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BORN
1939
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Ray GUY Obituary
At the outset of his career with the Canadian diplomatic corps, Ray met his future wife, Valerie, and they moved to Pakistan, the first of numerous international postings that included San Francisco, Budapest, Atlanta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Detroit. Ray was a distinguished member of the Foreign Service for 31 years, retiring in 1999 as a Senior Trade Commissioner. Upon retirement, he and Valerie moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario where they welcomed guests at their historic Bed and Breakfast, the Wilson-Guy House, for 15 years. Ray and Valerie were well connected to the local community in NOTL. Ray held leadership positions with the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club International, St. Andrews Society, and NOTL Lawn Bowling Club. Through his teaching appointment at Niagara College as coordinator of the International Business Management Program, Ray dedicated himself to developing the next generation of students and business leaders. Throughout his life, Ray was a voracious reader, traveler, lover of fine scotch, cigars, opera, and the English Premier League (go Hotspurs!). He also had an illustrious career as an oarsman, first organizing a high school team that won the Canadian Schoolboy Championship, being awarded the Calder-Cleland Memorial Trophy. He continued on with the Leander Boat Club, winning his first Canadian Championship and was named Oarsmen of the year (on two separate occasions). He was a member of the McMaster University Varsity Rowing Team from 1964 to 1968, serving as captain in his final three years, twice leading his team to an OQAA Championship title.
Ray demonstrated his incredible resilience after returning to anchor McMaster's lightweight team to a first-place finish after a life-threatening car accident in 1966. He also was a member of Canada's National Rowing Team from 1966 to 1967, winning a Canadian Henley Regatta. Ray's final race was in the 1967 Pan-American Games. Over his career, Ray won 11 Canadian Championships, two U.S. Championships, and was inducted into the McMaster Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.
Ray was a loving husband to Valerie, who passed in 2008, and devoted father to their four children, Belinda, Laura, Andrew, and Olivia. He was incredibly proud of his four grandchildren, Liam, Morgan, Alex, and Elyse. Ray was an inspiration to all that knew him and will be missed deeply by his family and friends. He will be remembered and celebrated for his generous nature, gregariousness, passion for life, and for always spinning a good yarn.
Per Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life has been planned for Monday, April 10 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club (2-4 p.m.). Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or Rotary Foundation international Canada. Memories, photos and condolences may be shared at www.morganfuneral.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Ray GUY
5 Entries
John D Tennant
April 7, 2023
Barbara and I were very saddened to learn of Ray's passing which represents first and foremost the loss of a vigorous and committed fellow Canadian Trade Commissioner with whom we had the fun and satisfaction of working in Detroit as he and Valerie made a mark representing Canada and furthering Canadian business interests before they sought their subsequent entrepreneurial future in Niagara-on-the-Lake, along with Ray's continued commitment to spreading the international trade gospel through his Niagara College role. Ray was a dedicated disciple for international trade -- one of kind, long-to-be-remembered, spirited, never hesitant to step forward, quick to lend a hand, ready to enjoy life and new challenges, and always ready to help others. Many Canadian firms benefited from his support and creative promotional initiatives. Ray's memory will live on with many whom he knew and helped -- a beacon in Canadian international trade whose memory will shine on.
Our special condolences and regrets that we cannot attend the service, much as we would have wanted to.
Barbara Campbell and John Tennant
Margaret Huber
March 30, 2023
Ray and I both served many years in Canada´s foreign service (although in different countries at different times). A highly respected colleague well known for his good humour and wit. May the hearts of his beloved family be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together around the world, as you remember a life well lived, for family, community and friends.
Alan Cranfield
March 24, 2023
My good friend for 60 years. My captain on the OQAA Champion rowing team. My friend at school and all through the years. My condolences to his daughters, his son and his Grandchildren.
Tara
March 23, 2023
Sending heartfelt condolences to Belinda, Laura, Andrew, Olivia and Family.
One of my fondest memories of Uncle Ray was as a little girl sitting in Grandma's kitchen while he made pancakes. They were the best pancakes ever! I'm sure he was surprised when I was on my sixth one and ready for more but he just kept making them for me.
Love from, Tara, Jonathan and Nicholas xox
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