Obituaries

Byard “Roy/Ruby” Raeburn, age 83, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away peacefully on April 14,
2026, at Freighter View Assisted Living. Roy was born May 12, 1942, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Byard and
Violet (Partridge) Raeburn.

Roy was well known for his bright red truck and his daily “walkabouts” along Portage Avenue. Each
morning, he could be found enjoying breakfast at Frank’s Place, where the staff kindly had his pancakes
ready and always treated him with patience and warmth. Roy attended military school during his grade
school years and later graduated with the Class of 1960 from Sault High School. After attending Ferris
State University, Roy enlisted in the United States Navy in 1964. He was stationed aboard the USS Kitty
Hawk, where he earned a Commendation Ribbon with one star, the Vietnam Service Medal with three
bronze stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with honors. Roy was a proud veteran.
Following his service in the Navy, he spent many years sailing on freighters before beginning work at the Soo Locks, where he remained until his retirement in 1994.

Roy was a member of American Legion Post #3 and VFW Post 3676, where he enjoyed spending time
with friends, often sitting at the bar sipping a Sprite Zero.

Roy is survived by his cousins; Charolotte Mansfield, Brooks Partridge, and Margaret Crawford,
who looked after him as he got older.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents; Byard and Violet; and many cousins that grew up on
the Partridge five acres.

Roy and his cousins would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Freighter View Assisted Living for the wonderful care he received over the past eight years. He truly considered it home.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, at
Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 PM with Brenda Ransom officiating.

Per Roy’s wishes, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #3 or VFW
Post 3676.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.