Remembering Raymond Robitaille 'Rags'

ROBITAILLE, RAYMOND JOSEPH (“Rags”)

July 27, 1931 – March 25, 2017

Ray passed away, with family at his side, at the Villa Care Centre, Midland.

Beloved husband of Norah (Murray) for 61 years. Ray and Norah raised three daughters, Ann (David Brohman, d. 2010), Christine (Alan Baigent), and Catherine (Corwyn Ophelders). Grandpa Ray to Alison Brohman, William Baigent, Amy Brohman, Vanessa Ophelders, Hannah Baigent, and Jonathan Ophelders. Great Grandpa to Sylas Duffield and Lucien Baigent.

Ray was the second youngest child of Leone (Laurin) and Arthur Robitaille. He was predeceased by his nine siblings: Theresa Rodway, Eva Abbott, Lucy Moreau, Margaret McNamara, Leonard, Edward, Louis, Andrew and Arthur. Ray is survived by his sister-in-law Earlene; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Lorna Murray; brother-in-law Brian McNamara; as well as, many nephews and nieces.

Ray was born in Midland but left at a young age to play Junior B hockey in Welland. He went on to play Junior A hockey at St. Michael’s with Tim Horton as one of his teammates. His working career was spent in sales. With Norah by his side, he owned and operated Robbie Textiles in Toronto from 1976 until 1989. Because of the textile business Ray and Norah’s travels took them to Barbados, England, Germany, Holland, Scotland, Wales and Sweden. Ray used knowledge acquired at R.E. Jackson Co. to play fishing guide at Island 163, “Murrobi Hill”. For many years, winters were spent at their condo in Madiera Beach, Florida where Ray volunteered to assist special needs students with woodworking, a hobby he enjoyed. He also volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. While in Toronto he coached a hockey team at Blessed Sacrament Church. They were defeated in the finals by a team from Midland coached by a young female, Andrea Deschamps.

Visitation will be on Wednesday March 29^th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Carson Funeral Home, 290 First Street, Midland ON (phone 705-526-6551). Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday March 30^th, 1:30 pm at St. Margaret’s Church, 589 Hugel Avenue, Midland ON (705-526-6313).  In lieu of flowers please make donation to the charity of your choice.