Son of:
Charles Plaunt and Ada Metevier
At the venerable age of 95 years 8 months and 0 days Captain Raymond Anthony Plaunt, of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday February 17, 2016, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Ray, the youngest son of Charles and Ada (Metevier) Plaunt's 12 children, was born in Cheboygan on June 17, 1920, and lived on Bois Blanc Island and Cheboygan for his entire life. Proud and patriotic, Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II. When we think of Ray's life one word comes to mind...Love. Ray or "Pa", as he was known to so many, was a well-loved man and knew how to love deeply, as well. He loved life and lived it with enthusiasm; he loved his job; he loved Northern Michigan; he loved people; and most of all he loved his family. In 1932, at the tender age of 12, Ray began working with his father transporting passengers and supplies to Bois Blanc Island and so began his long career sailing the Straits of Mackinaw. In the 83 years since his first trip to the Island, Captain Ray Plaunt witnessed an immense amount of change. He was there when the island first received electricity. He saw boats become larger and faster and island homes become grander. He watched families grow and Islander's come and go. He was dedicated to bringing supplies and mail to the island and would sail as late in the season as possible and begin making trips again early in the spring. Through it all, he made friendships that spanned generations and lasted lifetimes. There was always a special place in Ray's heart for Bois Blanc Island. Ray loved Northern Michigan and was an avid outdoorsman. A skilled fisherman, he enjoyed ice fishing on Mullet Lake and had the knack for telling a great fish story. He also loved hunting, camping, and snowmobile safaris. Ray loved the majesty of the Great Lakes and the pristine shorelines. He loved winter as he anxiously waited for the ice to form, always eager to know how thick the ice was. He loved breaking ice as he captained the ferry and loved the spring break-up. Ray loved to see the steam on the river in the morning, the breaking sun on calm waters and the wrath of the Great Lakes during a storm. He truly loved Northern Michigan and all of her magnificence. Ray loved traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and so many points in between. During his travels he visited old friends and made many new ones. He was the type of man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was down to earth, genuine, and had a great sense of humor. He loved people and they loved him. It didn't matter where he was; Ray always seemed to cross paths with someone he knew.
The greatest love in Ray's life was his family. He found "once-in-a lifetime" love, not once, but twice. On June 21, 1947, in Northville, Michigan, Ray married the love of his life, Patricia Frid. They made their home and raised their family on Bois Blanc Island. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Pat's death in 1982. A few years later Ray again found true love and married the second love of his life, Ruth (nee Neumann) Shampine. They were married on September 14, 1985, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan and have made the last 31 years wonderful for each other.
Their families became one and they enjoyed holidays, birthday parties, weddings, and family camping adventures at Aloha State Park. There are plenty of fond memories of the annual Christmas shot of Crown Royal, gifts with special meanings, sons-in-law battling for higher rungs on the "Pa Ladder", and the long list of "Pa-isms", including "Older than dirt", "Made in 1920", "kai-kai", "His Besser", and "Ba'Goose".
His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him and he made each of them feel special. He had a way of making the "out-laws" feel like they were always a part of the family and had a nickname for everyone. Ray Plaunt left his mark on this earth and we can sincerely say we are all better for knowing this great man. His legacy, his family, will treasure their many fond memories of Pa. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Plaunt; children, Char (Jim) McLaren of Beaverton, LeAnna (Mike) McNamara, Curt Plaunt, Bev (Ron) Griggs, Herman Shampine (Tina Merchant), Rosemary Tracy, Linda (Don) Johnson, Chrissy (Tony) Sutterley, and Phyllis (Dave) Brandt, all of Cheboygan; sister, Ethelen "Gig" Paul; and sister-in-law, Hazel Yerks.
He also leaves 33 grandchildren, Ryan McLaren, Wendy (Ted) Spray, Jason (Ashley) Plaunt, Kristen (Ryan) Schoenberg, Penny (Will) Stamour, Joe (Christy) Shampine, Michael (Carol) Coats, Shani (Chris) VanHoorelbeke, Karrie (Ron) White, Cassie (Steve) LeDuc, Christina (Tony) Whippo, Tennille (Jay) Folk, Bianca (Aaron) Thompson, Nick (Kathleen) Connors, Dionne Tracy, Justin (CherryAnn) Brandt, Dylan (Lauren) Brandt, and Alisia Brandt; and 38 great grandchildren, George and Grant Spray, Caleb, Emma, and Charlie Plaunt, Olivia, Ben, and Jacob Schoenberg, Stephen, Wyatt, and Morgan Coats, Shaun, Katlyn, James, and Jack VanHoorelbeke, Ethan, Brady, and Peyton Shampine, Mindy (Goran) Nikolovski, Trisha Woodgate (Delos Cripps), Darin Woodgate - or Jeffery as Pa called him, Salena St. Amour, Carley Johnson, Macie and Myia White, Gavin and Hannah Whippo, Riley and Beckett Folk, Reegan and Keilan Thompson, Ariall, Cameron, and Kara Connors, Caleigh Easter, and Tayla and Easton Brandt.
