music, joining family and friends in spirited jam sessions that became treasured traditions. He also enjoyed building model airplanes, proudly displaying them in his garage, and was an enthusiastic card player-especially when it came to the game of "63," where his competitive spirit often made itself known.

Ray and Margaret spent many years traveling by RV, joining caravan trips across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and later exploring the world by air and sea. As a "Pepere," Ray delighted in taking his grandsons on special outings-visiting planes at Pease Airport, stopping by the fire station, and always ending with ice cream at McDonald's, his favorite treat.

During his years in Portsmouth, Ray found joy in simple pleasures: outdoor music, cool breezes at the local fort, and early dinners at favorite restaurants. A natural conversationalist, he became an active part of the community, serving as a Visitor Assistant for the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce and later as a Granite State Ambassador.

For the past two decades, Ray and Margaret embraced their "snowbird" life in Parrish, FL, where they found a close-knit community, dear friends, and many sunny afternoons spent sharing stories and laughter under the carport.

Ray leaves behind his loving wife, Margaret; his daughter Renee (Fraser) Dunlap and her husband Daniel of Meredith; his son Gary Fraser of Barnstead, NH; and his three grandsons-Alec Dunlap of Portland, ME, Drew Dunlap of Meredith, and Blake Dunlap of Portsmouth, NH. He is predeceased by his parents and by his son, Glenn Fraser.

A service with military honors will be held in Portsmouth, followed by a Celebration of Life to honor Ray's remarkable journey and the joy he brought to so many. Details will be announced at a later date.