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RAY DAFOE Obituary
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Ray John Dafoe, who died peacefully at the age of 85 on May 21, 2025, at St. Joseph's Hospice, where he was lovingly cared for in his final days. He was born in Port Arthur on July 18 th, 1939, and spent majority of his life growing up in Current River, where he and his beloved wife, Shirley, raised their two children Kerri and Barry.
Through his life, Ray worked over 30 years as a laboratory technician at Provincial Papers. He walked five miles to work every day, and even after retirement, he continued his daily walks for as long as his health allowed. He was a daily golfer at Strathcona, bowled ten-pin, and was a hockey enthusiast and trainer for the Port Arthur Mars. Ray had a strong passion for the Toronto Maple Leafs, which he shared with his family. He was a faithful member for over 35 years at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church. Ray generously dedicated his time to serving his community, volunteering with the Dew Drop-In, Current River Foodbank, Christmas Cheer, Prostate Cancer Group, and was local President of the OPIEU.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Shirley, his daughter Kerri (Gord) Williamson, his son Barry, and his cherished granddaughters Kaitlyn (Evan), Ella, and Mya Williamson.
The family would like to extend a gracious thank you to Ray's family doctor, Dr. Williams, his amazing caregivers at Wesway Respite Home, his Bayshore Home Health registered nurse, Joseph, and the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at St. Joe's 4N Hospice. Your compassion and excellent care brought comfort and peace to him and the family in his final days. A special thank you to Ray's friends at the condo, who have provided friendship, support, and assistance for the past 9 years. It truly meant so much to him and our family.
At Ray's request, there will only be a private immediate family interment. In his memory, donations can be made to the Dew Drop-In or Current River Churches Food Cupboard.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue,
Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RAY DAFOE
11 Entries
Dave Compardo
June 5, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Ray was a kind soul
RIP
ray adduono
June 2, 2025
Daffy was a super trainer and great person it was my pleasure to know him GOD BLESS DAFFY
Mark Willianen
May 27, 2025
Class. RIP.
Rod Guzzi
May 27, 2025
A friend of the family, a friend of the community, a friend at work. My condolences to the Dafoe family, friends and ex co-workers. Rest in peace Daffy!
Charlene and Tony Armenti
May 25, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ray´s passing. He was a very nice man and we were happy to know him. Our deepest condolences to Barry, Shirley, Kerri and family.
Ron and Karen Zywina
May 24, 2025
Dear Shirley and family.
So sorry to hear of Ray´s passing.
Our sincere condolences.
Duff and Holly Stewart
May 24, 2025
Ray was a fantastic friend to have upon our return to TBay 10 years ago.
Helpful full, of information. Found a way to counter all life threw at him, with an upbeat attitude. We greatly miss him and hope his memory will live on.
Wayne Peters
May 24, 2025
Haven't seen Ray since the paper mill shut down, but remember him well as a great guy to be around. Super attitude and always cheerful. Also a fellow Leaf fan. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.
Allan McIver
May 24, 2025
I remember Ray from my youth growing up in Current River. The Dafoe family lived across the street from from us on Talbot and I remember him watching him when I was 4-5 years old walking to Current River school. A few years later when I was about 11 I got a phone call from Ray asking if I would like to assist him delivery The News Chronicle to the Current River community. I was happy to assist as it meant some money of my own which was scarce during those times in the 1950's, Rays route covered all of Current River from Adams street in the South to upper Hodder Avenue and Cowan Street in the North. I believe that Ray was the last carrier in our community who was responsible for the entire community as a few years later the route was split in two. My brother and I eventually handled the Black Bay area. Ray was always fair and honest with his agreements and his customers liked the fact that he was reliable and accepted responsibility for his delivery commitments. During those times he was like an older brother to me whom I know influenced me for these many years that followed. My condolences to the Dafoe family. Ray was a remembered gentleman.
Cecile Celine
May 24, 2025
My sincere condolences to my dear friend Shirley and her family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss
lei hartviksen
May 24, 2025
Ray was our trainer with the Port Arthur Marrs when i played junior for the 1967-69 seasons. Daffy was always there for us, taking care of whatever we needed. Trainers are the unsung heroes of a team and Daffy was just that. Plus he carried out all the jobs with a smile. I will always thankful for all he did for our team and for me personally. I want to pass my condolences along to your family. sincerely, Lei Hartviksen
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