And last, but not least one great, great grandchild, Mirra Cripps. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and 10 siblings.
Ray's family will receive friends on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at the Cheboygan K of C Hall from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service celebrating Ray's life beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Mike Kemper will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ray to the Bois Blanc Community Foundation or to the Ray Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship Fund. Courtesy of Chagnon Funeral Home, Onaway, Michigan.
Research by Sherri L. Czuchra
Charles Plaunt and Ada Metevier
At the venerable age of 95 years 8 months and 0 days Captain Raymond Anthony Plaunt, of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday February 17, 2016, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Ray, the youngest son of Charles and Ada (Metevier) Plaunt's 12 children, was born in Cheboygan on June 17, 1920, and lived on Bois Blanc Island and Cheboygan for his entire life. Proud and patriotic, Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II. When we think of Ray's life one word comes to mind...Love. Ray or "Pa", as he was known to so many, was a well-loved man and knew how to love deeply, as well. He loved life and lived it with enthusiasm; he loved his job; he loved Northern Michigan; he loved people; and most of all he loved his family. In 1932, at the tender age of 12, Ray began working with his father transporting passengers and supplies to Bois Blanc Island and so began his long career sailing the Straits of Mackinaw. In the 83 years since his first trip to the Island, Captain Ray Plaunt witnessed an immense amount of change. He was there when the island first received electricity. He saw boats become larger and faster and island homes become grander. He watched families grow and Islander's come and go. He was dedicated to bringing supplies and mail to the island and would sail as late in the season as possible and begin making trips again early in the spring. Through it all, he made friendships that spanned generations and lasted lifetimes. There was always a special place in Ray's heart for Bois Blanc Island. Ray loved Northern Michigan and was an avid outdoorsman. A skilled fisherman, he enjoyed ice fishing on Mullet Lake and had the knack for telling a great fish story. He also loved hunting, camping, and snowmobile safaris. Ray loved the majesty of the Great Lakes and the pristine shorelines. He loved winter as he anxiously waited for the ice to form, always eager to know how thick the ice was. He loved breaking ice as he captained the ferry and loved the spring break-up. Ray loved to see the steam on the river in the morning, the breaking sun on calm waters and the wrath of the Great Lakes during a storm. He truly loved Northern Michigan and all of her magnificence. Ray loved traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and so many points in between. During his travels he visited old friends and made many new ones. He was the type of man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was down to earth, genuine, and had a great sense of humor. He loved people and they loved him. It didn't matter where he was; Ray always seemed to cross paths with someone he knew.
The greatest love in Ray's life was his family. He found "once-in-a lifetime" love, not once, but twice. On June 21, 1947, in Northville, Michigan, Ray married the love of his life, Patricia Frid. They made their home and raised their family on Bois Blanc Island. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Pat's death in 1982. A few years later Ray again found true love and married the second love of his life, Ruth (nee Neumann) Shampine. They were married on September 14, 1985, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan and have made the last 31 years wonderful for each other.
Their families became one and they enjoyed holidays, birthday parties, weddings, and family camping adventures at Aloha State Park. There are plenty of fond memories of the annual Christmas shot of Crown Royal, gifts with special meanings, sons-in-law battling for higher rungs on the "Pa Ladder", and the long list of "Pa-isms", including "Older than dirt", "Made in 1920", "kai-kai", "His Besser", and "Ba'Goose".
His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him and he made each of them feel special. He had a way of making the "out-laws" feel like they were always a part of the family and had a nickname for everyone. Ray Plaunt left his mark on this earth and we can sincerely say we are all better for knowing this great man. His legacy, his family, will treasure their many fond memories of Pa. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Plaunt; children, Char (Jim) McLaren of Beaverton, LeAnna (Mike) McNamara, Curt Plaunt, Bev (Ron) Griggs, Herman Shampine (Tina Merchant), Rosemary Tracy, Linda (Don) Johnson, Chrissy (Tony) Sutterley, and Phyllis (Dave) Brandt, all of Cheboygan; sister, Ethelen "Gig" Paul; and sister-in-law, Hazel Yerks.
