Ray A. Eusden, Jr., 86, died April 1 at his home in Vero Beach.
Born in Holland, Mich., the son of Ray A. Eusden, Sr. and Marie (Dykstra) Eusden, Eusden grew up in Newton, Mass. He attended Yale University, where he was a member of the varsity ice hockey team and of the Naval ROTC.
His studies were interrupted by military service and he graduated from Yale as a member of the Class of 1945W.
Eusden was commissioned as an ensign in the Navy and saw action in the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation of World War II, participating in both the invasion of Normandy and the invasion of Iwo Jima.
His rank had risen to Lieutenant by the end of the War when he was able to return to Yale to complete his studies.
In addition to his degree from Yale, Eusden also earned a master’s degree in history from Harvard.
Eusden joined the faculty of Brooks School in North Andover, Mass. in 1947 to teach history and remained on the faculty for the next 32 years.
In addition to the courses he taught, he served in many roles including chairman of the history department, director of Studies and as one of the assistant headmasters.
He also served as the coach of varsity hockey and coached the varsity soccer team, with several of his teams achieving league championships.
Eusden was elected an honorary member of the Class of 1953 and the Class of 1972 by its student members.
Ray and Priscilla were married in December 1950 at the Plumb family home in Streator, Ill.
The two had recently celebrated their 60th marriage anniversary.
Following his retirement from active teaching, Ray and Priscilla moved to Etna, N. H., where they have maintained an active involvement in many community activities to the present.
For several years, they enjoyed occasional overseas travel with notable trips to Alaska, Norway, Egypt and China among other destinations.
For the past 13 years, Ray and Priscilla have also maintained a seasonal home in Vero Beach, where they have enjoyed the company of their many friends.
Survivors include his wife Priscilla; his daughter Suzanne Eusden, of Whittier, Alaska; his son and daughter-in-law David and Heather Eusden, of Hingham, Mass; his grandchildren Tyler Eusden, of Braintree, Mass; and Alison Eusden, of Weymouth, Mass.; his brothers John, of Brunswick, Maine and David, of Bloomfield, Conn; and his many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brooks School, North Andover, Mass., or the Upper Valley Hostel of Hanover, N.H.
Arrangements are under the direction Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
Condolences may be sent to www.seawindsfh.com/obituaries.php
