Jeffrey Raymond

Raymond, Jeffrey "Jeff" SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ.- Jeffrey "Jeff" Raymond passed away at 65 years old on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, in his home in Scottsdale, Ariz. due to complications of pancreatic cancer. Jeff was born Feb. 21, 1950, in Battle Creek, Mich., to his parents Joseph and Leola Raymond. He spent most of his life growing up in Monona with his brothers Jack, Peter, Paul and Jimmy and sisters, Judy and Mary Jo. Jeff spent the early part of his adult life using his incredible creativity as a visual merchandising manager for various department stores taking him from Madison to Phoenix, Ariz. and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Ultimately, Jeff returned to Phoenix where he opened his own business, Arcadia Flowers, with his long-time partner and husband, Dick Miller. Jeff's amazing artistic talents allowed him to bring joy and beauty to countless lives and enabled him to form life-long friendships. These relationships provided him with invaluable comfort, love and gratitude during the final days to months of his life. He stated many times that he was overwhelmed with how many good people surrounded him. Jeff would tell you today that his true little treasures were his grandchildren, Evan and Connor Laux, Sydney, Raegan and Elle Pickhard, and Lily and Smith Burns. Some of his favorite moments with them were sharing desserts, watching their little gears turn, teaching them how to properly dip a cookie in milk, cuddling them and admiring their many art projects. Jeff is survived by his husband, Dick Miller; daughters, Kelly (Jeff) Laux of Glendale, Ariz., Erin (Nick) Pickhard of Oregon, Wis., and Julie (Dave) Burns of Ashville, N.C.; brothers, Jack, Peter and Paul and sisters, Judy and Mary Jo; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Leola and father, Joseph; brother, Jimmy; sister, Teresa; daughter, Aimee; and his best buddy and canine soulmate, Max. To honor and celebrate Jeff's life, GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, will hold a service on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2015, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. A Christian burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Jeff preferred contributions be made to a memorial fund for his grandchildren's future educations (Jeff Raymond Memorial Fund with UW Credit Union, PO Box 44963, Madison, WI 53744/1-800-533-6773) or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420