Raymond John Soler, 79, of East Boothbay passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024.

Raymond, son of John Soler Jr. and Mary (Tallent) Soler was born March 29,1945, in New York City, New York and was raised in East Boothbay from the age of two. He attended area public schools and graduated in the Class of 1964 from Boothbay Region High School, where he lettered in football and baseball. He completed a two-year program in building construction at Central Main Vocational Technical Institute.

Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and was assigned damage control duty on the icebreaker, Southwind. He traveled the world from top to bottom and circumnavigated the earth, acquiring all of the appropriate papers and experiencing the initiation rites. When his ship suffered a 70-foot gash in its outer bottom, damage control was paramount in shoring up the bulkheads to keep the vessel from Davy Jones’s locker.

Raymond’s last duty station was in Crisfield, Maryland. He met Sonia there, after a whirlwind courtship, they married, moved to Maine and enjoyed the next 54 years together. The welcomed the births of their two much loved daughters, Kim and Kelley.

Ray was employed as a ship fitter by local boat yards and the Bath Iron Works. Eventually he purchased a lobster boat, named it the Sonia Marie and headed for Linekin Bay with his wife, Sonia, as “sternman.” Ray had a love for all living creatures and often spoke of his feelings of guilt from causing the deaths of thousands of lobsters. In a sense he was a gentle giant.

In retirement he enjoyed watching the birds at the feeders, building many bird houses and wooden pot buoys, which adorned he garage, and stacking the perfect wood pile. He was happy spending time in Massachusetts with his daughter, Kelley and her twins, Julian and Sophia. The Saturday before his death he spent a wonderful day with his daughter, Kim, and her husband, Mike, at their campsite.

Raymond was predeceased by his twin brother, Gary.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Sonia; daughters Kim Barter (Mike), Kelley Price, and twin grandchildren Julian and Sophia Price; brother Don Soler (Marcia); sister in-law, Cindy Soler; and several nieces and their families.

Per Raymond’s request there will be no public services. His family will celebrate his life privately.  

In lieu of flowers, should family and friends desire, memorial donations in Raymond’s name may be made to Boothbay VETS Inc. (Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter) c/o Mr. Ed Harmon, P.O. Box 260, Boothbay, ME 04537. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home, Boothbay, Maine. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Raymond or to share a picture or story, please visit Raymond’s Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com