Somerville, James Raymond (Ray) – Passed without pain peacefully in his 78th year, under the care of the Trauma Neuro ICU team at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto after a difficult battle with bone and bladder cancer.
Loving spouse of Sandra (Fuller) for 56 years. Devoted father to Ryan (Julie) and Owen (Angie), and grandfather extraordinaire to Noah, Jordan, Winston, and Blake. Ray leaves behind siblings Lorne (Sharon) and Tracey Fuller (George), and is predeceased by his siblings William (Christine), Linda Hulse (Harold), and John (Ann).
The craftsmanship of numerous homes and buildings Ray constructed through his lifetime as a general contractor will be on display throughout King Township, Simcoe County and beyond for decades to come. Ray was devoted to his craft, and was only forced to hang up his hammer once fighting his cancer diagnosis required all of his strength and dedication.
Ray is tremendously thankful to the guiding hands of the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre team, along with specialists at Royal Victoria Hospital and Stevenson Memorial Hospital, and the team at St. Michael’s Hospital who ensured that his final days were spent pain free.
Cremation to take place, and a memorial service will be held at The Club at Bond Head, 4805 7th Line, Beeton, ON on Friday, October 14th, 2022 beginning at 3:00 pm. A celebration of life will follow the service from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm followed by a private family gathering. Food and refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family requests donations to be made in his memory to the Immune Therapy Program Fund at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, supportthepmcf.ca.
Service
Memorial Service
The Club at Bond Head
4805 7th Line, Beeton, ON
Friday October 14, 2022
3:00PM - 4:00pm
Celebration of Life
The Club at Bond Head
4805 7th Line, Beeton, ON
Friday October 14, 20224:00PM - 7:00PM
Elaine Maynard-Lloyd says
Dear Sandra and Family,
I just learned about Ray’s passing and I am deeply saddened to learn of his health challenges and battle. Our Deepest Sympathy and Condolences, I will remember Ray with great fondness.
Elaine Maynard-Lloyd & Clark Lloyd
Lee says
Sandra and family
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Ray
I Rember him coming to the cottage in the 70’s with you and Bill, June and little Tracy.
I would also like to thank you Ray and Ryan for helping out with the Adair B S and assisting Jeremy
once again, I am so sorry to hear of his passing
Sandra Somerville says
Lee, what a nice message. Can you give a little hint , because I cannot place you. Sorry to have to say this.
Susan Rainey says
Dear Sandra and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I wish you all healing and peace.
Russell Lipsett says
I had the pleasure of working for Ray most summers during highschool. Although I spent such a short period of time with Ray, I didn’t realize what an impact he would leave on me. Ray never showed up to a job site late, and if you did you certainly heard about it. I remember sleeping through my alarm back to back days and arriving to a site a few minutes late. When I explained to Ray on the second day how it had happened once again. Ray replied, “You can’t use the same excuse again, come up with something better.”
Ray was a very smart man and strong too. There was always a boost of confidence in the air with Ray on the job site. Wether it was making a jig to do an impossible cut or coming up with a way to move something too heavy, If we had Ray around we couldn’t lose. I remember whenever we couldn’t physically budge or plum a wall he would always say, “Boys it’s fulcrum time, do ya know him?” Ray would then grab a couple 2x4s, begin to pry and almost effortlessly have us on track again.
Not only was Ray both smart and strong but he was also incredibly tough. I remember I was only my second day working for Ray and I would have been about 16 and fairly green. We were building a deck and I was pretty shaky with the impact gun. I recall trying to put a screw into a deck board when I slipped off the screw head and managed to take Rays fingernail off. There was blood coming from his digit and I thought to myself, I’ve really done it now I think this might be my last day. I’ll never forget the look Ray gave me as he calmly but firmly responded, “Ouch.”
Ray ran a tight ship at work but he was never too busy to have a quick “union 15” coffee break at 9:30 each day. We would all take turns buying. I’ll never forget my first day Ray was taking our order. Him and Danny were both coffee drinkers and I wasn’t quite at that level yet. When I told Ray, I’ll have a chocolate milk. He replied, “You want me to get them to nuke it and put a nipple on the bottle too?” The next day at the same time Ray took our orders and to my surprise Danny said, “Better make that 2 chocolate milks Ray.” Ray gave us both an odd look and on he went to grab the order. But the next day to my surprise it was my turn to buy and when I asked Ray what he would like with a big grin on his face he said, “Make that 3 chocolate milks today young fella!”
