It is with deep sorrow that the family of Raymond (Ray) Lalonde announces his passing on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at the Dryden Regional Health Center at the age of 75.
Ray was born in Timmins, Ontario on January 26, 1942. He is survived by his wife Sharon, daughter Rachelle Davenport (Kelvin), son Michael (Syrena) and granddaughter Andi Davenport. Also surviving are his three sisters in Kenora: Diane Pochailo (Bill), Lorna Haney (Cecil) and Michele Grafham (Genvie) and his brother Phil (Ellen), Thunder Bay; sister-in-law Darlene Kortz (Bob), Kenora; as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Ray and Sharon moved from Kenora to Dryden in 1963 where he was employed by the Dryden Paper Company and eventually got his pipe-fitter and steam-fitter tickets.
Ray enjoyed many years playing hockey with the Dryden Rockets, a great group of guys. Ray was well known as ‘Newsy’ by his teammates. He owned the corners of every rink he skated in, and set the opponents straight on the ice. He and Sharon were fortunate enough to go abroad with the team to Germany and France for hockey tournaments, as well as to Las Vegas and Phoenix. Ray also played baseball and golf, and coached many young people in T-ball, baseball and hockey.
The family discovered the wonders of Blue Lake, where they spent many summers camping. Eventually they purchased a cottage there and enjoyed good times with family and friends. Ray earned the reputation as the neighbourhood handyman by his Blue Lake ‘family’. Without hesitation, he would open and close the summer homes, and had the golden touch to rectify anything that needed fixing.
After retiring, the couple spent a lot of winters in Yuma, Arizona, enjoying the sunshine, warm weather, and golfing while making new friendships. During the summer, Ray spent many hours on area lakes fishing. He especially enjoyed his fly-in trips with his friends.
Ray’s family was his pride and joy. He lit up a room with his infectious smile, always exuding positivity by telling jokes and reciting funny stories. Ray also valued his friendships, many of which were life-long. He looked forward to his weekly get-togethers with the firemen.
Cremation has taken place, and in accordance with Ray’s wishes, there will be no funeral. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DRHC CT Scan Fund or the Municipality of Machin-Equipment Fund, c/o Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1.
Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
