Obituary of Thomas Joseph Raymond

Thomas Joseph Raymond

November 9, 1947 - November 7, 2020

It’s time for our final toast to our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Thomas Joseph Raymond. At 72 years Tom passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at home with his family. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Jillynne Raymond; Children Nichole, Josh, Spencer (Nick Walther); and Grandson, Matthew. Tom was the first child of Leslie and Genevieve Raymond (both deceased), then was joined by siblings James (Mary), Suzanne (Joe Gallus), Richard (Cindy), Luann (John Karjalahtu), and Joseph (Pam). Tom’s family grew up farming, where his curiosity and love of nature, problem solving, and building flourished. He carried all with him as built a prized polled hereford herd of cattle. Tom’s farming skills and characteristics transferred into the construction field. Tom earned a degree from Dunwoody Institute preparing him for years as a superintendent/project manager for commercial construction projects: office/warehouses, hotels, grocery stores, and apartment complexes. His career was mainly centered in the Twin Cities working for Winfield Developments, Amcon Construction, CM Construction; and also a few years in Phoenix, AZ with Sunfield Developments. The first love of his life came when his daughter Nichole was born. Later, both allowed a second love when they married Jillynne in 1981. The family grew with son Joshua and daughter Spencer. May Tom rest in peace as he is no longer from the bone cancer that took him; nor is he in pain from chronic, complex migraines and a neurological disorder. His final gift was to attend Spencer’s wedding to Nick Walther a week prior to his passing. He felt well enough to join us at the ceremony and for photos. And so importantly - he enjoyed multiple helpings of wedding cake. We encourage you to reminisce over your memories of Tom with a beer and ham sandwich. Out of respect for everyone’s health, we will not gather for a formal goodbye during a global pandemic. Jillynne, Nichole, Josh, and Spencer send love with a goodbye to Tom as he takes his final scenic route. We all will remember to take the “shortcut” and to “think positive.” And Tommy Boy, Jillynne says “I’ll wait here."