Obituary of Raimund Tumbelston

Raimund Lull Tumbelston Schenectady - May 24, 1924 January 17, 2013. Raimund Lull Tumbelston passed peacefully into Paradise from his home in Schenectady, NY, with his devoted family by his side. He was 88 and died of complications associated with Alzheimer's disease. An American Baptist clergyman for 55 years, Rai truly had a pastor's heart. He was passionate about serving people and deeply felt their individual joys, triumphs and sorrows. He saw intense action as a tank driver in the U.S. Army in WWII and thereafter devoted his life to work for peace. He believed he was saved to serve. He loved Jesus Christ and lived by the mottos Prayer is not a substitute for watching, working, thinking, suffering, or giving. Prayer is a support for all such efforts (George Buttrick) and To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men and women (Abraham Lincoln). In every community he served, Rai forged new ecumenical partnerships. Recognizing the need, he welcomed A.A. and N.A. groups to hold their meetings on church premises. Rai pastored churches in Chester, PA, North Kingstown, RI, Hoosick Falls, West Hoosick, Oneonta and Macedon, NY. He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College and earned his degree in divinity at Crozer Theological Seminary, in Upland, PA. He is survived by his one true love and wife of 63 years, Carol Gloria (Weber); his children, Nancy Rai McGuire (James) of Berwyn, PA, Robert Bruce Tumbelston (Joyce) of Colorado Springs, CO, and Ruth Lorraine Lindenfelser (Greg) of Schenectady; grandchildren, Kristine (Stephen), Matthew (Monica), Joshua (Samantha), Greta, Grace and Emma; and great-grandchildren, Katie and Jonah; as well as many beloved extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert T. Tumbelston and Helen (White) Tumbelston; brothers, William and David; and son, Peter Guy Tumbelston. Rai's life will be remembered and celebrated at Emmanuel-Friedens Church, 218 Nott Terr., Schenectady, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 26th. In lieu of flowers, it was Rai's wish that donations be made to City Mission, P.O. Box 760, Schenectady, NY 12301. Arrangements by Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady.