HUDSON FALLS – Ray L. Tougas, 93, of Ferry Street, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2014, at the Glens Falls Hospital.
Born July 28, 1921, in Fort Edward, he was the son of Edgar and Elizabeth (Cutler) Tougas.
He graduated from Hudson Falls High School.
From 1942 to 1946, Ray served in the United States Army Air Corps. Upon his discharge he was a beautician and had his own shop in New Rochelle, NY. He developed quite a name for himself and would do the hair for many actresses, including Eileen Heckart, who became a great friend to him.
In 1983 he retired from Barclay’s Bank in Manhattan where he exchanged foreign currency to US Dollars.
Mr. Tougas was a very active member of the United Methodist Church of Hudson Falls, where he served in many different ministries including ushering and he was a member of the Glens Falls Senior Citizens.
He enjoyed making toys, wind chimes and other woodcrafts, many of which he would sell at the church Bizarre. Ray was also an extensive gardener, he was known for bringing in flowers for the church.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Edgar Tougas, Harold Tougas and Paul Tougas and his sisters, Elizabeth Griffin, Ruth Launder and June Whalen.
Survivors include his brother, Alan Tougas and his wife, Ann, of Richmond, VA; his sisters, Shirley Granger of Hudson Falls, Lorraine Richelt of California: several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There are no calling hours scheduled.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at the United Methodist Church of Hudson Falls, 227 Main St., Hudson Falls.
Burial will be in the spring in Moss Street Cemetery in the Town of Kingsbury.
The family suggests memorial donations to the Fort Edward Rescue Squad, Inc., P.O. Box 226, Fort Edward, NY 12828 or the United Methodist Church of Hudson Falls, 227 Main St., Hudson Falls, NY 12839.
Our condolences for the loss of Ray. One of the nicest people one could ever meet. Fond memories of him caring for his yard and flowers and always waving or saying hello as you walked or drove by.Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Andy Watkins and Nancy Creaser Urso
Uncle Ray was my partner in crime, we always got into trouble together, water fights or messing something up. but he was also more like a dad to me as he helped raise us. i will miss you uncle and will never forget the flowers we planted and all the advice i got from you about planting things. your flower garden will be forever in all of our memories. Love Deb
Every time I saw Ray he would stop whatever he was doing and say “Hi!” with the biggest smile. He always had a new joke for me and he loved telling me stories about the house or the kids or the flowers and birds in the back yard. I will definitely miss him.