Raymond C. Brooks

BARRE - Raymond “Ray” Clyde Brooks, 59, of Barre, Vermont, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Ray was born on October 24, 1966, in Barre, Vermont. Ray was the son of Raymond Brooks and Joan Spooner Brooks, who predeceased him.

Ray graduated from the Spaulding Diversified Occupations program in 1985. He lived in Vermont his whole life, residing in his apartment in Barre for the last 14 years. In 2003, Ray alerted authorities to an apartment fire and was known as the Hero of Hardwick.

Ray was happiest relaxing at home with his Maine Coon cat, Loki. He loved that cat! Ray enjoyed watching his favorite television shows and movies, especially Airwolf. He enjoyed going out for rides, especially in Big Red, scoping out turkeys and driving by farms. Ray loved trips to Wayside Diner for pancakes and Dunkin’ for hot chocolate and munchkins. He loved listening to his scanner and was always hoping for a massive thunderstorm to knock the power out. He always had backups of flashlights and batteries. As the thunderstorms begin to return, may we remember Ray, and the force of nature that he was.

Deepest gratitude is being sent to all of the humans who have helped Ray throughout the years.

If we never meet again this side of heaven As we struggle through this world and its strife There’s another meeting place somewhere in heaven By the side of the river of life - Johnny Cash

A celebration of life for Ray will take place at Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 10am-12pm. A burial will follow at East Topsham Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so at www.pruneaupollifuneralhome.com