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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
NORGATE, John Raymond - died peacefully in Georgetown Hospital, on the morning of June 12, 2022, with family by his side. Ray is survived by his two daughters, Kelly (Eric) and Andrea (Peter); his grandchildren, Joey and Georgia; and his loving partner, Ann French. Ray was the older brother to Diane Peet, Allan (Teresa) and Jackie Speare (Glynn). He was predeceased by his parents, Margaret (nee Maunder Foote) and Ernest Raymond Norgate. Ray was born and raised in West Hamilton. He excelled in high school, earning him a full scholarship to Royal Military College in Kingston. During his time at RMC, Ray served on the HMCS HAIDA, where he loved to recount those adventures. Ray earned a BSc in Chemistry from McMaster University and later accepted a job at Atlas Steel in Welland, Ontario. For fun, he joined the local little theatre company where he met a make-up girl, his future wife, Betty. Being farsighted, Ray played a pirate and nearly fell off the stage because he was not allowed to wear his glasses! Ray married Betty (nee Wicks) in 1963. Ray began his career with Texaco Canada (later Imperial Oil) as a chemist in the lubrication division. At Imperial Oil, Ray travelled widely, and often to Houston, Texas. His job took him down mines, aboard oil rigs and inside the engine rooms of many steamships. Ray was received as a member of the Free Masons in 1969, a proud family tradition. In 1978, the family moved from London to Georgetown where they enjoyed long summer days by the pool and many wonderful parties and family celebrations. He was an active member of North Halton Golf and Country Club, in both Tennis and Curling. He had an enviable intellect – he was well-read, a master of crosswords, and loved classical music and a good "dad joke". He was also a consummate handyman, routinely taking on formidable home improvement projects such as the large conservatory added to his house in Georgetown. Ray retired from Imperial Oil after a long, fulfilling career where he made lifelong friends. When Betty passed away in 2002, he was devastated. His days were dark for a long time, until he met his partner, Ann. Ann and Dad enjoyed many happy years together, living well and travelling the world. He was a kind and loving partner and spouse, and an amazing Dad and Grandad who loved spending time with family. He adored us all. Always so proud and always there for us through our ups and downs. He taught us to enjoy every moment life has to offer. Ray is lovingly remembered by Ann's children, Rob (Carolyn), Andrew (Alison) and Jennifer; and grandchildren, Avery, Jackson, Reid and Miles. A Memorial Service will be held at Jones Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Road Georgetown (905-877-3631), on Sunday, June 26, 2022. There will be a visitation from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m. The Celebration of Life begins at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Family and friends are invited to attend in person or watch the service from home via a livestream. Memorial contributions to Parkinson Canada or Cancer Assistance Services of Halton Hills would be appreciated. (The Toronto Star 18 Jun 2022)
Ships served in: HMCS ROYAL ROADS - Appointed to ROYAL ROADS as a Cadet (seniority 01 Sep 1955) (Navy List Jul 1956) HMCS CATARAQUI - Appointed to CATARAQUI while attending RMC as an Ordnance Cadet (seniority 01 Sep 1955) (Navy List Jul 1957) HMCS HAIDA - Served in HAIDA while attending RMC * Honourably Released 22 May 1958 as an Ordnance Cadet (Navy List Jul 1958)
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