Raymond G. Ratchford
Born In: New Waterford
Passed in: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Passed on: September 27th, 2015
It is with sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Raymond Ratchford, 57, of Toronto, Ont. and formerly of New Waterford on Sept. 27, 2015 in Toronto.
Born in New Waterford, he was a son of the late Patrick and Margaret (McMullin) Ratchford.
While living in Cape Breton, Ray was employed at Braemore Home in Sydney. He was known for his humour, love of music, and generosity, especially towards those with disabilities or life-threatening illnesses. His happiest times were spent in Big Pond on the Beach with his friend Rita MacNeil where they wrote and Rita recorded 'Tell The World'. This was one of Raymond's proudest moments. From Cape Breton, Ray moved to Ontario where he lived until his death. While there, he worked at several group homes and was heavily involved with the AIDS coalition.
Surviving are his partner, Bill Dobson; son, Ryan, St. Peter's, N.S.; sisters, Monica, Patsy, Valerie; brother, Kevin; many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by two siblings, Clarence and Francis.
There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place in Toronto, Ont. A funeral mass of celebration will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr. Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery, River Ryan, with a luncheon to follow at St. Leonard’s Parish Hall on Convent Street. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford.
'Tell the world about all of it,
Take your pride and just swallow it,
Find a road and just follow it,
And find your way back home'.
RSR
Sing In Heaven Ray!
