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RAYMOND JAMES MACDONALD
Date of Passing: Apr 14, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRAYMOND JAMES MACDONALD Ray passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 after a seven year battle with a rare cancer. Left to cherish Ray's memory are his wife June; only child and adored daughter Cathy (Grant, Ty, Turner); siblings Verna, Clarice (Cec), Muriel, Lorne (Ruth), Don (Rita), and a number of nieces and nephews. Ray started his teaching career at a young age in the Neepawa area. In 1965 he accepted a position in Nigeria with CIDA and taught at Government College Zaria. Upon his return to Canada his career took him to St. James Collegiate, John Taylor Collegiate, and the University of Winnipeg Collegiate. Later Ray substituted at St. Mary's Academy where as usual, the girls' adored him. At graduation his dance card was full; the dates of those young ladies were not so enamoured! It has been stated often that a good teacher is born to the job; this describes Ray. He truly loved and enjoyed his job. Over the years in many parts of the world former students never failed to stop and reminisce. Each year for the last 10 years in Victoria he has met a group of these old' students for a wonderful dinner and a walk down memory lane. They came from the entire Island for this evening and he loved the time he spent with former students. In compliance with Ray's wishes, no Funeral Service will be held. A private Interment will be held at a later date. We would like to thank all the wonderful people of CancerCare. We are very grateful to Dr. Paul Kerr, whose skill gave us these last seven years. The last seven weeks were made more comfortable for him by Dr. Renelle Myers. There truly is not a doctor more suited to her career. We are deeply grateful to the wonderful staff of 3E Riverview Palliative Care for their care and compassion. Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu, please raise a glass and toast a life well lived. Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Ave., 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com "Ray was a man of integrity, honesty and loyalty, who had a wicked sense of humour."
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2014
Condolences & Memories (22 entries)
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⚜️ Friends and family, Whilst our life is a new life without our loved ones, yours and my pa, affectionately called: dad, grandpa Kinslow, PawPaw, Bob, Robert – we must go on & go on we must, by God’s help&grace; the Holy Spirit’s, Jesus’ & the saints’ intercedings. Cetrainly, your loss is mine and now ‘tis a true missing, to be sure! For the Messiah gave a new commandment an yet says that we love one another as he has loved us, so the world will know that we’re his disciples. Now, the only way we can do this is to be saved an sanctified– the Bible way: be born again(spiritually) then, daily, take your cross (spiritually) go on to perfection an be sanctified: meet for the master’s use; for ’tis a suffering way Jesus trod before us to follow his steps. Humbly, i submit with love & giving of thanks to God for all, bear ye one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ; bc, i’m saved, sanctified an i’m not ashamed of the gospel of our LordJesus!he’s my elder brother an his Father is my Father ~Ginsa k P.S. He pray’d that his disciples all be one as he an his Father are one, which was fulfilled. He foretold many false Christs would arise and deceive many, which was fulfilled. Any religion started before him is too early and any started after him is too late, so; now the message is to “come out from among them and be separate,saith the Lord Almighty: touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you and ye shall be my sons and daughters and I will be your Father.” All this i’ve been given from heaven per John the Baptist! {saintJohn3.27} HALLELUJAH TO JESUS!!! Please give good God a chance to make you what you ought to be!P LEASE!Now NOT LATER!! (i one knew what that terrifying fear -that only the devil brings- Ohh!but GOD REVEALED SHINED THE LIGHT ON THE devil, the source and his spirits, who never abode in the truth; so, then, showed me The Prince of Peace and becoz i love his salvation, i “…say continually: Jehovah be magnified … let God be magnified…“ and am learning it’s power and authority, As well!! “It is written he looked for some to have pity on him, but; there was no man to comfort him.” -Lamentations 1.21 ⚜️ - Posted by: sistereginak (passerby) on: Feb 05, 2024
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I remember Mr. MacDonald as a kind and extremely capable teacher who had a thoughtful word for every student. He made a difference to me. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: April Stevens (former student (JT Class of 1979)) on: Sep 24, 2019
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I got to know Ray and his family years ago through work. What a fine human being. He and June are incredible people and it's easy to see how Cathy turned out to be a fantastic person. A truly, caring person who could talk with anyone and put a person at ease. You will be missed Ray. - Posted by: Darren Skomoroh (friend) on: Jun 13, 2014
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Mr. McDonald was my teacher at John Taylor Collegiate (Class of '82). I just recently heard of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go to his family and friend. Peace be with you - Posted by: Barbara Poujade (Nee Gloag) (Former student) on: May 20, 2014
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Ray was a great teacher and a true gentleman who was blessed with empathy as well as a terrific sense of humour. When he began subbing at St. Mary's, he endeared himself to all immediately. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have crossed paths with him. - Posted by: Deanne McDonald (Former St. Mary's Academy teacher) on: May 03, 2014
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God Bless you Ray, the world is a poorer place without you. Rest in Peace. from Marilyn Surrey, England - Posted by: Marilyn Haslum (Friend) on: May 02, 2014
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I first knew Ray when I was a small child living with my family in Nigeria. He and June kept in touch all the decades since and he was always very kind and generous to me. As others have mentioned, he had a lovely sense of humour too! Rest in Peace, Ray. Heartfelt condolences to June and Cathy. - Posted by: Clare Hodkinson (Family Friend, UK) on: May 02, 2014
