Raymond Earl Weidman Jr.

Raymond Earl Weidman, Jr., age 63, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026. After a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), Ray is now resting in nature’s serenity. In a final act of hope and generosity, he donated his brain for LBD research, contributing to the search for understanding and cure.

Born on August 21, 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, Ray was the beloved son of Raymond Earl Weidman, Sr. and Janet (Weihe) Weidman. He graduated from Alpena High School in 1980 and went on to build a successful career as an international IT manager. Ray spent his childhood and teenage years working on the family-owned fishing resort, a place that nurtured his lifelong love for the outdoors. There, alongside family and friends, he developed passions for fishing, hunting, ice fishing, snowmobiling, mini biking, and berry picking—activities that shaped his deep appreciation for nature.

An avid outdoorsman and devoted property owner, Ray found true peace surrounded by the natural world. Known for his trademark hat and flannel shirt, he delighted in walking through the woods “hugging his trees,” hunting, fishing, stargazing, and sharing campfires with loved ones and his cherished black Labrador dogs. He cherished numerous fishing and camping trips across Michigan, Alaska, and Canada, often accompanied by his sons and close friends. Even as dementia clouded his final years, his profound connection to fresh air, rustling trees, water, and wilderness remained ever present.

Ray’s talents extended to woodworking, where he skillfully built a large deck at his lake house, a two-story barn with upper deck on his acreage, remodeled his kitchen and bathroom and lent a helping hand with roofing projects for family and friends. He was known for his warm hospitality, hosting joyful gatherings filled with games such as cards, strategy board games, horseshoes, cornhole, volleyball, fireworks, and carefully curated music playlists. Ray also enjoyed photography and creating cherished family wedding videos set to music. His competitive spirit shone through as an avid bowler and wallyball player. A devoted fan of the Detroit Lions, Red Wings, and Tigers, he even named his pet cat Detroit Tigger as a tribute to his hometown teams.

Raymond Weidman Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Arlene (Miller) Weidman; his two sons, Jeffrey and Joey (Gina); step-son Jared Aris; and step-daughters Rosalyn (Ryan) Smiecinski and Rachelle (Dennis) Radcliffe. His grandchildren—Joseph Dean (JD) and Noah Weidman, Camden and Savannah Smiecinski, Finley and Cora Radcliffe, and Winston Barrentine—were a continual source of joy, especially during visits to their Papa in the memory unit. He also leaves behind his sister Laura (Keith) Tom; nephews Daniel (Amanda) Tom, whom he also lovingly guided as godfather Kevin Tom, and great-niece Christine Tom.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held outdoors later this fall. In tribute to his legacy and love of nature, A tree will be planted with his ashes & his black lab Ace’s ashes at his lake house with a memorial bench symbolizing roots that endure. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://lbda.org/donate), the Michigan DNR State Parks (https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/0lTORw?vid=1qgg6), or the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy (https://www.miwildlife.org/donate.html#/).

Ray’s memory will forever be rooted in love and remain in the hearts of all who knew him.