Raymond George Smith
October 21, 1938 to September 11, 2022
Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond George Smith on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Tiffany Village in St. John’s, NL. He was 83. Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife Ruth, his sister Doreen Hounsell and brother-in-law John, and his parents, Jessie Ida and Thomas Malcolm. Left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life are his daughters, Pam O’Brien (Simon) and Lori Smith (Glen Crowley); his grandchildren Katie (Viv), M, Allie (Andrew), Claire, and Emma; his sister Judi Winsor (Scott) and sister-in-law Rhonda Wicks (René); and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Ray was born on Bell Island, Newfoundland on October 21, 1938, and was the eldest of the three Smith children. His sister Doreen became good friends with a girl named Ruth Andrews, and shortly after, Ray and Ruth started going steady. They married in 1964 at St. Thomas’ Anglican Church. Ray, Ruth, Doreen, and John were good friends their entire adult lives, often vacationing together.
Ray spent his working life with CN Rail and Marine Atlantic and retired at the age of 53. Outside of work, Ray and Ruth were active members of the Anglican Parish of St. Michael and All Angels, with Ray spending many hours counting the money and participating in the Men’s Club. He was an avid walker and bowler. Although he was a quiet man, he was very competitive, and enjoyed skunking his daughters at cribbage whenever he got the chance. He loved to watch sports, particularly hockey and baseball, and was a lifelong Detroit Red Wings fan.
Ray was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and Poppy. We will miss him more than words can say and will hold his memory dear to our hearts. Cremation has already occurred, and a celebration of Ray’s life will take place later this fall.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to pancreatic cancer research.
A special thanks to the staff on the eighth floor of Tiffany Village, Dr. Penton, and Dr. Robbins for providing Ray with excellent care and compassion at the end of his life.
We feel comforted by the thought that somewhere, he’s having a Diet Pepsi and falling asleep in front of the game with his love, Ruth, whom he missed so much.
Schedule
funeral
11:00am, Wednesday October 19th
The Carnell Memorial Chapel
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Ray and Ruth were such good friends of my Mom and Dad! They spent so many years camping together.. I have so many happy memories of those special times.
Pam & Lori,
So sorry to hear the news of your father’s passing,. Our sincere sympathy.
Juanita & Jill Blackmore
My sincere sympathy to family and friends on the recent passing of Ray truly a fine christian gentleman and devoted parishioner at St.Michaels parish.Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord and may light perpetual shine upon him.
Pam, Lori and Family:
Our Sincere Sympathy on your Dad’s passing. May all the pleasant memories you have be a great comfort at this difficult time.
Judi and family
On behalf of the Starkes and Heffernan families we offer Deepest sympathy on the passing of Ray. We have many great memories of our time together while living on Smith Avenue. May he Rest In Peace
So sorry to learn of Rays passing.
We were neighbours on Borden Street and our children played together when they were small. Ruth was a great friend and she and Ray were a lovely couple.
Loving thoughts to Pam and Lori and their families.
Pam, Lori & Families
We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. We have many memories of our New years celebrations and our Rummoli games toegether. We hope you will be comforted by your good memories and strengthened by the prayers and thoughts of families and friends.
Love from LLew & Kay Norman
Lori, Pam & families. Sending my deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time.
To our branch of the Smith family, growing up Raymond was a kind and helpful cousin and nephew.
Later, with Ruth alongside (or perhaps leading the way!) he was an essential limb that kept the next generation of the Smith family connected In all the days were together he was gentle, fun, and calm. He made many many good things happen in an understated way. His smile and laugh were awesome, and his wry sense o f humour often left us smiling. We’re thinking of you, and sending love.
Lori, Pam, and Judi. Sending sincere condolences to you and your families on the loss of your father./brother. Many fond memories of the Smith family from growing up on Smith Avenue. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
To Ray’s family..
Sincere condolences from our family to your family.
Sending you Lori and your family sincere condolences. I often enjoyed the many stories you told us at work about your dad and what a fine man he truly was.
Cherish the many great memories that you all have shared.
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Ray. We have many fond memories of time spent with him and Ruth at Spread Eagle and Wishingwell Road during their visits with John and Doreen. May the many good memories you share comfort you.
Smith Family,
My condolences to you on the passing of Ray.. I remember him well from St. Michael‘s and how he was involved in many church functions especially the Men’s Club..
Sincere sympathy,
Allison Ash
I worked with Ray in 1965 in the Express Dept at age 17. I also worked with him at CN Marine in the 1970’s. He was a fine individual and a great employee of CN. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
So sorry to hear of Ray,s passing, We were friend,s for many years having worked together at Marine Atlantic and C N.
Our condolences to Lori and family . My father and Ray were good friends through St. Michaels church and Dad often thought fondly of Ray. I also enjoyed my brief chats with him during his walks in the neighbourhood. Rest In peace Mr. Smith.
Paul and Jeannine Green
Pam, Lori & family, our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dad. While it has been many years since I’ve spoken to Ray, he will always be remembered for his soft spoken manner, his smile and his love of family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam, Lori and Families,
Don and I were saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. We have good memories of him and Ruth at various social events at Rhonda’s house over the years. He was a quiet, gentle man . Our condolences to your families.
Judi and Family: So very sorry to hear that Ray has passed away. I have so many fond memories of our times together on Smith Avenue and of course working with Doreen. Take comfort that he is now at peace and reunited with his darling Ruth.
Lori, Pam and families – I only had the pleasure of meeting your father a few brief times, however, I was instantly impacted by his loving and kind nature. The love your family shares is crystal clear. May this strengthen and guide you during the time to come.
Lori, Pam and families, my sincere condolences on the loss of your dad. He was such a gentle man and I always looked forward to my visits with him. He loved his family and after your mom passed away, he kept me updated on everyone’s careers and travels. Treasure your wonderful memories.
Lori and family. I am so sorry for your loss. You spoke of your dad so often he almost seemed like my own dad too. Hold your memories close and be content that he is with your mom again.
A beautiful obituary for a great uncle. Too many good memories to count of camping trips, family get togethers, talking hockey and teaching me how to play baseball.
Pam, Lori & families, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a very lovely man. I hadn’t seen him in a while but thought of him often. I continued to send a Christmas Card every year after your Mom passed to let him know he was thought about. I’m sure your Mom was waiting for him with open arms. Hugs to you all and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. xo
Pam, Lori and families,
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Your dad was such a sweet man. We always looked forward to his Turkey Tea fundraisers for St. Michael’s Parish and he never forgot to let us know when it was time! May he rest in peace with your beautiful mom. xo
To the Smith family:
We like to pass along our deepest condolences to the Smith family. We found Ray like the great gentleman he was always there to lend a hand and a very quiet and kind man. Our prayers and taught is with the family at this time. God Bless.
Neville and Clara Abbott
Lori and family. My heart is broken for you and your family. Even if he didn’t know he was a Dad to all of us here at Major’s Path. He and your Mom are looking down on you and your family with a smile on their face and a full heart.
Pam, Lori & your families: So very sorry to hear this news. Mr. Smith was a lovely person, always welcoming, Burl Ives playing on the stereo! I remember his wry laugh, how much he loved the cabin. Wishing your family a grace-filled journey through this very difficult time.
Much love,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. It has been awhile since I’ve seen him, but he often came to my mind. Ray was a lovely person and I always enjoyed his company. He is now reunited with our darling Ruth. May wonderful memories comfort you in this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. We know how much he was loved and respected by family and friends. May you take comfort in your wonderful memories!
Betty and Carl Cooper