Ray Buyce Obituary, Speculator, NY – UPMC Hamot was the location where Dr. M. Raymond “Babe” Buyce, Ph.D., passed away in a calm manner on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the time of his passing. On October 19, 1939, he was born in Speculator, New York. His parents, L. Milton and Ethel McVeigh Buyce, both passed away before his birth. During the year 1956, Ray received his high school diploma from Peekskill Military Academy. At Union College, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. He then went on to earn his Master of Science degree from Brown University and his Doctor of Philosophy degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Throughout his career, he held a variety of positions, but he ultimately discovered his true calling when he became a professor of geology at Mercyhurst University, where he remained until his retirement in 2019. Through the use of field trips, he delighted in providing students with opportunities to get practical experience, and even to this day, his pupils still cherish the memories they have of those excursions.
Till he was well into his late seventies, Ray enjoyed a variety of activities, including downhill ski racing, golf, playing the guitar, photography (particularly sunrises), and art. In addition to having a fantastic dry sense of humor, a quick wit, and a reputation for his “papa jokes,” he was a lifelong student who was noted for his abilities. The time he spent at his Adirondacks camp with his family, as well as his extended “lake family,” was another one of his favorite things to do. Taking his puppies out for rides in his Buyce Guide Boats was another thing that he took great joy in doing.
Both of his brothers, Gerald (Patricia) and Jack (Sylvia) Buyce, as well as his brother-in-law James McGrath and his nephews Brian, Jimmy, and Gerry Buyce, passed away before him. His parents were also among those who came before him in death.
His devoted wife of 55 years, Julia “Judy” VanVranken Buyce, as well as his two daughters, Carey (Bill) Pelletier and Cindy Montagna, as well as his grandchildren, Noah and Allie Pelletier, Christopher, Jared, and Sophia Montagna, are among those who were left behind after his passing. His sister-in-law Joan McGrath and his brother-in-law Jack VanVranken (Joan), in addition to a number of nieces and nephews, are among those who are left behind after his passing.
On Thursday, April 4th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., friends are welcome to pay their respects at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, located at 3801 W. 26th Street in West Ridge. Additionally, they are cordially invited to attend a Funeral Mass that will be held on Friday, April 5th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Church, which is located at 2801 W. 6th Street in Erie, Pennsylvania 16505.
