Raymond (Unlce Bud) Start

Raymond M. Start Sr., of 50 Jefferson St., Westfield, formerly of Panama, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Jamestown on Aug. 15, 1929, the son of Harold L. and Winnifred Wright Start. He attended Celoron Schools, worked for Proto Tool for 27 years, and retired from Hope's Windows. Ray served as a Staff Sgt. in the Army during the Korean conflict and in the Naval Reserve. He was a longtime member of the Celoron Legion. Ray had a wicked sense of humor that stayed with him until the end. He loved life, family and friends.

He loved going to the casino, playing bingo and he was a devoted Buffalo Bills fan. He was awarded honorary alumni of the Panama Central School for his active years of running the marker chains at home football games.

He is survived by a son Ray Jr. and three daughters: Arletta Diane Start, Cindy (John) Pierce, and Debbie (Ron) Hasson; a sister, Arletta Cornell and sister-in-law, Dee Start, of Michigan; 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Margaret Wheeler Start in 1987; a daughter, Winnie Start, in 1980; a granddaughter, Tammy Fain, in 1984; three brothers, Harley Wheeler, Richard Start, and Leon Start; a brother-in-law, Gordy Cornell; and two sisters, Leah Young and Mary Lyons.

There will be memorial service to celebrate Ray's life on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, at 3 p.m. at the Ashville Fire Department, 5338 Stow Road, Stow, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Hospice Chautauqua County, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 or Ashville Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 129, Ashville, NY 14701