QUEENSBURY – Raymond "Ray" George Gordon, 69, of Sylvan Ave. passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2016, on his favorite mother-in-law's birthday, at Glens Falls Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Born August 13, 1946 in Glens Falls, he was the son of Raymond H. and Winifred "Jane" (Leggett) Gordon.

Ray graduated Class of 1964 from Whitehall Central School and continued his education at Adirondack Community College and Castleton State, in Castleton, Vermont.

He was the Business and Marketing educator at Fort Ann Central School for 33 years until his retirement.

Ray had many hobbies which included annual trips to Las Vegas, his part time employment at the Holiday Inn in Lake George as the Box Office Manager of the Dinner Theater, and playing Hearts and Mexican Dominos with special friends and the many many children of his friends.

On August 11, 1973 at St. Joseph's Church in Fort Edward he married Mary Murray. They spent 43 wonderful years together.
Ray was instrumental in getting the NYS Junior Miss Scholarship Program in Glens Falls and established local programs throughout the state.

For the last three decades he was a member of the Queensbury Board of Education and most recently served as its president since 2010. "He helped establish policies, set educational goals, evaluate programs and develop budgets for Queensbury schools. His efforts, along with those of fellow board members, ensured countless opportunities for students to explore their passions in academics, athletics and the fine and performing arts. He remained a tireless advocate for students even as learning standards, instructional technology, and state and federal priorities changed dramatically." (Notes from District's website)

His memberships didn't end there. He was also a communicant at Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation; member of the Tri County United Way, Rotary International; president and vice president of the Adirondack Area School Boards Association; and legislative representative for NYSSBA Area 7.

Along with his parents, Ray was predeceased by his mother-in-law, Christine Murray.

He is survived by those who loved him most: his devoted loving wife, Mary (Murray) Gordon; his cousins, Betty and Marshall's eight kids; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; along with his very close friends, Charlie, Gloria, and Jack and Jane all of Florida. He is survived by his two brothers, Bill (Nancy) Gordon and Jay (Lori) Gordon.

Calling hours will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 28 at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 29 at St. Joseph's Church, Fort Edward with Rev. Thomas Babiuch officiating.

Burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Fort Edward.

Mary wishes to send a special thanks to Claire and Dick Sullivan and their children, as well as, Dodie and Joe Noonan and their children, with so much love to Marsha and the Gordon Clan, and to Glens Falls Hospital ICU staff and Dr. Masson.

Donations in Ray's memory can be made to St. Joseph's Church, 164 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828, to the Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation, Aviation Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804, or to Raymond G. Gordon Memorial Fund – mailed to the attention of the treasurer at Queensbury Union Free School District, 429 Aviation Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804.

Condolences and floral arrangements may be sent directly to the funeral home or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.