Ray passed away peacefully at his home in Goderich February 4, 2022. Best friend and loving husband of Linda. Proud father of Mark and Pat (Nicole). All-Star Grandpa to Sam, Beth and Camille Donnelly. Predeceased by parents Joe and Velma. As a teacher, coach and active member of the community, Ray had a big impact on peoples’ lives. Survived by siblings Jeanette (Bev), Doreen (Peter 2015), Marilyn, Paul (Darlene), Larry, Karen, Dennis (Brenda) and many nieces and nephews. Also survived by sisters-in-law Karen (Gerd), Tracy, Kim (2008) McCaw and their families. Thank you to family, friends, neighbours and former football players for all their support. Special thanks to Dr. Treasurywala, Maitland Valley Medical Team, LHSC oncology team and home care nurses for their expertise and kindness. As expressions of sympathy donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 or Alexandra Marine and General Hospital Foundation, Goderich. There will be no funeral services. A Celebration of life will occur in the spring.
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).
Elaine & Mike Wilson
Our sincere sympathy is extended to all of Ray’s family at this time of loss. May warm memories comfort you. From your Young Street neighbour/ Mike & Elaine Wilson
Joanne Walters
To all of the Donnelly family: I’m so sorry for your loss. “Mr, Donnelly” taught me geography at GDCI. I know his real forte was coaching football but he was a good teacher of academic subjects too & I always respected him (I still think of my teachers as “Mr.” or “Mrs./Ms.”). I hope you have many happy family memories to give you comfort at this sad time and know that your husband, father, brother and uncle has left a lasting legacy as a teacher, coach, friend and mentor to many.
Peter Vogt
Coach Donnelly had a great impact on my life. As my football coach, leader, and probably my first mentor taught me to understand what it takes to be a team, and when to be an individual. He’d say there’s no I in TEAM. It molded me in many events for life; military service, college, husband, father, friend. God Bless Coach Donnelly.
Peter Vogt
GDCI Vikings ‘74 Champions.
Tory Mcdonald
Condolences to all Ray’s family. Always a great day when I would have a chat with Ray and Linda on the boardwalk.Always interested in others. Best dry sense of humour and impish grin.
Ray was just an all round nice person.
And…must add… Bullwinkle was a great football coach! Ray just had that spirit that everyone loved and that’s what we’re all going to miss.
Del Bedard
Rip coach.
Maureen Dowds
Ray was one of the best teachers and colleagues I ever had the pleasure of teaching with when I started my very first year of teaching. We became good friends and although we each moved on, reconnecting every time I got back to Goderich and more these past 6 months , we laughed and cried as Ray moved through this battle of his life. Thinking of Linda, his boys and grandchildren and his entire family. He is loved.
LINDA RICHARD
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Ray will be remembered for the amazing man he was.
Linda and Jacques Richard
Mark Frayne
Ray was great coach ,and mentor. He was a coach of boys and became a leader of men with those same boys .Tough ,and loyal ,but had a soft side as well . I have great memories and stories about my friend and coach,who i respectfully and affectionately call Bullwinkle, R.I.P.
Jeff Feagan
My deepest sympathies. I continue to be guided by the things Coach Donnelly taught me – as are the many others that had the privilege to know him. He will never be forgotten.
Shawn Phillips
Linda, Mark, Pat and family – I was saddened to hear of Rays’ passing. He taught me and coached me. He was a leader of young men and women. He was tough and fair and honest and good and always very much to the point, which I truly appreciated. He was a man of few words but also very knowing and willing to teach if you were willing to learn. My thoughts are with you all.
John and Connie Harrison
Linda and family:
We send our “Sincere Sympathy” to Ray’s family.
Regards
John and Connie Harrison
Ron & June Corriveau
Linda, Mark, Pat and family: Our deepest sympathy to you on the news of Ray’s passing. A lot of good memories from the ball fields, golfing and sports in general. A real force to the students at GDCI. Rest in peace Ray. June & Ron
Laura Ross Nichols
Linda and Family:
Sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. My memories of Ray are that he was the winningest coach of the Huron Perth area, while I was at GDCI in the early to mid-70’s. Not only in Football, but in my case, Track and Field also. He coached our Track and Field team with enthusiasm and always pushed us to run “faster! Faster!”. With him always pushing us to do better, we brought home many first, second and third place ribbons. When my boys were growing up, we would gather together to watch our beloved Boise State Broncos and they asked me why I liked football so much. I told them when I was young, my High School had the best football team and the best athletes and the best Coach – Ray Donnelly. Rest in Peace Mr. Donnelly. Laura Ross Nichols
Sharron Durst
My sincerest sympathies to Linda & all of the family.