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Our deepest condolences to the MacDonald family. What can we say about Mr. MacDonald that hasn't already been said. A Gentleman, an Educator and a devoted family man. Mr. MacDonald was a patron of our family's business for the past four decades, ever the most patient and pleasant man. He will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts. The Yuen Family and the rest of the Peking Staff. - Posted by: Edmond Yuen (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2014
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I'm terribly saddened by this news. My deepest sympathies go to June and Cathy. I've been honored to call Ray as my friend. His ability as a teacher, his kindness, professionalism, and sense of humour are legendary. I will miss him and cherish all the great laughs and memories. - Posted by: Randy Marchinko (Friend and fellow teacher) on: Apr 27, 2014
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Our deepest sympathies go to June and Cathy. We have been blessed to be your neighbours for the better part of the last three decades. We always enjoyed our visits and conversations with Ray in the front yard and the technical ones in the garage. He surely will be missed. - Posted by: Andre & Melody Aubin (Neighbour) on: Apr 22, 2014
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Ray was one in a million! I had the pleasure of working with him at the UW Collegiate - he was one of those teachers that students just adored. The same can be said for those of us in the office that worked with him.I remember very early on he came through the office said good morning Rachel to my sister Kathy and good morning Helga to me, Kathy turned and said "good morning Fred!" Those names stuck! Rest in Peace Fred! - Posted by: Paula Gangloff (Colleague at UW Collegiate) on: Apr 22, 2014
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When Ray married into our family with June Miller, we all loved him from the start. We looked for him at family gatherings. Always so interested in everyone, especially our young members. He was a truly gifted teacher, and was known to help a few of our children through their math studies, allowing them to get past the difficulties and move on and into their careers. Our thoughts are with June and Cathy, and Ray will be greatly missed. Bonnie and Dave - Posted by: Bonnie Lovelace and Dave Hudaon (Cousin-in-law) on: Apr 22, 2014
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What a well respected gentleman and scholar who demonstrated immense kindness. Sympathies to the family. - Posted by: Ernie Warkentin (School division math colleague) on: Apr 21, 2014
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In the late 1950's and even though he wasn't responsible to do so Ray took on the challenge of preparing 7 or 8 of us who were not going to pass the gr. 12 dept exam [no compensation] well we all did! Thanks Ray I'll never forget. - Posted by: jack whelpton (student) on: Apr 21, 2014
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In my early years of teaching I had the pleasure of teaching with Ray in the math department at JT. He was a great teacher and a good friend. Some of my fondest memories were the fabulous Christmas dinners that Ray would prepare and host for the math department. My wife Anita also taught with Ray and fondly remembers him curling while dressed in his tie. Our thoughts are with June, Cathy and her family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Brent Corrigan (Friend and colleague) on: Apr 21, 2014
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I have very fond memories of math class so many years ago at SJCI - the early seventies. Mr. Macdonald was an excellent teacher but what stands out more is my memory of what a good person he was, decent, caring, funny. I was lucky to have him as my teacher and am glad, too, I had the pleasure of working with you Cathy. - Posted by: John Allardyce (former student) on: Apr 21, 2014
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Ray taught me at JT (89-92) and is the reason I have taught math in St James for the last 18 years. I relied heavily on his notes when I first began teaching and in later years enjoyed our semi-annual math talks during exam marking. I still use some if his tricks with my students. A man with great dignity (really, an old suit for gardening??), I never once heard him yell or raise his voice. His high expectations was enough to keep us line. Ray - I'll deliver a fabulous math lesson in your honour. RIP. - Posted by: Ellen Thompson (nee Bromilow) (Student, mentee) on: Apr 19, 2014
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Dear Cathy and June, Our thoughts are with both of you, may each day fill your hearts with the many wonderful memories of Dad/Ray. Sending our love Wendy, Ken, Haylee and Conor Magura-Schendel xo - Posted by: Wendy, Ken, Haylee, Conor Magura-Schendel () on: Apr 19, 2014
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Ray was one of the kindest people I have ever known. As well he always had a smile on his face and took the time to talk to people as if he was truly happy to see them. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Carol Tomes (nee Sommerfield) (Taught with Ray at St. James Cellegiate) on: Apr 19, 2014
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Truly a great teacher ....Rest now my friend in peace... - Posted by: John Hoadley (Student JTC) on: Apr 19, 2014
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June, my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Ray. What wonderful memories you have to cherish and look back on in the difficult times ahead. Ray was an amazing man and I count myself very fortunate to have shared friendship with him. I admired him as a person, respected his excellent teaching skills, and was sometimes even envious of his curling skills! I surely will raise a glass of fine Okanagan wine in celebration of a life well lived. Lorne Lisik - Posted by: Lorne Lisik (Friend and colleague ) on: Apr 19, 2014
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A great guy and great teacher. I was fortunate to have him as a high school teacher in Neepawa,MB RIP. - Posted by: Bill Nicholson (Former student) on: Apr 19, 2014

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