Raymond Michaud

Surrounded by his loving family, Raymond Richard Michaud, Sr., a longtime resident of Santa Barbara, passed away on January 11, 2016 due to complications following surgery. He was born on June 19, 1922 in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Desire and Amanda Michaud, and attended St. Cecilia Catholic High School where he worked cleaning classrooms to help pay for his tuition and books. After serving in the Army during World War II, he began dating Delphine Rose Talentino, his dear friend from the old neighborhood. Within a year, they were married on her birthday, October 19, 1946, and they began a family. Ray had a 44 year career with General Motors, starting at the General Motors Research Labs in Warren, Michigan, and ending at Delco Electronics in Goleta. In 1961, the family moved to Santa Barbara when he became the Purchasing Manager for the new Defense Systems Division. Of all the projects of which he was a part, the Lunar Rover Vehicle was most rewarding and brought him much pride. Throughout his life, Ray was a dedicated worker, a fine public speaker, and a good athlete, playing in the company baseball and bowling leagues in early years, and enjoying golf later. He was a wonderful father, a loving husband, a proud grandfather and a caring friend to many. He was very involved with San Roque Church as a parishioner and usher for over 50 years, and was a member of the Elks Lodge and the Knights of Columbus. In July of last year, he moved from the family home on Sunset Drive where he had lived for 54 years, into Wood Glen Hall, where he had friends and enjoyed a comfortable and well cared for lifestyle. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delphine, who died five years ago. He is survived by his six children and spouses, Raymond Jr., Peter (Janine), Suzanne (Matt), Nancy (Ed), Stephen (Cynthia) and Janet and his 11 grandchildren, Michael (Kim), Bradley (Jason), Kaitlin, Cody (Nicole), Amanda, Andrew, Gillian, Rae, Chloe, Cameron and Carson, and 4 great-grandchildren, Parker, Peyton, Tanner, and Sadie. A Mass will be said at San Roque Church, 3200 Calle Cedro, on Saturday, January 23 at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception at Harry's in Loreto Plaza at 2:30 that day. A rosary will be held on the Friday evening before at 7 PM at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala Street. Those who knew Ray are welcome to attend any or all of the events to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Bishop Garcia Diego High School or your favorite charity.