Shawn Green
My heartfelt condolences to Linda, Mark & Pat.
Ray was always firm, fair and honest with me in high school. I respected and appreciated that. Wrestling lessons in gym class were legendary ! I always took pride in a compliment or pat on the back from him for a job well done. And when I could get a big grin or crack him up, it was even better.
I enjoyed our chats when I’d get back to Goderich for a visit over the years.
And I’m so glad I got to see Ray back in December and talk with him one last time.
He will be missed, but never forgotten.
Jon Ginn
Donnelly Family
Mickey and I were sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Know our thoughts are with you. RIP Coach
Brenda McEwin
Thinking of you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I spent many years at GDCI with Ray and have wonderful memories of him. Will always remember his hearty laugh and huge smile. His sense of humour would come out when you least expected it. He made a difference in many young peoples lives in the halls at GDCI.
Cecelia Denomme denomme
Dear Ray’s family – keeping you close in our hearts –
Remembering – always – ‘Ray’ – special in our community and to the many lives he touched.’
Sincerely – Cecelia , Don Denomme
doug Keene
Linda and family,
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He sure was a special guy to everyone he came in contact with over the years. I will always remember him as a wonderful friend and genuine person. Been a long time but I still remember my friend – (Bullwinkle , as Wayne Horner named him ) Rest in peace my friend, Doug Keene
Jason Pitblado
Linda, Mark and Pat, I am so sorry for your loss.
Don Swan
I first met Ray, A number of years ago. The Toronto Argonauts played a pre-season game in London at TD. Stadium. Ray was sitting right in front of us. We soon learned we both lived in Goderich. Since then I would talk to Ray every time , I would see him often at Zephrs shopping. We would talk about football & other topics. I enjoyed our conversations & will miss them RIP Ray from a fellow football fan Don.
Bonnie McGee
My thoughts are with the entire Donnelly Family during this sad & difficult time. Ray will never be forgotten.
Dianne and Harold Leddy
Linda and family
We were saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. Lots of good times through football, etc
Treasure the memories, RIP Ray
Bruce Shaw
Linda, Mark and Pat: Ray was a dedicated member of the staff who wore his school on his sleeve. He cared very much about his teams, and I remember witnessing his enthusiasm as my two sons from South Huron battled it out on the gridiron with his well-coached and well-disciplined squad. I liked Ray; his commitment and his contribution was exceptional. I am cetain you all have wonderful memories – cherish them always. Bruce
Judy abd Paul Kelly
Linda, Pat, Mark and the Donnelly family
We are very sorry to hear of Rays’s passing. Treasure all your memories and hold them close to your heart to bring you comfort at this difficult time.
KAREN STURDY
Linda, Mark and Pat Ray was an old friend and we know how much you all will be missing him in your lives. We are sorry and hope that you will accept our condolences. Karen and Mike and James Sturdy
Dan Burns
Trudy and I are very sorry to hear about Ray’s death. Our sincere condolences go out to the extended families. Ray was an excellent coach and mentor to many in the communities of the Goderich area. A true gentleman and an athlete of note. Rest In Peace Ray. You will be missed. Trudy and Dan
Don Elliott
My condolences to the Donnelly family. I would like to share a memory, I was a student entering Grade 9 & I had Ray for phys ed. He asked me several times to play football for him & I said I’d love to but my farm parents needed me for chores. I could ONLY play 1 sport & I have played hockey for 12 years now, I can’t give up that. Wel Ray wouldnt take no for an answer & came to visit my Dad 3 different times & Dad said it was my choice to play hockey. Well the 4th visit, I was plowing @ our 2nd farm & Ray thought I aas Dad, so he stopped to ask yet again. As luck turned out, Dad was heading to the feed mill as Ray parked in the field & Dad noticed the car & stopped to see what was going on. That was the last time Ray came to the farm. But to my Dad, farming came first. I wish things were different as he was a great coach & had a great coaching career. R.I.P. my friend.