He also leaves 33 grandchildren, Ryan McLaren, Wendy (Ted) Spray, Jason (Ashley) Plaunt, Kristen (Ryan) Schoenberg, Penny (Will) Stamour, Joe (Christy) Shampine, Michael (Carol) Coats, Shani (Chris) VanHoorelbeke, Karrie (Ron) White, Cassie (Steve) LeDuc, Christina (Tony) Whippo, Tennille (Jay) Folk, Bianca (Aaron) Thompson, Nick (Kathleen) Connors, Dionne Tracy, Justin (CherryAnn) Brandt, Dylan (Lauren) Brandt, and Alisia Brandt; and 38 great grandchildren, George and Grant Spray, Caleb, Emma, and Charlie Plaunt, Olivia, Ben, and Jacob Schoenberg, Stephen, Wyatt, and Morgan Coats, Shaun, Katlyn, James, and Jack VanHoorelbeke, Ethan, Brady, and Peyton Shampine, Mindy (Goran) Nikolovski, Trisha Woodgate (Delos Cripps), Darin Woodgate - or Jeffery as Pa called him, Salena St. Amour, Carley Johnson, Macie and Myia White, Gavin and Hannah Whippo, Riley and Beckett Folk, Reegan and Keilan Thompson, Ariall, Cameron, and Kara Connors, Caleigh Easter, and Tayla and Easton Brandt.
And last, but not least one great, great grandchild, Mirra Cripps. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and 10 siblings.
Ray's family will receive friends on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at the Cheboygan K of C Hall from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service celebrating Ray's life beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Mike Kemper will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ray to the Bois Blanc Community Foundation or to the Ray Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship Fund. Courtesy of Chagnon Funeral Home, Onaway, Michigan.
Research by Sherri L. Czuchra
Son of:
Charles Plaunt and Ada Metevier
At the venerable age of 95 years 8 months and 0 days Captain Raymond Anthony Plaunt, of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday February 17, 2016, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Ray, the youngest son of Charles and Ada (Metevier) Plaunt's 12 children, was born in Cheboygan on June 17, 1920, and lived on Bois Blanc Island and Cheboygan for his entire life. Proud and patriotic, Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II. When we think of Ray's life one word comes to mind...Love. Ray or "Pa", as he was known to so many, was a well-loved man and knew how to love deeply, as well. He loved life and lived it with enthusiasm; he loved his job; he loved Northern Michigan; he loved people; and most of all he loved his family. In 1932, at the tender age of 12, Ray began working with his father transporting passengers and supplies to Bois Blanc Island and so began his long career sailing the Straits of Mackinaw. In the 83 years since his first trip to the Island, Captain Ray Plaunt witnessed an immense amount of change. He was there when the island first received electricity. He saw boats become larger and faster and island homes become grander. He watched families grow and Islander's come and go. He was dedicated to bringing supplies and mail to the island and would sail as late in the season as possible and begin making trips again early in the spring. Through it all, he made friendships that spanned generations and lasted lifetimes. There was always a special place in Ray's heart for Bois Blanc Island. Ray loved Northern Michigan and was an avid outdoorsman. A skilled fisherman, he enjoyed ice fishing on Mullet Lake and had the knack for telling a great fish story. He also loved hunting, camping, and snowmobile safaris. Ray loved the majesty of the Great Lakes and the pristine shorelines. He loved winter as he anxiously waited for the ice to form, always eager to know how thick the ice was. He loved breaking ice as he captained the ferry and loved the spring break-up. Ray loved to see the steam on the river in the morning, the breaking sun on calm waters and the wrath of the Great Lakes during a storm. He truly loved Northern Michigan and all of her magnificence. Ray loved traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and so many points in between. During his travels he visited old friends and made many new ones. He was the type of man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was down to earth, genuine, and had a great sense of humor. He loved people and they loved him. It didn't matter where he was; Ray always seemed to cross paths with someone he knew.
