HURD: Ray G.
Posted By On October 19, 2025 @ 12:00 AM In Goderich, Obituary | 34 Comments
Ray G. Hurd age 84, loving husband, father, “Poppa” (grandfather and great-grandfather) passed away in the early hours of Oct 19, 2025 surrounded by family.
Ray was born July 10, 1941 in Kitchener, Ontario – an only child to Samuel and Mary Hurd. Even at a young age, Ray excelled in sports and academics. He was awarded a scholarship to study business at Cornell University in Ithica, NY. Soon after graduating and still quite young, he was appointed manager at a Dominion Grocery store in Mississauga. It was at a Dominion Grocery store that he met the love of his life Maureen (Mo). Ray told Maureen a little later in their relationship that after their first date he had dreamt about their future. In that dream, they were married and had three children. That dream did come true! They exchanged vows on Aug 20, 1966 and Maureen was his wife and partner for 59 years. She is the ying to his yang, and while Ray was usually front-and-center, Maureen always took the care and time to get things done behind the scenes.
The grocery business played a pivotal role in Ray’s life. He was the Zehrs store manager in Goderich for 23 years. Ray was lucky enough to be retired for 25 years, and in that time Maureen and Ray enjoyed watching their family flourish and grow. Although they enjoyed travelling, some of their fondest memories were watching their family excel in sports.
Ray’s accomplishments were many. He strongly believed in community involvement and volunteering. Some of the ways he made a positive impact in other people’s lives, included serving on Goderich Town Council for multiple terms. He was also the regional and national director for Communities in Bloom. The Ontario Parks Association had also benefitted from his leadership as President. He was instrumental in the revitalization of the Goderich Sports Complex (Bannister Park). Ray enjoyed watching or playing several sports, (hockey, golf, basketball, sports car racing) but his involvement with fastball was a constant throughout his life. In his younger years, he played fastball competitively and at age 60 he managed to still pitch in a men’s fastball game, and umpired even into his late 70’s. Ray’s knowledge of softball was shared with all the players he coached including his three children and grandson.
Although his accomplishments were indeed many, he would humbly say his greatest achievements were his children. He was a hands-on Dad to Carolyn (Allan), Mike (Christy), and Lindsay (Scott). Whether it was sharing his time and expertise or passing along his wisdom on a myriad of topics, he was always someone to rely on.
Despite facing numerous health challenges recently, Ray never wavered in his love for his family. His quick wit, and his positive outlook for a comeback in the last inning of his life, also never faltered. He was blessed to have a loving and supportive relationship with three grandchildren – Heather (Alex), Justin and Emily. Ray’s great-grandchildren Owen and Keira, although quite young, already loved their Poppa. Ray’s legacy will live on in the lives that he touched, and with those who knew him best, his family and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday Nov 1, 2025 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 390 Parsons Court Goderich, from 1-5PM.
The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Red Cross or AMGH Foundation Fund for a new MRI machine.
Shared by Pat & Bob Desjardins
Shared by Heather Synayuk
Condolences for the family of “HURD: Ray G.”
Condolences to all the family . Ray was a man who worked very hard and was successful at what he did. Always a smiling face and a helping hand . Our community has lost a great man. May RIP He probably in heaven saying now play ball
Offering our sincere condolences to Maureen, Lindsay, Mike and Carolyn and all your families in your loss of Ray. He was always so friendly and helpful anytime you saw him and always with a smile. I am sure you have so many wonderful memories to help you through this sad time!
Kevin and Connie Tasker
to the family of Ray
Our thoughts are with you and know that all your good memories will help you through this most difficult time and remember you Husband/Father/Grandfather is at peace now.
Thinking about you all at this very sad time, Maureen and family, George and I will always remember the day you and Ray came to south shields, to meet up with us, how lovely that was, Ray was a lovely friendly gentleman, We will always remember him, R.I.P…… love from shiela and George family xx England
We were very sad to hear of Ray’s passing, he was always very charming and friendly man whenever we met. Unfortunately we did not meet up often. He was a cousin that I knew as a very young girl in Erin Ontario. He was older than me and hung around with my older brothers. I knew his mother and father quite well. During our telephone calls he was always so proud of his family especially the grandchildren. May the love and memories that surround your family help you through this sad time. We wish you peace, love and strength during this time sorrow.
Our sincere condolences to the family. Ray was a great person and dedicated to his family and his town of Goderich.
I have many years of memories about Ray.. my mom Linda was the office manager until she retired and had great respect for Ray.. sending love and condolences to the family.,
Maureen,Lindsay,Scott and Families.
When I transferred from the Wingham Zehrs to the Goderich store Ray was my boss for a couple of years.I really enjoyed working for him.He was a great guy and will truly be missed by so many people. Our condolences go out to all the family.Our thoughts and prayers are you at this difficult time.
Doug & Brenda Tiffin
Just wanted to say to the hurd family sorry for your loss. Ray always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone
To the family of Ray my deepest condolences.
At the age of 15 Ray gave me a job at Zehrs and for that I am ever grateful. From managing me to playing ball together Ray has been there for the better part of my life . He will truly be missed .
Jim Bissett and Family
My deepest sympathies to Maureen, Carolyn, Mike and Lyndsay for the loss of your husband and dad. Ray Hurd sure lived a big life! He will be missed by so many. Lyndsay, I hope you did get to give your dad that “hello” from Barb after we met last week!
