Gary "Gawa" Ray

Mr. Gary "Gawa" William Ray, 55 years, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, formerly of Nipigon, Ontario passed away suddenly on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at the Nipigon District Memorial Hospital. Gawa grew up in the outdoors and he spent as much time at camp as he could enjoying life. He loved to entertain and was never without a set of spoons around the campfire or any function he attended. All that knew him have a "Gawa Story" to share. His passion in life was his family and friends. He made a big impact on all our lives and he will be sorely missed but not forgotten. Predeceased by his step-parents - Frank Hardy Sr. and Frances Ray; he is survived by his parents - Rose Ray and Sylvester Ray both of Nipigon, by his children - Tara Ray and Dylan Ray both of Surrey, British Columbia, by one granddaughter Trezah, by his spouse Kelly Kuzma and her daughters - Tanya and Tara of Thunder Bay, by five siblings - Diane (& Reg) Height of Dorion, Ontario, Murray "Chum" Ray of Red Rock, Ontario, Terry "Bino" (& Cathy) Ray, Leonard "Smiley" (& Kim) Ray and Penny Ann (& Kevin) Robinson all of Nipigon, by eight nieces and nephews - Christopher Height, Scotty Height and Kimberly (& David) Landry, Ryan (& Stephanie) Ray, Randi Ray, Carly Ray, Billy Ray and Tawnya Robinson, and two great nieces - Allison and Avery Landry, by step-sisters - Susie (& Claude) Baril (& children - Cagney (& Brad) Penner, Kristan Blanchette and Darrell) of Nipigon, Connie (& Shannon) Tinsley (& children - Tim and Lawrence) of Thunder Bay, by step-brothers - Mike Ray (& children -Brock and Eden) of Nipigon and Frank Jr. (& Peggy Lynch) Hardy (& their son Jason} of Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek, by brothers and sisters-in-law - Scott (& Tracey) Tocker (& children - Randi and Scotty), Lesley (& Jack) Kuzma, Dawn (& Chip) Gallow (& children - Ryan and Bradley), Tracy (& Roy) Puurula (& daughter - Nicky Puurula{& Jay}) all of Thunder Bay and Gordon Tocker of Surrey, British Columbia. Numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives also survive. According to Gawa's wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M. at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Nipigon. Friends so wishing may make donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Arrangements are in the care of Elliott Funeral Home Ltd., Nipigon. "