The greatest love in Ray's life was his family. He found "once-in-a lifetime" love, not once, but twice. On June 21, 1947, in Northville, Michigan, Ray married the love of his life, Patricia Frid. They made their home and raised their family on Bois Blanc Island. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Pat's death in 1982. A few years later Ray again found true love and married the second love of his life, Ruth (nee Neumann) Shampine. They were married on September 14, 1985, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan and have made the last 31 years wonderful for each other.
Their families became one and they enjoyed holidays, birthday parties, weddings, and family camping adventures at Aloha State Park. There are plenty of fond memories of the annual Christmas shot of Crown Royal, gifts with special meanings, sons-in-law battling for higher rungs on the "Pa Ladder", and the long list of "Pa-isms", including "Older than dirt", "Made in 1920", "kai-kai", "His Besser", and "Ba'Goose".
His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him and he made each of them feel special. He had a way of making the "out-laws" feel like they were always a part of the family and had a nickname for everyone. Ray Plaunt left his mark on this earth and we can sincerely say we are all better for knowing this great man. His legacy, his family, will treasure their many fond memories of Pa. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Plaunt; children, Char (Jim) McLaren of Beaverton, LeAnna (Mike) McNamara, Curt Plaunt, Bev (Ron) Griggs, Herman Shampine (Tina Merchant), Rosemary Tracy, Linda (Don) Johnson, Chrissy (Tony) Sutterley, and Phyllis (Dave) Brandt, all of Cheboygan; sister, Ethelen "Gig" Paul; and sister-in-law, Hazel Yerks.
He also leaves 33 grandchildren, Ryan McLaren, Wendy (Ted) Spray, Jason (Ashley) Plaunt, Kristen (Ryan) Schoenberg, Penny (Will) Stamour, Joe (Christy) Shampine, Michael (Carol) Coats, Shani (Chris) VanHoorelbeke, Karrie (Ron) White, Cassie (Steve) LeDuc, Christina (Tony) Whippo, Tennille (Jay) Folk, Bianca (Aaron) Thompson, Nick (Kathleen) Connors, Dionne Tracy, Justin (CherryAnn) Brandt, Dylan (Lauren) Brandt, and Alisia Brandt; and 38 great grandchildren, George and Grant Spray, Caleb, Emma, and Charlie Plaunt, Olivia, Ben, and Jacob Schoenberg, Stephen, Wyatt, and Morgan Coats, Shaun, Katlyn, James, and Jack VanHoorelbeke, Ethan, Brady, and Peyton Shampine, Mindy (Goran) Nikolovski, Trisha Woodgate (Delos Cripps), Darin Woodgate - or Jeffery as Pa called him, Salena St. Amour, Carley Johnson, Macie and Myia White, Gavin and Hannah Whippo, Riley and Beckett Folk, Reegan and Keilan Thompson, Ariall, Cameron, and Kara Connors, Caleigh Easter, and Tayla and Easton Brandt.
And last, but not least one great, great grandchild, Mirra Cripps. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and 10 siblings.
Ray's family will receive friends on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at the Cheboygan K of C Hall from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service celebrating Ray's life beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Mike Kemper will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ray to the Bois Blanc Community Foundation or to the Ray Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship Fund. Courtesy of Chagnon Funeral Home, Onaway, Michigan.
Research by Sherri L. Czuchra
Charles Plaunt and Ada Metevier
At the venerable age of 95 years 8 months and 0 days Captain Raymond Anthony Plaunt, of Cheboygan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday February 17, 2016, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey. Ray, the youngest son of Charles and Ada (Metevier) Plaunt's 12 children, was born in Cheboygan on June 17, 1920, and lived on Bois Blanc Island and Cheboygan for his entire life. Proud and patriotic, Ray was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the South Pacific during World War II. When we think of Ray's life one word comes to mind...Love. Ray or "Pa", as he was known to so many, was a well-loved man and knew how to love deeply, as well. He loved life and lived it with enthusiasm; he loved his job; he loved Northern Michigan; he loved people; and most of all he loved his family. In 1932, at the tender age of 12, Ray began working with his father transporting passengers and supplies to Bois Blanc Island and so began his long career sailing the Straits of Mackinaw. In the 83 years since his first trip to the Island, Captain Ray Plaunt witnessed an immense amount of change. He was there when the island first received electricity. He saw boats become larger and faster and island homes become grander. He watched families grow and Islander's come and go. He was dedicated to bringing supplies and mail to the island and would sail as late in the season as possible and begin making trips again early in the spring. Through it all, he made friendships that spanned generations and lasted lifetimes. There was always a special place in Ray's heart for Bois Blanc Island. Ray loved Northern Michigan and was an avid outdoorsman. A skilled fisherman, he enjoyed ice fishing on Mullet Lake and had the knack for telling a great fish story. He also loved hunting, camping, and snowmobile safaris. Ray loved the majesty of the Great Lakes and the pristine shorelines. He loved winter as he anxiously waited for the ice to form, always eager to know how thick the ice was. He loved breaking ice as he captained the ferry and loved the spring break-up. Ray loved to see the steam on the river in the morning, the breaking sun on calm waters and the wrath of the Great Lakes during a storm. He truly loved Northern Michigan and all of her magnificence. Ray loved traveling and visited Alaska, Hawaii, Florida and so many points in between. During his travels he visited old friends and made many new ones. He was the type of man who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was down to earth, genuine, and had a great sense of humor. He loved people and they loved him. It didn't matter where he was; Ray always seemed to cross paths with someone he knew.
