Passed away peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on Saturday December 14, 2024.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Mary Frances (nee Sherratt) and his children Suzanne (Rob) Renon of Goderich and Daco (Jennifer) Zoethout of Guelph and his grandchildren Jacob Renon, Nick Renon, Greta Zoethout and Jack Zoethout. Ray is also survived by his brother Tjeerd “Terry” and his wife Shirley and sister-in-law Beverly Zoethout (wife of his brother Douwe “Doug” Zoethout). Ray is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law on the Sherratt side and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
Ray was predeceased by his parents Sjoerd and Grietje Zoethout (nee Loonstra), brothers Date “Doc” and Douwe “Doug” and nephew Wayne James.
Ray was born June 12, 1947, in Leeuwarden the Netherlands and came to Canada with his family when he was 7 years old. The family moved around quite a bit at first and over the years he lived in Goderich, Fergus and Elora but he and Mary settled in Guelph in 1974, and he said he never wanted to move again so they didn’t and still reside in the same house.
Ray served in the Royal Canadian Navy in the late 1960’s and was a member of the HMCS Bonaventure. When the Canadian government decided to decommission the Bonnie, Ray decided to leave the Navy. He carried his love of the water with him. Spending time along the shores of Lake Huron and watching the lake boats were a favourite pastime of Ray and Mary’s.
After the Navy he moved back to Ontario and worked at Rockwell in Guelph and then moved to Noranda in Fergus which later became Wolverine.
Along the way Ray made many friends. Wherever he went he could talk to someone and find a common interest. These connections with people meant the world to him.
Ray was an avid golfer and collector of coins and stamps. He was most happy when he discovered a good find at a thrift store.
Ray did not want a funeral; he wanted a celebration of life. His family invites you to join us on Thursday December 19, 2024, at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel. A gathering of friends and family will happen from 11:00 to 12:30, a short celebration of life ceremony will take place at 12:30 and a light lunch to follow. Funeral attire is not wanted, wear your colourful everyday clothes. Bring your stories, laughter and smiles.
Interment of Ray’s ashes will happen at a future date, to be determined.
In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation the Royal Canadian Legion.