McGRAW, RAYMOND - 1947 - 2014 - Pastor Raymond McGraw - Words will never express the pain and vacancy in the hearts of Ray's loved ones. He is the son of Wilfred and the late Loretta McGraw of Miramichi. Ray has two brothers, Emery (and Pat) of Saint John and Earnest (and Anne) of Miramichi. Ray was born in Moncton, NB on November 4th, 1947 and graduated from Simonds High in Saint John, NB. He is married to Rev. Darleen Cosman-McGraw and leaves behind their two children, Timothy McGraw of Bathurst and Dr. Tiffany McGraw-Legere (Th.D) (Donny) of Moncton, as well as his beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Madison, Hope, and Noah. He had a special bond with them as their Papa. Over the years Ray has had a colourful and exciting life. In his career days, he was at the Bank of Nova Scotia, Prudential Insurance, and 30 years in ordained ministry. He has travelled extensively to many nations, such as India, Holland, Africa, Brazil, Honduras and all of Canada as a Preacher, Teacher, and Evangelist, blessing and changing the lives of thousands. God had placed a huge anointing on him and as a result he founded Ray of Hope Ministries, which today is worldwide, a ministry which works with the hurting, the addicts, and those without hope. There is a theme song for Ray of Hope Ministries written by Ray. The words are, "I'm free to be a servant of the Lord. He taught me how to heal them. He taught me how to cast out devils. He taught me how to save them. I'm free to be a servant of the Lord". Mark 16:17-18. In the last six years Ray has been through a lot physically but has been healed countless times. This time his race has been run, his course is finished, and he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant". Enormous thanks to Chantal Poitras, who was a huge help as a care giver over the last while of his sickness, as well as Dr. Dastou, Edith Cote-Leger, Dr. A Fakhar, and to all at the Dumont who gave amazing care and comfort.
A celebration of his life will take place at City Impact Church, 230 Gorge Rd in Moncton on Saturday, December 13th 2014 at 2:00pm with a reception to follow. Rev. Danny Compton and Pastor Laurel Buckingham will be conducting the service. Donations can be made to Ray of Hope Ministries, 25 Seventh Street, Moncton, NB E1E 3G2. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857-9544 Online condolences can be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca