This week we lost a good friend and valuable member of our peer support society. Ray Provencher would spend time with us as often as he could despite his illness. He was a generous man, inspiring all of us with his tenacity, kindness, courage and determination. It was a blessing to have him with us. We extend our condolences to Ray’s family for their loss. Below is the obituary from Ray’s family:
In loving memory of Ray who passed away July 3, 2025
Ray had a way of turning moments into memories. Whether it was his laugh echoing through a movie theatre, his unmistakable sneezes, his knack for blurting out something awkward at the perfectly inopportune moment (which he would later recount in vivid detail to his family), or his unwavering commitment to being the last one clapping, he reminded us, again and again, that joy lives in the little things, especially when shared with those we love.
Ray was such a kind and loving soul: a caring dad, husband, son, brother and uncle. He poured his heart into his family, going head-to-head in Wordle with his daughter Ayla, building Lego creations with his son Sam, and taking long walks through Millcreek Ravine with the family’s dogs Poppy and Matilda. He and his wife, Carrie, shared a love and home full of laughter, warmth, and joy. As a vegetarian for nearly 30 years, Ray turned mealtimes into memorable family moments—often centered around a new lentil-based experiment that Carrie concocted. Whether the recipe was a hit or a hilarious miss, the dinner table was always a place of connection, laughter, and playful games shared with those Ray loved most.
Ray had a deep passion for cycling and held a lifelong love for kung fu movies, often quoting his favourite lines. He loved puzzles, from Suduko to fitting too much luggage into the trunk of the car to interpreting IKEA furniture instructions. And most of all, Ray loved helping people. He considered it a true honour to play a role in improving the lives of others through care, precision, and compassion in his role as a seating specialist.
Ray’s passing leaves a space that will never be filled, but his joy, kindness, and unforgettable laugh will continue to echo in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Carrie, his children, Ayla and Sam, his parents, Ray and Murielle, and his sister, Michelle, along with her family, Travis, Lauren, and Emily, as well as countless extended family and friends.
The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the incredible staff at Unit 43 of the Grey Nuns Hospital and at the Cross Cancer Institute for their exceptional care and kindness, as well as to his colleagues who went above and beyond to support Ray’s journey.
Ray had a way of making life brighter, funnier, and more meaningful just by being in it. We are so grateful he was.
To share a memory or story about Ray, please visit: bit.ly/MemoryForRay.
