Raymond MARTHELEUR
Born In: SYDNEY
Passed in: SYDNEY
It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of Raymond M. Martheleur in his 91st year, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Born in Sydney on October 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Eli and Juliette (DeFooz) Martheleur. Ray was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara (Baker); son, William (Joan) Martheleur, Sydney; daughters, Nancy (Drew) McDade, Fall River, and Sandra (Brian) Taylor, Pickering, Ont. Ray was predeceased in 2002 by his youngest son, Peter. He was very proud of his wonderfully accomplished eight grandchildren, Leanne Martheleur, Stephanie Martheleur, Brandon Martheleur, Devin Martheleur, Dr. Jonathan McDade (Elana Liberman), Emily McDade, Kaitlyn (Nick) Asquini, and Melissa Taylor. Ray graduated from St. FX with his science degree in 1948 and immediately began a long and distinguished career at Sydney Steel Corporation (Dosco). During his final years as a steelmaker, Ray was employed as the Superintendent of the Combustion and Energy Conservation Department until his early retirement in 1990, at which time he was asked to bring his years of steel making expertise to the crown corporation charged with remediating the Sydney Tar Ponds. He remained very committed to this wonderful cause and took great pride in this important project to his community. During his 40 years in the industry, he valued his association with steelmakers at all levels from the mill floor to the lab and the general office and in every area of the plant where combustion was part of the process. During his years of community service, Ray sat on the board of the SPCA and the Ferrous Industry Energy Research Association (FERA). Ray was a highly recognized and published Cape Breton landscape photographer, investing over 50 years in producing scenes from all over his beloved Island. Ray hand colored his original Cape Breton Scenes (with photo oils) and produced thousands of these framed photographs, many of which still hang proudly in homes and businesses throughout Canada and, indeed, the world. Moxham’s Castle, Margaree River Forks, and Louisbourg Surf were among his most memorable scenes. Ray was happiest when discussing the many aspects of photography and imparting his own brand of wit and wisdom while teaching his students. His warm smile, and kindness was extended to everyone he met. During his last days, he made sure to remind us of the importance of enjoying each and every day, as there is always a part of that day that will remain with us through the rest of our lives.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Sydney Memorial Chapel, Welton Street from 7 - 9 p.m. with funeral service to be held at Our Lady of Fatima Church at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 7, 2016, Father Douglas Murphy officiating. A social gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will follow in the church hall. The Martheleur family requests that donations in memory of Ray be made to the An Cala Palliative Care Unit http://hospicecapebreton.org. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
