Raymond Ronald Bettencourt Obituary in Fremont at Fremont Chapel Of The Roses

Raymond Ronald Bettencourt

8/23/1931 - 7/16/2014

Obituary For Raymond Ronald Bettencourt

With great sadness, we say goodbye to Ray who passed away on July 16th, 2014. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Sr. and Anna Bettencourt and his loving wife Harriet Bettencourt. Ray was a brother to Donna Shoults, a loving father to Jeff (Sandi) and Greg (Liz), and a wonderful caring grandfather to Daniel, Renee, Eric, and Jenna. Ray was born and has spent his whole life in Fremont where he graduated from Washington High School and played football. He then extended his education and graduated from Santa Clara University. Following this he served two years in the United States Army. He then earned his teaching credential and later taught Social Sciences for 30 years back at his alumni of Washington High School. He was known for his great humor and sarcasm and was very well-liked by his students. After graduation many of his students would stop by to visit Ray, return several times and grew to really adore Harriet, who was a magnet to the neighborhood teenagers. In addition, he had an after school session known as “detention” which he actually enjoyed and derived great pleasure in conversing with the participants who were a captive audience for his wit and humor.

He was an avid golfer. He coached golf at Washington High School from 1961-1965. With only one family car his wife and eldest son would come to the school to load up the entire golf team in the station wagon and drive to the local golf course. To the end of his life he remained in contact with some of the members from these teams. He shared his love of golf with the neighborhood kids and inspired them by teaching them and giving them clubs and golf balls that he fished out of ponds at various golf courses to develop their own passion for golf.

In recent years he became very involved in genealogy. He traced back his family origins with the help of like minded relatives to the 1863 arrival of his Great Grandfather John to the San Francisco Bay Area. As a result of this interest he was very much involved in collecting, taking, and organizing photos of family and friends he had known throughout his life.

He also had a great passion for movies and has a vast collection of miniature movie posters which are displayed throughout his house. His love for movies is evident by his book and movie collection.

Growing up in Fremont, Ray kept in touch with many friends from grammar school days through Monday morning breakfast, reunions, and frequent visits to each other's homes. He will be greatly missed by his friends as he missed those who went before him.

Two of his many great qualities were his generosity and progressive thinking which allowed him to share and grow both spiritually and intellectually to the very end of his life. When you spent time with him, you felt as though you were growing along with him.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25 from 5-8pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. A Chapel Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Irvington Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, CA.

Services

25 Jul

Visitation

05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »

26 Jul

Chapel Service

11:00 AM

Fremont Chapel of the Roses 1940 Peralta Boulevard Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

10/01/2021

Steve Salvador

Ray and my father (Leonard Salvador) were life long friends. I just returned from Idaho after visiting my Dad (Leonard Salvador) and while there, my Dad received a card from Ray which lifted his spirits. My Dad has been on slow recovery from health issues back in December and he recently lost his brother Bill . Ray knew my Uncle and he always kept in touch with my family. I recall visiting Ray and his family when we were small children playing with his sons. We moved to a new elementary school which ended up being near Ray's home and all the kids in neighborhood new Ray and his wife. I went to High School and who but Ray was my High School History teacher and I always feared messing up around him as he would surely let my Dad know 😉 I recall the day my Son was born running into Ray with My Wife. My Wife was in labor and we were walking around block and who shows up walking toward us but Ray. Years later, my Son joins baseball and I discover that Ray's Grandson is playing on the same team. Yes my Dad and Ray watching there Grandsons play baseball. I received Christmas Cards from Ray every Year - Some how I was on his mailing list ;). Yep - He was a person that was always tied into my life journey and he will be truly be missed. I hope his wife was waiting for him in that BRIGHT LIGHT when he left this earth. Steve Salvador
10/01/2021

Steve Salvador

1 file added to the album Friends
10/01/2021

Theresa Ballinger

God Bless you my friend, I wiil never forget your kind heart and warm smile
10/01/2021

Valerie (Foster) Whiteley

Ray was my neighbor growing up on Inez Avenue. As we were younger than his kids and attended private school, I grew to know the family through my husband Gary. He will be sadly missed.
10/01/2021

grbettencourt

16 files added to the album Family Photos
10/01/2021

grbettencourt

7 files added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Marilyn Monlux Braswell

Mr. Bettencourt was a great man and a wonderful teacher. When I think of school he always comes to mind. Even 20 years after I was out of school he recognized me in sun glasses, I thought that was so sweet. He made a big difference in a lot of people's lives . Rest in Peace Mr. B. Always remember that big smile. Marilyn Monlux Braswell
10/01/2021

Paul Salvador

1 file added to the album Friends
10/01/2021

John Mitscha

1 file added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

Stephanie Sorg

Thank you for your never ending patience in my 4 years of summer school! you never gave up on me! Sleep tight Mr.B...
10/01/2021

Fremont Chapel of the Roses

3 files added to the album Memories Album
10/01/2021

jeff bettencourt

Thanks Dawn. I often think about all the things we used to do. Jeff Bettencourt
10/01/2021

Jeff Bettencourt

Thanks for sharing that Marilyn.
10/01/2021

Jeff Bettencourt

Thanks for sharing that Marilyn.
10/01/2021

Dawn Laudenslager

My sincere condolences to the Bettencourt family. As a child I grew up on the same street as the Bettencourts and their son Jeff and I were mischievous good friends. Harriett did her best to keep us out of trouble when we were at their home but we somehow always managed to find a way to sidetrack her. Mr. Bettencourt always seemed so kind and gentle. One of my memories of him however was when we flattened an entire can of his nails by putting them on the railroad tracks behind his home. He was not amused. This family remains a large positive memory of my childhood and I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Mr. Bettencourt and Godspeed. Jeff and Gregg I hope you find some comfort in knowing how really highly regarded your dad was by so many people.
10/01/2021

julie smith-sanchez

Class of 79. Fair, amazing teacher who will be missed 🙁
10/01/2021

mike Neads

I am from the class of 79 and had Mr B as a teacher. I remember him pushing me because he new I could do better. Unfortunately, as a kid in high school, I didn't get then but I did get it later. Thanks for the push in the right direction and my condolences to his family! Mike Neads
10/01/2021

Rebecca Kai

I am so sorry for your loss. He was my History teacher at Washington High School. He was an Amazing teacher and made such a Impact in many peoples lives. I Bless over you all of you as you Celebrate the Memories of his Life.
10/01/2021

Stephanie Sorg

We will all miss you...
10/01/2021

John Mitscha

Mr. B was a prince for taking us to the course virtually every day, so that we could play free golf--how lucky could we get! He was so supportive of whatever we wanted to do (ok, he put up with us) and our team brought some championship years to help pay him back for all his efforts. Fortunately, some of us got the chance to see him in the last couple of years to acknowledge his positive impact on us and recall funny times. What a Great Guy...
10/01/2021

Rhonda May Manley

Class of 1979. Mr. B will truly be missed! He was kind and very understanding human being. It was an honor to be one of his students. My prayers are with his family and friends at this time. Much love!
10/01/2021

Stephanie Sorg

Lit a candle in memory of Raymond Ronald Bettencourt
10/01/2021

Stephanie Sorg

Mr. B, this is how I so remember you! You and your comb! You were always so patient with me & A WONDERFUL INFLUENCE..The world is a better place because of you. Thank you & rest in peace...xoxox
10/01/2021

Mike Forslund

1964 & 1965 Golf Team Washington High School. L. to R. Frank Canella, Mike Forslund, Coach Ray, John Mitsha, Mike Spellman, and Gary Scheuller. A visit with Ray in about 2008?
10/01/2021

jeff bettencourt

Thanks John. I really enjoyed hanging out with the team when my mother picked you guys up to take you to the golf course.
10/01/2021

jeff bettencourt

Thanks so much Steve. Your dad's friendship was a huge part of my father's life.

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