Raymond J Ostiguy, Lowell, died peacefully on May 29, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Raymond was born on May 3, 1947, in St Albans. He joins his parents, Roland and Lucille Ostiguy, paternal grandparents, Reàl and Marie Ostiguy, maternal grandparents, Raymond and Della Wright Nutting, and many other loved ones and friends.
Raymond grew up farming in Fairfax. He treasured the memories of his youth. Haying and logging with King and Queen, their horse team, fishing trips with Reàl, and his father, deer camp, and drag racing his Pontiac.
Raymond was a brilliant man with a sharp mind, always finding turnkey approaches to seemingly impossible jobs. He helped his father run Roland’s Roadside Service and their tractor sales and service for Alice Chamberlains. He then moved into well drilling for North East. As the lead service tech, he was the original "Million Mile Man," driving the entire East Coast. Loving the water works business so much, he founded New England Water Systems Inc. in 1989.
Two years later, he and his then-wife Stephanie welcomed their firstborn daughter. Three years later, they welcomed their second daughter, completing their family. Being a father was his absolute favorite thing. He was a devoted family man and loving father, always making sure his "girls" were taken care of.
Raymond became a local legend in the mountains of Vermont. If you couldn't figure out what's wrong, give Ray a call. There was never a problem he could not solve. He never left until his clients were cared for. He often spent endless days at properties and put his own life in danger just to get the job done.
Raymond worked in the business up until his daughter Magen made him take it easier and become her advisor at 74. He then spent his time fishing, bird-watching, cutting firewood, and going antiquing. A self-proclaimed nature boy, he enjoyed his land and wildlife thoroughly.
He was always curious where the next job would be right up
until his final days, often asking, "Do I need to show you how it's done?" To which his family would laugh and get him a pen and paper so he could depict the inner workings of every system.
Raymond truly enjoyed visiting with friends and family. He loved to visit with his grandchildren, hearing about their lives, newest endeavors, and watching them play.
Raymond is survived by his daughters Aleshia Doyon and Magen Ostiguy, sons-in-law Jordan Doyon and Tyson Palmer Jr., sister Judy Ostiguy Benware and her husband Michael Benware, and grandchildren Emma Doyon, Caleb Doyon, Hattie Ostiguy-Palmer, Reàl Ostiguy-Palmer, Cohen Ostiguy-Palmer, and Deacon Ostiguy-Palmer.
The immediate family will honor him by celebrating his life. If you wish to honor his memory, the family recommends planting a fruit tree or a rose bush, or finding time to cast a line in the water and enjoy the simpler things.
