We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ray Jones, who passed away unexpectedly on November 20, 2008 at the age of 85. Ray was a pillar of our community and a familiar face both around our lakes and around the Town of Huntsville.
Ray is survived by his wife June, children Sherrill and George, Bob and Louise, Darrell and Diane, Linda and Dennis, grandchildren Mark, Robb, Rhonda, Terry, Jeremy, Amanda and Erika and great-grandchildren Tyler, Steven, Sarah, Adam, Raymond, Mason, Abigail and Madelyn. He was predeceased by grandson Scott. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you direct your donations to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
A gunner in the Canadian Army at the end of WWII, Ray was a partner in Wheels, Brakes and Equipment in Hamilton Ontario and the family spent many a vacation at the family cottage on Waseosa. Ray and June moved here permanently after his "retirement". At an age when many men slow down and take it easy, Ray set about integrating himself in the community. He was an active member of the Riverside Baptist Church congregation as a Deacon, Usher, Sunday School teacher, maintenance man -- whatever was needed. He spent many hours volunteering for such causes as the Canadian Cancer Society and Boy Scouts of Canada. Ray was a regular with Hospice Huntsville for over 10 years, bringing comfort to countless others in pallative care. If he wasn't out doing something he was puttering around his shop and was a skilled woodworker. Even though he was over 80, he still terrified his neighbours by climbing up on his own roof to shovel the snow off each winter.
Ray served the LWRA as a Director from 1995 to 2005. He was a familiar face going dock to dock, talking to the members, listening to their concerns and providing environmental education. True to form, Ray never really retired from the LWRA even after he left the Board. Ray and June continued to serve, hosting the AGM and co-hosting the Fun Day regatta since 2005. And, of course, he still made his trips around the lake, introducing successive new Board members to all the residents. Despite the Life Membership status bestowed upon him by the Association in recognition of his service, Ray characteristically insisted on paying his dues each year and refused compensation for the propane he used cooking our hotdogs each year. For Ray, it was not about what he could get out of the Association but rather, it was about what he could do for his community.
May we all learn from your example, Ray.