Raymond Penney
April 17, 1947 to March 24, 2025
Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Ray Penney, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, who left us peacefully at the age of 77. He was born on April 17, 1947, in Carbonear, Newfoundland.
Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Olga; his children, Kaitlin (Nicholas) and Michael (Raquel); and his siblings, John, Patricia, and Randy. He was predeceased by his parents.
Ray’s educational journey was distinguished and deeply meaningful. He completed his undergraduate degree with Honours in Psychology at Memorial University, followed by a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Social Psychology at Michigan State University. His thirst for knowledge and passion for helping others led him to further specialize in marital and family therapy, training at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia.
His career was one of dedication and influence. He served as a faculty member at both McGill University and Memorial University, holding various administrative roles in the psychology department at Memorial. Ray was one of the first registered psychologists in Newfoundland. His academic interests were grounded in the study of self-awareness and the complexities of marriage and family therapy. His work impacted countless students, clients and colleagues, inspiring many to think more deeply about the human experience.
A man who found great joy in the outdoors, Ray passed on his love for adventure to his children, sharing many hikes and explorations of nature. In his retirement, he continued to travel, exploring new cultures and aspects of the natural world.
Ray believed that the most important things in life are connections with others and moments of transcendence which he liked to describe as “glimpses into the luminous halo of life” (paraphrasing Virgina Woolf). He will leave all who knew him with lasting memories of his humour, wisdom, kindness, and warmth.
A memorial will be planned for early fall 2025 with details to be posted here in early September.
“Mountains should be climbed with as little effort as possible and without desire. The reality of your own nature should determine the speed…When you’re no longer thinking ahead, each footstep isn’t just the means to an end but a unique event in itself.”
- Robert M. Pirsig
Dear Olga and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My sincere condolences. The obituary is a wonderful tribute.
My dear Olga
when we last spoke about your teaching in MED 6721, you mentioned that your husband was ill; however, I did not realize how ill he was.
My deepest condolences. I know you have tough times ahead of you, having gone through this myself nine years ago.
Take care
Shree
Olga, my condolences to you and your family at this difficulty time. My thoughts are with you.
Olga, Deepest condolences. My thoughts are with you and your children at this time. Take care.
Delphine Grynszpan
Olga, Kaitie & Michael, I was very saddened to hear of Ray’s death. He was the best of friends and a wonderful colleague over the many years he spent in the Psych dept. and I have many fond memories of those times. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of the family.
Sorry to hear this news Olga, thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Olga , just wanted to pass along my thoughts to you and the family. so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing.
Condolences on Ray’s passing to his family and friends. As an undergraduate student, I took a course with Ray and I will be forever grateful for that experience. I know his work touched many students, clients, and colleagues, and we are fortunate.
My heart goes out to the whole family. Ray was a great presence in a room and always had witty comments to add to any conversation. Cherish the memories and write them down so that they remain strong in your minds and hearts..
Olga, I am so sad to hear of Ray’s death. My condolences to you and family. I’m sure you will find solace in the many memories of your shared life together.
Kaitlin and Family,
Our sincere thoughts and sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time. While I did not know Ray directly, reading his obituary it is clear that his traits to connect with and positively impact people have been passed down to his children.
Steve Coward and Claudia Joy
Dear Olga and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing.. I really admired his spirit, especially after retirement, of trying new things and going to all sorts of interesting new places. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear Olga and family, I am so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Thinking of you and sending my deepest condolences at this sad time.
Dear Olga, Kaitlin, and Michael,
Leslee and I are so saddened about Ray’s passing. I will always be grateful for his friendship and will remember with great fondness our many conversations out on the golf course and the cheerful way that Ray approached life.
Dear Olga and family,
I am sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. Offering my sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Thinking of you,
Fran Walsh
Dear Olga and Family
So sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. He was a lovely person. He was a wonderful undergraduate officer in the Psychology department when I was department head. He was always thoughtful and had the students best interests at heart. I also spent many happy times talking to him about golf and hiking. He will be missed.
Dear Olga and family.
I only now found out about Ray’s passing last week. Our most recent interactions have been up on Pippy Park Golf course the last several summers as he strode the course with only two or three clubs in his hands. You could tell that he was enjoying every step of the way.. Condolences to you all
Carolyn Emerson
Olga
I’m so so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing at this time. My deepest condolences to you and all your. family. Thinking about you at this sad time. Xx
Olga
I’m so so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing at this time. My deepest condolences to you and all your. family. Thinking about you at this sad time. Xx
Dear Olga,
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Sending condolences to you and your family at this sad time.
Leah
Olga and family,,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband .
Take care of yourself
Wendy King
Olga,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your husband. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time..
I am so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Thinking of you, Olga, and you family at this difficult time.
Dear Olga & family
My deepest condolences during this sad time. I remember so clearly how meaningful your family has always been in your adventure through life.
Take care of each other.
Donna Covey
Randy and Hughena So very sorry for the loss of your Brother. Although we never met him, he certainly sounds like a most interesting person. RIP
Heartfelt condolences to Ray’s family, Olga, Kaitlin, and Michael. Ray was such an interesting and engaged person. Always had a thought provoking comment to inject during our many lovely conversations. His intrepid stories and excellent pictures of his travels have inspired us to want to see more of this wonderful world. He was a gentle man who will be sorely missed. MIchele Neary and John Connors.
To the Penney family
We are very sorry to hear of Raymond passing. ..Our deepest condolences to the Penney family.
,Marina and Sam Philpott
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. We played tennis and pickleball for a number of years at the club. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Ray without a smile. A true gentleman! Ray was too nice a person to forget. May his gentle saw rest peacefully.
So sorry to hear of Cousin Ray’s passing. Thinking of all of his Family & Friends at this time, May he Rest In Peace!
Olga,
I am so sorry to read of your partner’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Joan Davis Whelan
Dear Olga, Kaitlin, and Michael. I am very sorry for your loss. Ray was a true gentleman. Just back from MSU, he taught me a psychology course in 1976 that, even then, incorporated the value of thinking about the human experience. Thank you for that reminder.
Michael Doyle