So many special memories of you and we are all having a hard time believing you are no longer here. I am beyond grateful you got to meet your great grandchildren, and Owen and Keira will hear stories of you for years to come. I feel blessed to have grown up with you as my Poppa. Alex and I will miss you so very much. We will all look after Mo and we know you will watch over us. Love always, Heather, Alex , Owen, and Keira.
Maureen and family; Please accept my condolences for the loss of Ray. You all can be very proud of all the things he achieved in his journey through this life. His love of you and yours was his greatest achievement of all. Thinking of you all and remembering the good times. Karen Sturdy
Maureen and family, it was with great sadness that I learned of Ray’s passing. I will always have great memories of sitting beside Ray on our council terms. He did a lot for our community and will be missed by those who knew him. Please accept the condolences of the Yates family.
Hurd Family
Sending our deepest condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and 🙏 prayers are with all at this most difficult time .
Maureen what a loss for you and your family. Ray is leaving a huge legacy of a pillar of our community, loving husband, father and grandfather. It was with great sadness that I read his obituary, he will be missed by so many of us . Jo-Anne Homan
My sincere condolences to Maureen, Lindsay, Mike, Carolyn and their families. Please know I’m thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Ray was so good to my family over the years, he will never be forgotten. Hopefully he gets to umpires a few games up in heaven, with Sy pitching and Ducky catching. RIP Ray
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, My heartfelt condolences to Lindsay and her family. Gail’s Leachman
Our thoughts are with the family and know that Ray is still smiling from above…I had the pleasure of learning very young what leadership was as Ray was “our boss’ back at Zehrs. After building a massive pizza back in the deli for one of our “Boyz – was probably Jimmy Bissett anyway…” – Ray strolled back to me and asked if I had made it. Yes. He grabbed a regular customer one out of the cooler…1.0 lbs…”Boyz Pizza” 10 lbs (LOL). He walked me over to the garbage shoot and threw it in the garbage. He asked me…”Lesson learned Tim?” I believe after 40 years and me sharing that story 100’s of times that it indeed impacted my journey. A gift of a man and an inspiration to I am sure thousands in his journey. “To you Ray…well done…” Thank you TC
Grant and I send our condolences to Mike, Christy and all of the Hurd family on the passing of Ray. What a remarkable life he lived and we were both happy to have met him at golf tournaments – and one special day at a winery wedding!
You will be held close in our thoughts during these difficult days.
Dear Maureen, Mike, and Lindsay and famiky
We are so sad to hear of Rays passing.
Sending our deepest sympathy to all.
Sincerely Gayle and Barron and Family
We are so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He made a real difference in people’s lives, especially those closest to him. Everyone who knew him will miss his warmth, generosity, and spirit. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
Mike, Kelly, Brooklyn and Mackenzie Tiffin
Maureen, Lindsay, Mike, Carolyn and families: Our sincere condolences on the news Ray had passed away. He left his stamp on the Town of Goderich as a councillor, in business, and especially in sports on the ball diamonds. His easy going character and opinions were always welcome. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
We were very sad to know that Ray has passed away. He was so genuine and kind, and his warm personality has had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. We join the Hurd family and our entire community in our feeling of loss, and our thoughts are with Maureen, Carolyn, Mike and Lindsay.
My condolences to the Hurd family on the loss of your beloved Dad. I remember your family well from the McDonald Street days as great neighbours. Ray was the one who invited me to submit an employment application to Zehrs when I turned 16 which turned out to be a great experience for me. Hopefully you will have solace in knowing what an integral part of our community he was and how many lives he touched in a positive way.
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing deepest sympathies to all his family
Our sympathy to Ray’s family & friends. Wayne & Heather Lyons
Dear Maureen, Carolyn, Mike, Lindsay and family,
So many wonderful memories of Ray and his work as a councillor, a dad and a store manager. Please accept our most sincere sympathy on Ray’s passing. May your precious memories provide comfort during the difficult days ahead.
Our Condolences,
Ron & Alice McDowell
Maureen and family…
Sharing in your sympathies upon hearing of Ray’s death.
I will remember Ray as a kind and gentleman with a lovely smile.
He always seemed to take the time for a quick hello and chat.
We have made a donation to the MRI fund raising campaign.
Wendy Padfield
Dear Maureen, Carolyn, Mike, and Lindsay,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. He played such an important role in my life, especially when I moved to Goderich in 1995 for the opening of the new store. I truly enjoyed working for Ray, I realized right from the start it was clear how connected he was to the community and to his customers. That was something I greatly admired about him, and it inspired me when I was honoured to follow in his footsteps as Store Manager in 2000. I always tried my best to honour Ray’s wishes when he handed me the keys, telling me to make him proud by leading the store team and continuing to be a strong part of the community.
Outside of Zehrs, I loved chatting baseball with Ray and playing alongside Mike, he was always around the diamond umpiring or offering advice. His passion for the game was infectious and I truly miss those conversations; we both loved the sport! We also shared great times volunteering together on the Bannister Park Fundraising Committee, working to make our community even better.
Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss.
Steve Hewitt
To all of Ray’s family
So sorry for your loss
Ray was a good man and will truly missed by many
Our sincere condolences at this sad time 🙏🏻
Bill Boak and Deb MacAdam
Ray welcomed me into the Zehrs family with warmth and sincerity. It was always a pleasure to see him and have a quick visit whether at work, or afterward during his retirement. He was so involved in the community and a true leader. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy to you all.
Suzanne
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Ray was a great supporter of fastball in the Town of Goderich and the reason we had such a good league for quite a number years, as a fellow pitcher he was always complementry when he saw you play,my deepest sympathy to the entire Hurd family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Paul & Sue Corriveau