Raymond Papineau, 79, of rural Williston, ND, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 23, 2017 at the Bethel Lutheran Home in Williston. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family.

Raymond Edward, affectionately known as “Pappy” to his friends and family, was born on December 29, 1937 to Norman and Nora (McLaughlin) Papineau in Alexander, North Dakota. He attended a country school in McKenzie County and graduated from Alexander High School in 1956. During his senior year he scored a record breaking 40 points at a district basketball tournament.

He was united in marriage to Clara Patterson on June 17, 1959 at the 1st Lutheran Church in Watford City, North Dakota. Together they would enjoy almost 58 years of marriage working side by side raising cattle and farming

Raymond worked as a truck driver for the oilfield and Midwest Motor Express for twenty years; before retiring and beginning his true passion for ranching and farming. In the early 1970’s they purchased their own farm and moved west of Williston. He loved being his own “BOSS” and attributed his strong work ethic to the days of being a farm hand for the Tjeldes.

His idea of a vacation was going to Canada to attend bull sales and slipping in a fishing trip while there. He was a fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Raymond had many interests that were at the heart of being a true rancher and farmer: attending auction sales, participating in wagon trains, listening to country western music and enjoying a waltz with his wife. In his spare time you could find him sharing a cup of coffee with friends and family around his kitchen table.

While on the farm Raymond was involved with many community activities including being a member of the Judson Township board, Culbertson Saddle Club and Lewis & Clark Irrigation board. He remained on his farm as long as he could and then moved into the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Williston. The family would like to thank all for their wonderful care givers and friends at Bethel Home.

Raymond leaves behind his wife Clara, four children: Dale Papineau (Williston, ND), Dianne (Tyler) Goodman (Williston, ND), Alberta (Todd) Parisien (Williston, ND) and Rita (LeRoy) Loomer (Watford City, ND), three grandsons: Bryce Parisien, Tyler Goodman and Chance Papineau, brothers: Leo Papineau (Minot, ND) Russell (Ethyl) Papineau (Tioga, ND) and Dennis (Ella) Papineau (Williston, ND), sister: Doris (Andy) Desjarlais (Williston), sister-in-law: Donnie Papineau (Albuquerque, NM) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Donald, Duane, Archibald and Kenny, and sister-in-law: Katie Papineau.