NEW ASHFORD, Mass. — Raymond Diego Canales, 85, of 423 Route 7 died early Saturday morning, April 2, 2005, at home.

Born in Quincy on Sept. 8, 1919, son of Ramon Diego and Valentina Canales, he moved to LaCavada, Spain, at the age of 2 and attended schools in Spain.

He returned to the United States in 1936 to train as a chef in the Boston area.

An Army veteran of World War II, he served in the European theater from Aug. 28, 1942, until Aug. 24, 1946. He participated in the battles of Ardennes, Central Europe and the Rhineland, and received several campaign medals. He was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant.

Following the war, Mr. Canales moved to New Ashford, where he was employed as head chef at the former Springs Restaurant from 1946 until 1969. In 1969, he purchased Le Country Restaurant in Williamstown, which he owned and operated until selling it in January 1996. His recipe for Chicken Divan was cited as among the best in the nation by Ford Times, the automobile company's monthly magazine, in 1979.

He was a member of Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown.

He and his wife, the former Beverly Nichols, were married July 23, 1949, in New Ashford Community Church.

Besides his wife, he leaves a son, Gregory Diego Canales of Hancock; a daughter, Lynn-Ann Canales of Pownal, Vt., and a brother, Robustiano Diego and his wife, Josesa, of LaCavada, and seven nieces and nephews.

A sister, Tomasa Diego, is deceased.

FUNERAL NOTICE — Services for Raymond Diego Canales will be conducted Tuesday morning, April 5, at 11 at Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown by the Rev. Penny Rich Smith, pastor. Burial will be in Southlawn Cemetery.

There will be no calling hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Renal Dialysis (FORD) at BMC or to VNA & Hospice of North Berkshire, both in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, MA 01247.