WARD, Raymond Francis
It is with profound sadness that we the family, announce the passing of Raymond Francis Ward on August 12, 2018.
Raymond was born on January 13, 1943 to Alexander Ward Sr. and Mary Margaret (Boutilier). Our Dad began his career as a Coal Miner in 1964 and climbed up through the ranks beginning as a labourer, learning all he could to ensure he understood all facets of coal mining, and finishing his career as General Manager. He worked in 1B, 26, Prince and Phalen collieries. He believed in hard work and fairness. He never expected anyone to put themselves in danger, never asking anyone to perform a task that he wouldn’t do himself. He was passionate about coal mining and loved sitting “talking pit” …
Dad loved to go hunting and fishing. He would have a deer in his sights before ever entering the woods.
He enjoyed his trips with his buddies but mostly he enjoyed taking his children, nephews and other children from the neighborhood and teaching them how to catch a fish. Iona was always a favorite place to go where he spent most of his time unsnagging everyone’s line.
There was nothing he couldn’t build nor fix. He enjoyed tinkering on cars in his garage, and always had an answer of the “best way” to do something. If he didn’t have the answer; give him a couple of hours to plan it out in his head, he’d come up with one. He loved helping anyone who was in need of an extra hand. He felt alive doing projects with his friends and family.
Family, friends and “making memories” were at the top of his agenda. He made sure to always let his family know he loved them in one way or another. Upon becoming a grandfather, he seemed to “mellow out” showing an even softer side to him. He enjoyed his grandchildren coming to the house and making banana splits with them, allowing them to re-do his hair and teaching them how to take out their teeth. He would do anything for anyone, always giving a helping hand and never speak of it. Until recently, he looked forward each day to going for coffee with his little buddy and missed going when he wasn’t able.
Left to mourn are his wife of 42 years, Laraine (MacDougall); his girls, Judy, Raylene and Gail and step-children, Mickie, Lee and Mel; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Delores McComber; sisters-in-law, Monica, Lorraine and Vonnie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved as his own.
Dad was predeceased by his mother and father; brothers, Alexander Jr., Fabian, William; sisters, Elaine and Colleen; grandson, Raymond and mother and father-in-law, Marguerite and Alex MacDougall. “Another Lamp Has Now Been
Extinguished” Family flowers only. For those who wish, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Association or the NS Lung Association.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 17, 2018 from 4-8 p.m. at T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St. Glace Bay, NS. 902-849-4199.
A Funeral Mass will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Parish, Bridgeport with Fr. Daniel Boudreau officiating. Interment in St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.