Donna and Gary Martin
So sorry for your loss, Jeanette. Our deepest sympathy to you and Bev.
Sincerely, Donna and Gary Martin
Bill Weber
I was saddened to hear of Ray’s passing, we shared many enjoyable times together as adversarial coaches both in wrestling and in football. He was a positive influence to all his athletes and will be greatly missed by all.
Dan DeMers
Condolences to Ray’s family. Ray is a good man R.I.P.
Dave and Becky McIvor
I had Ray for a teacher at GDCI . Later on in life we joined in and golfed with Ray and Linda many a year in Forest Ontario . Many a memories were made here and are still cherished by us. During Rays illness we thought of him many times. No fun to go through . The pain and suffering are over now and May he Rest In Peace.
Larry Papernick
My condolences to the Donnelly family. I have many fond memories of playing football with Ray for the Vikings. Not only was Ray a good athlete but he was also a true gentleman. We had a lot of fun and he will be missed.
Lily–Ann MacDonald
I’m saddened to learn of Ray’s passing, and I offer my sincere condolences to his entire family. I remember him so clearly from GDCI, where I know he was a well-respected and wonderful role model for his students. He will not soon be forgotten.
May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!
Doug Smith
Very sorry to hear of Rays passing. Have many good memories from our fastball days. Will be sadly missed in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda, Mark, Pat and all Rays families.
Doug and Cheryl
Kathie Kelly
Linda and families…..so very sorry to hear of your loss and thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.Sincerely Tom and Kathie Kelly
Bill Walters
I just learned about Ray’s passing and reflected on how my life might have been different without his tough love and infectious enthusiasm and I’m sure it wouldn’t have been as good. Scot Little and others have said it best about the influence Ray had on so many of us over his teaching/coaching career. What a wonderful gift he gave so many of us. To Linda and the rest of the family, may Ray’s memory be a blessing. Rest in Peace big guy.
Bill Walters
richard madge
To you, Linda, Mark, Pat, and all members of your families, we extend our sincere condolences.
As a proud GDCI alumnus, Ray returned to his school and had an admirable career as a fine teacher, coach and friend.
He was the very epitome of the Viking spirit as evidenced in his dedication to excellence in his teams and his students.
He will be missed, but certainly not forgotten.
Richard and Laurine Madge
Jim and Pat Martin
We wish to convey our sincerest condolences on the loss of Ray. May his light shine in your hearts forever.
Judith C Lankin
Deepest sympathy to the family. It was many years ago that I attended GDCI and he was a great and respected teacher .
Cherish all your memories , thoughts snd prayers for you all at this time .
Judi(Gallow) Lankin
Ivy Hruden
Our deepest sympathy to Linda, Mark, Pat, Nicole and family. Ray was a good friend and neighbor for many years. I have wonderful memories of the times we spent with he and Linda. He will be missed by all who knew him. John & Ivy
Scot Little
Just learning of Ray’s passing.
My condolences to Linda, Mark, Pat, and the entire Donnelly family.
Saying hello to Ray over the years never failed to remind me of my high school football days.
His knowledge and passion for the game was obvious to everyone.
There are hundreds of men today who remember Ray as a fierce and competitive Coach, but also a caring role model. Thankful he was there at that time in our lives.
Scot Little
Ron Sowerby
Sincerest condolences to all Family and Friends. Ray was a mentor to alot of people throughout his teaching career. Thoughts and prayers are with you. R.I.P Ray.
Michelle Morningstar (Langlois)
My sympathy to the whole family Ray was a great guy May he Rest In Peace
John & Barbara White
Our condolences goes out to Linda,Mark,& Pat (Nicole) . Ray was a good neighbour being next door for the last 32 years. He will be missed . John ,Barb White & Family
PAUL CORRIVEAU
Our Deepest Sympathy to Linda, Mark, and Pat and his entire family, Ray was a great friend for a long time and we had some great times together. Our thoughts are with the entire Donnelly family at this difficult time.