MILFORD – July 8th, 2009. It is with great sadness that the New Hampshire Knights of Columbus have learned of the passing of Past State Deputy Ray A. Dube of Milford, who served in that office from 1983 to 1985. He was 77 years old.
Past State Deputy Dube was a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Milford, where he served as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, and member of the Parish Council. He belonged to Milford council 3035 and held numerous offices there including Grand Knight and, most recently, Council Advocate. Ray A. Dube proudly served his country in the Air Force during the Korean War and belonged to both the American Legion and VFW. He owned and operated Nashua Fruit Inc. for 20 years.
Other New Hampshire Past State Deputies expressed sincere statements of remembrance and condolence (terms of office given in parentheses):
--- Past State Deputy John Goodrich, Littleton, NH (1971-1973): “I’ll tell you one thing: Ray never forgave me for giving him his 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degrees. But seriously, he was a great man who did a lot of great things for his council.”
--- Past State Deputy Ed Mele, Derry, NH (1991-1995): “It is difficult indeed to find words to express our sorrow at the death of Ray Dube, a man whom I admired. Ray brought me onto the State Council in 1983 as a District Deputy. He also has left a legacy in the form of the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) which he started here in New Hampshire, It is still going strong to raise funds for religious vocations. He will be missed.”
--- Past State Deputy Stan Polan, Nashua, NH (1995-1997): “Past State Deputy Ray Dube typified for me the spirit of the Knights of Columbus by his encouraging support of those who also served in that position. I remember him as one dedicated to his home council, his home Assembly and his home town. In planning events, Ray was very helpful in all sorts of projects and was willing to do what he could to make them successful, especially by the use of the Milford council home facility. He was part of the crew and was right there doing his part. I had the privilege of naming him as the Honoree of a 4th Degree Exemplification held in his home town in 2002. Anyone who was there that day will remember how dedicated Ray was to the works of the Knights of Columbus. May he rest in peace.”
--- Past State Deputy Edward T. Kennedy, Fitzwilliam, NH (2003-2005): “I met Ray in 1995 as my job moved me from Littleton down to Milford. I transferred my membership to the Milford council and started my tenure as a District Deputy. Ray made me comfortable right from the start. I was impressed with Ray and his level of involvement in his council – especially since he was a Past State Deputy, I would have thought that he would have been less involved. That wasn’t the case with Ray at all – he not only was involved in everything that the council did, but he loved doing it. It was his joy, his laughter in all that he did that I found most remarkable. He was truly a great example of a true Knight of Columbus – a fine Catholic gentleman – and a great all-around guy to know. I’ll miss him greatly!”
--- Past State Deputy Thomas Ingham, Newton, NH (2005-2007): “As a State officer moving up through the [ranks], you have to be able to learn from those who served before you. One of my fondest recollections was the 4th Degree Exemplification held in Suncook a few years ago. After a Friday night setup and run-through, Ed Kennedy and I spent almost two hours after everyone else had gone home talking with Ray and Past State Deputy Louis LaSalle about the duties of office. Ray was just a treasure trove of information and suggestions. He had an easy laugh and a wonderful way of offering advice and ideas. He never put himself above anyone and always made you feel like an equally important piece of the team. I learned a great deal that night from Ray and will always be grateful for the times we spoke at functions. I don’t think he was trying to teach me anything but he did even if he didn’t know it.”
Ray A. Dube is survived by his wife, Marion, his stepson, Stephen Jacques, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
The New Hampshire Knights of Columbus comprises of nearly 7000 Catholic men who individually belong to more than 60 local councils throughout the state. For additional information, please visit the NH Knights of Columbus website at www.nhknights.org.
Robert F Jursik
Public Relations Chairman
NH Knights of Columbus
51 Maplewood Lane
Penacook NH 03303
(603) 753-8561
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