Gerald Raymond “Ray” Young passed away in Goderich on Saturday September 4, 2021 in his 91st year.
Loving husband of Barbara Irene (Gauley) Young for 64 years. Son of the late Charles and Alta Young. Loved and proud father and father-in-law of Janet (Phil) Arthur of Goderich and Paul (Anna) Young of Mount Forest. Loving Papa to Daniel Arthur of Mitchell and Alyssa Rae Arthur of Goderich as well as Alexandra Young of Waterloo. Survived by brother Vincent Young of Goderich, sister Vera (Young) Bedard of Windsor and sister-in-law Ruth Ann (Gauley) Goddard of Goderich. Survived as well by many nieces and nephews.
Ray taught school in a one-room school house at the start of his career. He then accepted a position with Burns Ross Surveyors. He loved to challenge his mind and in the early 1970s he accepted a position with the Ministry of Revenue as Mapping Supervisor Huron/Perth. He remained working for the Government of Ontario until his retirement. Ray liked to “dabble” in real estate and along with his brother Vincent, they renovated and were landlords to many apartment units in the town of Goderich. Ray enjoyed attention to detail and spent many years mapping the St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Ray always loved to create using the medium of wood. Along with the drafting skills perfected while working with Burns Ross and then the Ministry of Ontario, Ray went on to build many homes in town. He could always see the potential in an older building and often moved a house from one area of town to another then renovated it. With permission from the town, he was responsible for moving the first house ever around the town square backwards. He was very proud that day! Anyone who knew Ray knew of his love for gardening and he was still out in his garden this past July “trying to keep on top of the weeds”.
With all of the successes through his paid employment for others and his solo pursuits or his “hobby” as he called it, if asked, Ray would say that his greatest gift was his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren who loved their “Papa Ray”. He was immensely proud of their achievements and taught through example as he helped them grow into responsible loving adults who loved to spend time with their papa.
There will be no visitation. A private family funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Goderich. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice gratefully acknowledged and may be arranged through McCallum & Palla Funeral Home, 519 524 7345. Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca
O Heavenly Father since You have called our loved one from this world, we pray that You will give him eternal rest and peace in your Fatherly care, and help us to be thankful for the years he has been with us.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Ray Bedard
Aunt Barb, Janet and Paul
My sincere condolences to you all. I always look forward to seeing you whenever I had the chance to visit Goderich. I have the fondest memories of my dad bringing me by as a child to visit Ray’s latest project on a newly bought property – tearing down, repairing, building up – he was the master of “reuse and recycle” 20 years before it was popular. I’ll miss his laugh and enthusiasm whenever he spoke about his projects, large or small. A great uncle that I wish I had been around more to have known better.
Ted and Joyce Riehl
We are sorry to hear of Ray’s passing and are thoughts and prayers are with you at this time
Bob n Luan MARSHALL
Dear Barb and family…. Our sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. It has been many many years since we last saw Ray and Barb when visiting Aunt Dorothy and Nellie in Goderich. We still remember him being a friendly and happy guy, who was dedicated to his family and loyal to his many friends. May he rest in Peace! Bob n Luan
Karla Riegling Hogan
Dear Barb, Janet, Paul and families,
Whenever we met at church or on the street Ray was always very friendly…such a nice man. You have my sympathies and prayers. May he Rest In Peace.
Scott Vanstone
Enjoyed working for Ray…..my condolences and thoughts are with you and your family.
Kirk & JoAnne Baines
Ray was always a larger than life figure for Kirk who fondly remembers this busy man on the beach at Mid Huron. He knew all there was to know about the MHB plan! He was a northern beacon for us at Mid Huron Beach and will be missed. Condolences to Barb and family.
Kirk & JoAnne
Mary Forrest
Barb and family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Banter
Barb and Family, please accept my and
Laurie’s condolences on Ray’s passing. Always enjoyed Ray’s humour, and was the recipient of one of his apartment buildings on Newgate street, many years ago. He was very talented and hard working. Barb,was fortunate to work with you for a time and got to know you and Ray better. Thank you and may Ray R.I.P.
Ron & Carol Horton
Barb and family: So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Extending deepest sympathy to all during your time of sorrow.
Ken McGee
To all of Rays family.
He certainly lived to a grand old age and deserved to. He was a nice man with a smile on his face all the time. It was a pleasure to know him as a person and as a customer for many years.
Andy Ross
Ray was always friendly and helpful at the cottage. We have great memories of his projects.
Mike Jeffrey
My sympathy to Ray’s family. Ray was a great customer , always enjoyed visiting with him.
Don McArthur
Barb and family . Sandra and I extend our sympathy on the loss of Ray. Many good memories of his visits to the house.
John & Barb White
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our condolences to you Barb and Family. When ever I did get talking to Ray I enjoyed every talk. John & Barb White
Pauline & William Linton
Dear Aunt Barb, Paul & Janet,
We were so sorry to hear of Uncle Ray’s passing. Our love & prayers go out to all of you & know that you are always in our hearts.
Patricia Haskell
To Barb and the family
I am sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I worked with him at the Ministry of Finance Assessment office for 16 years. he was a great co-worker. Remember all the good times.
Pat Haskell
Brenda Teichert
Deepest sympathy Barb and family. May your numerous loving memories bring you some comfort at this very sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Barb – you and your family are close in our hearts with sadness and sympathy.
We have special remembrance of a good man.
Sincerely – Cecelia and Don
Pat Johnston
Barb and the family of Ray
While we know there is great sadness in the loss of Ray, there is comfort too in the memories of the amazing life he lived and the contributions to the fabric of your family. Know our thoughts are with all of you.
Pat Johnston & Bob Desjardins
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence to Ray’s family.
Jim Mulhern
Lois Chapman
Barb & Family:
My condoences to you and your family. I worked with Ray many years ago at B. M. Ross & Assoc. and live in the same neighbourhood. I used to talk to him as I passed his house on my walks. He always had a ready smile.
Becky&Dave & Joan Crawford McIvor
Condolences to Barb , Janet Phill and Family, Paul his wife and their family. Neighbour for many years on Palmerston Street. May Ray RIP.