The greatest love in Ray's life was his family. He found "once-in-a lifetime" love, not once, but twice. On June 21, 1947, in Northville, Michigan, Ray married the love of his life, Patricia Frid. They made their home and raised their family on Bois Blanc Island. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage before Pat's death in 1982. A few years later Ray again found true love and married the second love of his life, Ruth (nee Neumann) Shampine. They were married on September 14, 1985, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Cheboygan and have made the last 31 years wonderful for each other.
Their families became one and they enjoyed holidays, birthday parties, weddings, and family camping adventures at Aloha State Park. There are plenty of fond memories of the annual Christmas shot of Crown Royal, gifts with special meanings, sons-in-law battling for higher rungs on the "Pa Ladder", and the long list of "Pa-isms", including "Older than dirt", "Made in 1920", "kai-kai", "His Besser", and "Ba'Goose".
His grandchildren and great grandchildren adored him and he made each of them feel special. He had a way of making the "out-laws" feel like they were always a part of the family and had a nickname for everyone. Ray Plaunt left his mark on this earth and we can sincerely say we are all better for knowing this great man. His legacy, his family, will treasure their many fond memories of Pa. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Ruth Plaunt; children, Char (Jim) McLaren of Beaverton, LeAnna (Mike) McNamara, Curt Plaunt, Bev (Ron) Griggs, Herman Shampine (Tina Merchant), Rosemary Tracy, Linda (Don) Johnson, Chrissy (Tony) Sutterley, and Phyllis (Dave) Brandt, all of Cheboygan; sister, Ethelen "Gig" Paul; and sister-in-law, Hazel Yerks.
He also leaves 33 grandchildren, Ryan McLaren, Wendy (Ted) Spray, Jason (Ashley) Plaunt, Kristen (Ryan) Schoenberg, Penny (Will) Stamour, Joe (Christy) Shampine, Michael (Carol) Coats, Shani (Chris) VanHoorelbeke, Karrie (Ron) White, Cassie (Steve) LeDuc, Christina (Tony) Whippo, Tennille (Jay) Folk, Bianca (Aaron) Thompson, Nick (Kathleen) Connors, Dionne Tracy, Justin (CherryAnn) Brandt, Dylan (Lauren) Brandt, and Alisia Brandt; and 38 great grandchildren, George and Grant Spray, Caleb, Emma, and Charlie Plaunt, Olivia, Ben, and Jacob Schoenberg, Stephen, Wyatt, and Morgan Coats, Shaun, Katlyn, James, and Jack VanHoorelbeke, Ethan, Brady, and Peyton Shampine, Mindy (Goran) Nikolovski, Trisha Woodgate (Delos Cripps), Darin Woodgate - or Jeffery as Pa called him, Salena St. Amour, Carley Johnson, Macie and Myia White, Gavin and Hannah Whippo, Riley and Beckett Folk, Reegan and Keilan Thompson, Ariall, Cameron, and Kara Connors, Caleigh Easter, and Tayla and Easton Brandt.
And last, but not least one great, great grandchild, Mirra Cripps. Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia and 10 siblings.
Ray's family will receive friends on Saturday Feb. 20, 2016 at the Cheboygan K of C Hall from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., with a service celebrating Ray's life beginning at 4:30 p.m. Pastor Mike Kemper will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Ray to the Bois Blanc Community Foundation or to the Ray Plaunt Memorial Maritime Scholarship Fund. Courtesy of Chagnon Funeral Home, Onaway, Michigan.
Research by Sherri L. Czuchra
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