Avis de décès : M. Rae St. Amand (1945-02-15 - 2022-04-07)

On April 7, 2022, just before dawn, Rae St. Amand passed peacefully from this world. He died as he lived, grateful, unafraid, and ready for what was to come. His only request was that as he passed, his wife (and best friend) June remained by his side. This, of course, is exactly what happened. Rae was born in Ludlow, Massachusetts on February 15, 1945, the youngest of seven children. He grew up with three brothers and three sisters in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield and in Goshen, MA. Rae graduated from the Springfield Technical High School in 1962 and served for two years in the 25th Infantry of the United States Army. He served his country honorably during the conflict in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, Rae attended college under the GI Bill as a means to improve his business as an independent carpenter. And while Rae built hundreds of houses during his life, it would perhaps be insufficient to simply call him a builder. Rae did not just build, he created. He was not just practical, he was creative. He did not just plan, he imagined. When he came upon an empty space, his head, heart, and hands all worked in equal measure to transform that space into something very special. He left his jobs the way he left this world, better for his having been there. Rae was an extremely generous and thoughtful man. He was the kind of man whom people frequently went to for advice and assistance. On the rare occasion that Rae didn't know the answer, he offered the kind of encouragement that can only come from someone who had complete faith in each person's potential. He would also do anything he could to help you. To be in Rae's presence meant that you would leave with more than you had. Rae St. Amand never turned anyone away – it was simply not in his nature. The world was a better place when Rae was in it. It is a better place today because he was in it. He will be loved and missed forever. Rae St. Amand leaves behind his beloved wife June (Macri) St. Amand, his son Ronald St. Amand and Ron's partner, Scott Belt, his daughter Donna-Rae Kenneally and her husband Joseph, and his daughter Jillian Cote and her husband Donald. Rae leaves behind seven grandchildren, Stephanie and Nicco Marino, Quinn Kenneally, Kate St. Amand, Ian Kenneally, and Derek and Hailey Cote. He leaves behind three great grandchildren, Christian Fraga and Sophia and Nicco Marino. Jr. Rae's family would like to extend a very special thanks to Wynnette Farrior and all of the exceptional caregivers at Griswold Home Care for their kindness during the last years of Rae's life. You were more than caregivers, you became friends and family, and that will never be forgotten. A celebration of Rae's life will be held on Monday, April 11th, from 4:00-6:30 p.m. at Beers & Story Belchertown Funeral Home with a short ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m. Please gather at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 12th for 9:30 am to proceed to the burial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Massachusetts Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Agawam MA. A reception will take place immediately thereafter at the Villa Rose Restaurant in Ludlow, MA. To honor Rae's memory, and in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Disabled American Veteran's Fund at www.dav.org. For more information visit www.beersandstory.com.