Raymond Elroy Gould

Raymond Elroy Gould of Crystal Beach, Texas, formerly of Caro, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Saturday morning, May 14, 2016, after battling a lingering illness. Ray was born July 24, 1938 in Eveline Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan, the son of the late Willard H. and Doris (Harrington) Gould. He was united in marriage with Janice Lee Kratz on June 18, 1966 in Caro, and she preceded him in death on March 7, 1969. He later married Bernice Marie Ehler, and she preceded him on December 27, 1998. Ray was a man of varied interests, and enjoyed farming and tried his hand at raising rabbits for a short time. He also enjoyed picking up cans from local businesses on the beach, a hobby that led to his nickname, "The Can Man" on the Bolivar Peninsula. Known for his storytelling ability, he was known to reminisce about his travels, often over a cup of coffee. Ray had a deep love of animals, especially birds. He once saw two monkeys cleaning at a bar and thought he could purchase a pair to clean the house. His wife Bernice, who was not impressed with the idea, threatened that she wouldn't pick them up when they arrived, so his plan failed. Raymond could build almost anything out of wood, especially gun cases, bird houses, clocks, toy baby beds, rockers, and swings. He also had various collections, including coins, bills, and items from his travels around the world. He circumnavigated the globe three times, and of all the places he'd been, it was Africa that he was most fond of. He would describe the continent as the most beautiful place in the world. Many Caro residents will remember that Ray operated a cab service in the area in 1970, but he always returned to his sailing career shipping aboard U.S. flag vessels on the deep seas, inland water ways or on the Great Lakes. He was a Merchant Marine and a member of the Seafarers International Union, retiring in 1995 with over fifty years of service. At the time of Raymond's death, he was survived by two brothers and one sister, Egbert K. Gould, Willard M. Gould, Elda H. Samson of Jackson; step-sisters, Eileen Peariso of Davison, Sally N. Dove of Durand; brothers-in-law, Herman G. (Dorothy) Kratz, Leo D. Kratz, Dean Kratz, all of Caro, and Cecil Clinesmith of Silverwood; sister-in-law, Mary Smith Kratz of Taylor; many nieces and nephews, especially longtime close friends and caregivers, Connie Gobep, Andrea Gobep, and Jada Nolasco, all of Crystal Beach, Texas, to whom the family is eternally grateful. Raymond was preceded in death by an infant son, Raymond Keith Gould, Jr. on December 15, 1967; brothers-in-law, Thurman E. (Lottie) Kratz, Charles W. (Helen) Kratz, Robert K. (ReaJean) Kratz, Lynn Devere Kratz; and sisters-in-law, Elaine Clinesmith, Marian E. Kratz and Luella P. Kratz; his step-mother, Mary Ann (Conrad) VanWoert Gould; step-siblings, Leora Burbank, Philetus VanWoert, Rolland VanWoert, and Robert VanWoert. A private family burial was held on May 19, 2016 at the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro. Service Information Date: Thursday, May 19, 2016 A private family burial was held on May 19, 2016 at the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro.