Stephen Lawrence Raymond, 67, of Thurman, N.Y.

Stephen (Steve, Uncle Buck) Lawrence Raymond, 67, of Thurman, passed away Monday, April 17, 2017, at his home, in the arms of his loving family and the company of his two doting Labrador retrievers. Born Jan. 8, 1950, in Teaneck, N.J., he was the son of the late Robert and Dorothy Raymond.

After graduating from Rondout Valley High School, Stephen joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and served as a signalman on the USS Springfield and the USS Newport News. He served his country and saw the world by the time he was 22 years old, concluding his military service in 1972. His awards include the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Domain of the Golden Dragon for crossing the International Date Line. Upon his return from service, Stephen began his career in law enforcement, first as an officer in the Albany Police Department, and then as a guard in the Fishkill Correctional Facility. In 1981, he joined the ranks of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as an officer, serving to protect the natural resources of the state. In 1988, he married his love, Shari (Benjamin) Raymond, and together with his son, John, they moved upstate into the foothills of the Adirondacks. He retired from the state in 2007, having received numerous awards, including a Director’s Commendation for his assistance with the Ethan Allen Disaster.

Steve was a passionate, authentic, and playful man who loved living and deeply appreciated the complexities, the ironies, and the humor of life. His presence and wild laughter lit up rooms, and his enthusiasm for festivity was contagious. He developed a passion for hunting with his beloved Labradors and friends, and slow-cooked the best BBQ north of the Carolinas (known to loved ones as Uncle Buck’s BBQ). He appreciated the finest of New York City dining, and the woody, sweet burn of wild turkey. Steve was a hilarious jokester, and known to possess a wonderfully perverted and riotous sense of humor. As an ECO, while stationed at a state campground during Memorial Day weekend, he had successfully employed the persuasive tactics of Mr. Carrot, a squeak toy with a demented face, to elicit true testimony from camping youths suspected of illegal activity. With his customary selflessness, Steve asked that we do not grieve, and rather remember him for the truly wild, funny, and happy man he was.

Stephen will be remembered as an incredibly loving and supportive husband and father, and a truly wonderful friend to many. He is survived by his wife, Shari Raymond; his son, John Raymond; his sister, Susan Basch; his brother-in-law, Eli Basch; his beloved “daughters,” Chelsey, Courtney, and Kaitlyn Witz; his cousins, nephews, niece, and his loyal and loving Labradors, Margot and Abby. The family extends a deep appreciation and thanks for all of the help we have received over the past few, difficult months.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was conducted on Sunday at the Alexander Funeral Home, Warrensburg, N.Y. Burial with full military honors was conducted at Gerald B.H. Solomon, Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Memorial donations in Stephen’s name can be made to the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center, 61 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866, and America’s Vet Dogs, 371 East Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, N.Y. 117872976.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guestbook, condolences, and directions.