Raymond “Ray” Maurice Demars, a lifelong New Hampshire resident, was born September 16, 1936, in Groveton, NH, to the late Louis and Beatrice Demars, passed away peacefully, August 31, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray attended Keene State College, where he met the love of his life, JoAnn (Daily). Together, they shared 66 years of marriage and raised four children: Dennis, Debbie (Randy), Doug (Michelle), and Diane (Tom). For the past 60 years, they made their home in the house where they raised their family—a home proudly marked by a fresh American flag flying from Ray’s beloved 20-foot coffee grinder.

Ray honorably served in the Air Force National Guard and spent much of his career helping and guiding young people. He served for many years as Dean of Students at New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in Manchester and later worked as a guidance counselor at Hillside Junior High School.

Ray loved life and lived it to the fullest, always keeping himself busy. He spent many years coaching baseball with North Little League and shared his love of sports by also coaching college golf and basketball. He and JoAnn enjoyed traveling and making memories together, while Ray also treasured hiking New Hampshire’s mountains with his close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as the “Manhattan Club.”

His greatest joy, however, was being on the sidelines, cheering on his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was baseball, basketball, cheerleading, football, or a dance recital, Ray was there. He rarely missed a game or performance and took great pride in watching them grow, compete, and do whatever they loved. Being there for his family was exactly where Ray wanted to be.

One of Ray’s favorite places was his garage, where there seemed to be nothing he couldn’t fix. His family often heard him whistling while working on his latest project or discovering yet another thing around the house that needed his attention. His hands were rarely still, and there was always something he was happily working to repair, improve, or bring back to life.

Ray is survived by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his four children; eight grandchildren, Jacob (Lora), Shannon (Jon), Mariah (Sean), Nicholas (Gabby), McKayla (Andrew), TJ (Marguerite), Matthew (Rachel), and Andrew; and six great-grandchildren, Kyliana, Mason, Carter, Clayton, Lincoln, and Brooks. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Robert and Carolyn.

Ray will be remembered for his deep love of family and friends, his willingness to always lend a helping hand, and his remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He found joy in staying busy and helping those around him. And for those who knew him well, his familiar whistle will always be a special reminder of Ray and the many memories he leaves behind.

Whenever anyone asked Ray how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same:

“Good enough.” A simple phrase that perfectly captured the way Ray lived his life—humble, positive, and always ready for whatever came next. Though he will be deeply missed, his love, laughter, familiar whistle, and the countless memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Ray lived a life filled with family, friendship, service, and love. And by Ray’s own measure, it was more than good enough.

SERVICES: A Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 12:00 – 12:30 PM at the Cremation Society of NH, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester, NH. A memorial service will be held at 12:30 PM in the chapel. Committal prayers with military honors will follow at 3:00 PM at the NH State Veterans Cemetery, 110 DW Highway, in Boscawen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice House, in Merrimack, NH. Donations can be made online at Community Hospice House donation page.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester, NH.