West Newbury, VT- Raymond Frederick Nickles, Jr., 55, of Snake Road, died unexpectedly on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital in St. Johnsbury, VT. Raymond was born in New Haven, CT, on June 11, 1959, the son of Raymond F. and Rita (Miller) Nickles, Sr. He graduated from Oxbow High School, class of 1978. Raymond married Laura Downing on August 7, 1982. He was a self employed logger and trucker, most recently driving for MBI Inc. Raymond was a volunteer firefighter for the Tri-Village Department and Peacham Department. He loved time spent with his family. He was predeceased by his father, Raymond F. Nickles, Sr. on September 18, 2012 and his mother-in-law, Nanetta Downing on April 18, 2005. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Laura (Downing) Nickles of West Newbury, VT; three children, Ralynn Taylor of Bradford, VT, Ben Nickles and Magan Hoisington of Bradford, VT, and Lindsay Nickles and Craig Myers of Littleton, NH; two grandchildren, Logan Taylor and Ashton Taylor, and a grandchild due in May; his mother, Rita Nickles of Piermont, NH; a sister, Laura Rodimon and husband Frank of Piermont, NH; two brothers; his father-in-law, Edgar Downing of East Topsham, VT; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Calling hours will be on Thursday, December 11, from 6-8 PM at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A funeral service will be on Friday, December 12, at 11 AM at the Ricker Funeral Home. Burial will be in the spring at the East Topsham Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-Village Fire Department, c/o Philip Dodge, 10 Powder Spring Road, East Topsham, VT 05076.