Dana L. Rafford

RAFFORD, Dana L., 82, of Ashland died Friday, June 22, 2007.     ASHLAND – Dana L. Rafford, 82, passed away peacefully at a local hospital on June 22. 2007, surrounded by his family. He was born at Portage Lake, Dec. 11, 1924 the son of Donald Sr. and Elizabeth (Lizzie) Rafford.  
    During his younger years, Dana worked as a mechanic in many places but had the best time when he and Cecile operated the Gulf station in Ashland for over 20 years.  They sold Polaris snowmobiles and was selected dealer of the year for 10 years.  Dana was also an accomplished fiddler and for years played for many dances around the county at Granges, Legion and VFW halls and for weddings. That was an enjoyable time for him as well as going fishing and cutting wood.  He would be going to camp and scouting all the trees he could cut for winter, making everyone else groan!!  He actually cut his own wood as late as two years ago, when he finally had to quit.  Dana thoroughly enjoyed his family and going to camp with them, especially at Thanksgiving when the whole crew would gather for food and card playing.  There was always great controversy about when and which cards were supposed to be played when playing 500 and don’t mess around with wilds cards at poker. He was also a great story teller and used to have everyone laughing when he got going.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
    He is survived by two children; Betty Haley and her husband Fred, Mark Rafford, Sr.  and his wife Nancy,  a brother Donald,  Jr. and his wife Georgene  all of Ashland.  He has six grandchildren, Roxanne Tardie and her husband Andy, Mark Rafford, Jr. and wife Audrey, Patrick Rafford and his wife Tammy, Ian Rafford, Fred Haley, Jr. and his wife Jessica, and Shawn Haley. He has seven great grand children, Paige, Kasey and Dylan Haley, Fallyn and Olivia Tardie, Brooke and Ryan Rafford.  They all dearly loved their “Pappy” and will miss him as will the rest of the family.  He was predeceased by his wife Cecile on June 22, 2004 and a daughter Kathy Anne in 1954.
    He was a veteran of WWII having served in Germany and France and a life member of the LeBlanc-Junkins VFW Post 9699 of Ashland.
    A funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 26 at St. Mark Catholic Church.  Interment was in the parish cemetery.  Those who wish may contribute in his memory to the St. Mark Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, PO Box 195, Ashland, 04732.  Arrangements are a service of Stimson-Ouellette Funeral Home, 114 Exchange St., Ashland.  To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.ouellettefuneralhome.com