Raymond T. Gould

Raymond Theodore Gould, 77, of Rockford passed away Thursday October 8, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born August 13, 1938 in Morrison, the son of Wilfred Edwin (Jay) and Mildred Gould. As a young boy he grew up in southern Illinois on the family farm. He was involved in 4-H as a boy where he showed his jersey cows. He graduated from Morrison High School and then went on to attend Western Illinois University for two years. He then graduated from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana with his degree as a licensed professional engineer. He was employed at Barber-Coleman his entire career until he retired. While at Barber-Coleman he meet Mary Alice Rieken, the love of his life. They were married on August 15, 1964. Ray was very active in his community.
He got his pilot's license and flew small aircraft. He sat on numerous boards such as Leanna Lakeside Subdivision association, Rock Valley Federal Credit Union, Boomers Investment Club and many more. He was very active in his church, Aldersgate United Methodist Church. He started the Stateline Mac Users Group otherwise known as S.M.U.G. He was an avid Apple fan. He was a man who loved his hobbies from woodworking, beekeeping to gardening and photography, he loved to share his skills and knowledge. He had a way of touching people's lives through his small yet heartfelt acts of kindness and generosity . He was an excellent example of a servant leader to all that he meet and encouraged.

Survivors include his children Jennifer (Jim) Harris of Rockford, Scott (Tim Johnston) Gould of Loves Park. Grandchildren Connor and Lukas Ball, Baylee and Sydney Didier, Peyton, Ayden and Leighton Gould and Trace, Trenton, Tyler and Tanner Harris. Brother Bill (Justine) Gould of Minnesota. Sister Joan Lubbe of Washington. Many nieces and nephews and family in South Dakota, Minnesota, Washington, Illinois, Missouri and Japan. Predeceased by his wife Mary Alice by 11 weeks and 1 day, and his parents. A special thank you to Dr. Craig Rogers office
and Rockford Health Systems VNA- Hospice. Also, the family would like to give a special thank you to Jimmy Harris, his son-in-law, for making such a personal sacrifice to live with and care for Ray through this entire process. You did an amazing job caring for him and we are forever gracious for your care and love for him.

Funeral services at 11am Friday October 16, 2015 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church 4055 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103 with Pastor Doug Williams officiating. Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery, Byron.
Visitation from 5pm until 8pm Thursday October 15 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Visitation also 10am until 10:45 Friday at the church. Express online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com