Ray (Raymond) David Ramage, 86

After a short illness, on December 26, 2008, Ray (Raymond) David Ramage, formerly of Rainy River, passed away peacefully with family at his side. He was born August 26, 1922 and was educated in Portage la Prairie, MB and served in WWII as a radio/telegraph operator while flying coastal patrols in Catalina PBY’s. After the war, he apprenticed as a watchmaker/jeweller and took his first position with Dave Brockie in Fort Frances and later opened his own store in Rainy River until 1960. While in Rainy River, Ray served on the Recreation Board for many years and was very proud of his involvement in the community and the development of the Recreation Centre and the covered Arena. He always said Rainy River was a great place to raise a family. He joined the Town of Rainy River in the position of Administration/Clerk Treasurer until 1969 and then joined the Province of Ontario as a Municipal Advisor until his retirement in 1985.
Ray was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Claire Turner, in 1979 and by his close friend, Stephanie Cumbers in 1993. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Jo-Anne Berard (Richard); his son John David Ramage (Dinah); grandchildren Brian Berard (Kelly), Delanna Busch (Kelly), Jason Ramage (Melissa), Jackie Ramage; and great grandchildren Tanelle, Taylan, Tianna (Berard); Cassandra Kurtis (Busch).
Ray enjoyed a full life and his comment to his family many times was, “Don’t drop a tear when I go”. Ray has requested no service and interment of his ashes will be at a later time.
Online condolences may be made throughwww.nwfainc.com