Raymond C. VanSyckle, age 92 of Paris, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018 with his beloved family at his side. He was born September 9, 1926 in Barryton one of 15 children born to Joseph and Edith (Adams) VanSyckle. Raymond married Lorraine M. Benkert-Thompson, October 7, 1948 and together made their home in Hersey until 1967 when they moved to their farm near Paris. Ray was a talented mechanic his entire life. He was employed by Crane Ford and Babb Ford in Evart and Reed City, retiring after nearly 45 years of service. An active member of his community, Ray was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Village of Hersey for many years. He answered fire calls, helped build the new cement block fire station that preceded the current one and of course kept all the engines and related equipment in tiptop shape. For several years in the early 50s, Ray ran "Hot Rods" on the quarter and half mile dirt tracks in central Michigan. Ray and Lorraine were very involved in their childrens and grandchildrens lives and supported them in all their school and extracurricular activities. They enjoyed traveling with them around the state in their camper, going to Rodeos, Osceola County Sherriff Posse Events and watching them show their 4-H animals at the County Fair and going to Ludington to enjoy the beach and feed the "Ludington Birds" (Sea Gulls). "Time well spent". Ray is survived by his loving family, including his daughters, Sandra K. VanSyckle-Byars of Paris, Jeanette M. Thompson-Shanahan (Ron) of Evart, his son, William A. Thompson (Gloria) of Hersey; five grandchildren, Jamie Byars, Andresa K. Thompson-Maciejewski (Jeff), Terri L. Thompson-Mejias (Javier), Ronette Shanahan-Boltze (Mark), Shannon Shanahan-Menzel (Ray); many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lorraine, infant son Raymond Joseph, infant daughter, Barbara Ann and several siblings. A Celebration of Rays Life will take place in the spring, the date yet to be determined. Memorial contributions in Rays name may be made to the American Cancer Society of Michigan. Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com