(William) Ray Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Collingwood on Dec. 31, 2024, at the age of 94. The sun was beaming, the bay was filled with swans, and Ray took his leave in time for a New Year’s Dance with his recently deceased love and partner of 73 years, Wyn.
Ray was a force of nature. He was a “doer” who spoke his mind, filters be damned! But beneath the bluster he was most importantly a kind and generous soul who cared deeply about family and the needs of others. Ray was a role model for making a difference in his community: Collingwood Non-Profit Housing, The Collingwood Youth Centre, Barbara Weider House and Campbell House Hospice were just a few of his passion projects. Ray’s drive for positive change never wavered. Even in his last few weeks, he was looking for land to build a homeless shelter.
Much loved and admired, Ray will be missed by his son George (Nancy) and daughter Heather (Ian). Predeceased by sons Van (Leslie) and Thom (Barbara). Unbelievably proud grandpa to Natalie (Jeff), Ashley (Shaun), Matthew (Susan), Jennifer (Chris), Roger (Inhye), Tristan (Michelle), Cameron (Kya), Amelia (Scott), Stuart (Celia) and Jillian (Angus) and great-grandpa to a remarkable 15 more!
Ray was born in Windsor, Ontario to Thomas Ritchie Smith and Reta Van Allen. Ray along with his older sister Pat moved to Oakville when he was in Grade 5, just in time to meet Wyn, the love of his life and his favourite passion project. Wyn supported Ray wholeheartedly in every endeavor from building boats to roads to factories to houses. After raising their family, they moved to Collingwood in 1981 and “semi-retirement” where Ray founded Applevale Properties and continued to work full-time right up to his last few months. He claimed he was working towards ‘Freedom 95’!
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the wonderfully dedicated and compassionate health care team: Suni, Dee, Manju, Bryan, Nilla, Lorie, Jen, Ellen, nurse Alisa and of course, Dr. Ashley Coulter. Thanks also to the amazing neighbours and all of Ray’s visitors who kept the house alive after Wyn passed.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Collingwood Youth Centre or Elephant Thoughts in Ray’s memory.
Condolences and Tributes www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com.