A lifelong resident of Bedford, Ray passed away at Northern Westchester Hospital on 12/24/07 after battling a long illness.  Born May 18th 1935 to the late Andrew J. and Ann R. Matvy Thompson in New Rochelle NY, Ray moved to Bedford at the age of 8. He was a graduate of Bedford Hills H.S. and attended SUNY Morrisville. He served his country from 1958-1960 and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army.      He was a Life Member of the Bedford Fire Company No. 1, since 1954, where he served as Chief of Dept. and President. He was also elected Commissioner of the Bedford Fire District and was an Honorary Life Member of the Banksville Independent Fire Dept.   He was also a 29 year Life Member of WCVFA.  After his 26 year career as a Teamster and Professional Driver for Colonial Sand & Stone ended after a work-related injury, he devoted himself as an EMS Instructor for the State of NY, teaching many of the Fire/Police Departments and EMS providers of Westchester County.      Ray is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Carol Rotando Thompson his children Eugene Thompson and his spouse Carrie of Stamford CT and Tracey Thompson Lander and her spouse David of Armonk NY, and his grandchildren Rebecca and Andrew Lander. He will be well remembered as a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, as well as a teacher, mentor, and friend to many of those who serve in the communities of Westchester and the Lower Hudson Valley.      Wake services to be held on 12/27-28 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Oelker and Cox in Mt. Kisco. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday 12/29 at 10am at St.Patrick's church in Bedford, with internment to follow at Middle Patent Cemetery in Banksville. In lieu of flowers please make donations will in his name to the Bedford Fire Dept. OELKER AND COX 262 Main Street Mt. Kisco, NY 914-666-5891