(July 14, 1933-July 8, 2004)

MASSENA--Funeral services for Roy William Rafter, 71, of 189 Murphy Road, Norwood, were held Saturday at the Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena with Rev. Douglas R. Shear officiating.

Mr. Rafter died Thursday evening (July 8, 2004) in the Canton-Potsdam Hospital emergency room after being stricken while driving his car with his two grandchildren.

He is survived by his children, William Gurrola of Massena, Randall "Mike" Gurrola of Massena, Jeffery Gurrola of Massena, Paul and Cindy Gurrola of Norwood, Kay Rafter Bullock of Massena, Shawn Michael Rafter of Massena and Roy William Rafter Jr. of Norfolk; a step-daughter, Amanda Deon of Massena; several grandchildren; one great-grandchild, four sisters, Shirley Kuno of Massena, Beatrice Castle of Norfolk, Ruth Goudie of Massena, and Phyllis Griffin of Brasher Falls; two brothers, Roger Rafter of Brasher Falls, and Kenneth Mike Rafter of Massena; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by three grandchildren; a sister, Margaret Gibbs; and two brothers, Robert and Louis Rafter.

Mr. Rafter was born on July 14, 1933 in Helena, the son of the late Stanley L. and Ethel (Mitchell) Rafter. He attended schools in Brasher Iron Works.

He was self-employed, working in the cedar and pulpwood cutting business. He also worked for Lantry Farms in Helena for many years.

Mr. Rafter enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing with his grandchildren, reading, watching western movies and wrestling on television. He also enjoyed working on tractors and automobiles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

(From the Sunday, July 11, 2004 edition of the Advance News, page 3-B).