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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GIBSON, Raymond Karl - passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Hogarth Riverview Manor in his 84th year. Ray was born in Port Arthur September 10, 1937, moved to Westfort at 5, and attended Heath Park School, then graduated from FWCI and graduated grade 13 at Selkirk. He worked one summer as a C.P.R. 'Westfort' switchman with Andy McLean (mom's dad), later as a cook for the Navy, then at the Westfort Grain Elevator. He met the love of his life Isabelle McLean (1964) and married April 3, 1965. They just celebrated their 57th anniversary. They raised 2 sons, Andrew and Dan, who he was very proud of. Ray was an avid reader and enjoyed fishing, hunting, coaching Elks Peewee hockey for many years, and camping with his family at Loon Lake and Arrow Lake. Ray started working at MTO in 1965 for 32 years. He often joked that we he never got his driver's license and worked there. He enjoyed walking everywhere, whether to work or through Westfort (lucky mom still drives). As his health declined, he couldn't stroll through Westfort. Ray is lovingly remembered by his first love Isabelle, sons Andrew and Daniel (Shelley O'Neill) and his grandsons Liam and Ciaran, his special brother-in-law Bruce (Eleanor) McLean, sister Evelyn (Peter) Donovan, his nieces Loralie (mark) Balec, their children Sara (Kyle) Janson, Brooklyn Balec (Ryan), Kerri McLean, Jamie Landry, their children Christian and Amelia Landry. Also Ray's favourite, aunty Aggie "Maude" Junnila and many cousins. Last, Ray's precious cat Quinn (who visited him). Ray was predeceased by his parents Sara (Siiri Junnila) Gibson and Ralph Gibson. Brother Bill Gibson. His mother-in-law Martha (Mattie) McLean, father-in-law Andy McLean and his grandniece baby Mattie McLean-Landry. Ray's cousin (like his brother) Allan Salminen. We would like to thank the whole staff of Hogarth Birch Wing for the exceptional care they gave dad the past two years. A private interment will be held on Monday, May 30th, then a celebration of life will be held at the Knights of Columbus Centre, 301 S. May St. where family, friends and neighbors can gather from 2 to 4 on Monday, May 30th. “Rest easy Dad.” (The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal 26 May 2022)
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