Not a day goes by at work these days where I don’t think of Ray. Whether it’s sharing an old story with my colleagues, passing down one of his classic daily jokes or telling them when it’s fulcrum time! I’ll never forget riding around town listening to old blue grass songs with him. Which sadly Danny and I know a few of them by heart. These are only a few of the many short stories of Ray that I’ll carry with me and share the rest of my life. I hope you guys may find comfort in them. I know Ray will be watching over us now and so many others. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t upset myself writing this today. I guess it just shows how big an impact you had on me. Goodbye for now my old friend, until we meet again. Cheers Ray, Love your friend Russ.
Sandra says
Thank you for all your stories, Russell. I learned a few things myself. It was a month ago today and I still can’t believe it. I too onset myself reading these so you are not alone. Take care, Russell.
Bill & Judy Barron says
Dear Sandra and family
We are so sorry to hear about Ray. He will be greatly missed. He sure helped a lot if young guys get started in the business. From our Dan to my brother Dan many years ago when he worked with Wilf. They all tell great stories, and sounds like they all had a lot of fun on the job. Rest In Peace
Sandra says
Bill and Judy, thank you so much. Yes he did didn’t he ?
A month ago today and I still can’t believe it.
Ailene Mabee says
So very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Cherish all the good times. Ailene Mabee and family
Harry & Ginny Van Hemert says
Sandra, Ryan & Owen and family. Our deepest
condolences to you on Rays passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Lorelei Jackson says
Sandra and family
We are saddened to hear of Ray’s passing.
Our condolences to you and your family.
Sandra Jackson (Adair) and family.
Garnet and Carol Penn says
Sandy and family, our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Garnet and Carol Penngcpen says
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Heather and Brian Delahunt says
Sandra, Ryan, Owen and families, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you. Losing a loved one is so very difficult for anyone to endure. Hope you are able to find some comfort in knowing that Ray is at peace now and in the arms of angels.
Heather and Brian
Robert (Bob) and Linda Boak says
Robert and Linda Boak
Sorry to hear about Ray. Our condolence go out to all the family
Harry & Ginny Van Hemert says
Sandra, Ryan & Owen. Our deepest condolences to you on Rays passing. We have great memories of when we were neighbors . You are in our thoughts & prayers.
Kevin D’Anna and family says
Sandra and family, so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Was always a pleasure working for and alongside Ray, he had such a wealth of knowledge he was always willing to share and always had great story’s to tell at break time. He’ll surely be missed, our condolences.
Dan Barron says
Raymond, I was one of the last people to pass through your school . Thank you so much for sticking with me and shaping me into the man I am today ! ( I m sure you lost a bit of hair over it ) You were such a good teacher . You always took time to explain new things and never a day went by that I didn’t learn something from you right up until the end . You always had a good joke or brain teaser you kept us on our toes . We always loved when you would stop in for a coffee and would check out the latest tools we had on hand (Even though your stuff was better)
The crew and I will really miss you !
Cheers Ray,
Fred and Heather Norman says
Sandra
We are so sorry for your loss.
Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sandra & Dennis O'Hara says
Sandra & Family
Sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. We have lots of fond memories when Ray helped us build our home and anytime he helped us with farm projects. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dennis & Sandy O’Hara & Family
Beth & Larry Creighton says
Sandra, Ryan & Owen & all Families
Our sincere condolence to all members of your families on the passing of your loved one. Cherish his memories as a comfort to all.
Sincerely,
Beth & Larry Creighton
& Family
Valerie McLean says
Ryan and family,
I want to offer my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. I’m am sorry to hear of your loss. May the memories you have of him help you in the days ahead.
Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Val McLean (past BTN employee)
Mary Dove says
Sandra and family , our deepest condolences on the passing of Ray , you are in our thoughts and prayers
Mary Dove and Family
Dave and Kymm Leslie says
Sandra and family our deepest condolence on the passing of Ray , Ray was the greatest
guy to work with he will deeply be missed.
Mary Lynn Nosad says
Dear, Sandra and Family, my deepest condolences to You, on Ray’s passing.
Gary and Renée Poole says
Dear Summerville family,
How do we express our sadness felt from Ray’s passing, I don’t know. We were shocked and so saddened to hear this news about our friend Ray. He was a great big giant of a man with a heart of gold. We will forever remember all he has done for us over the years, starting with building our first house in Schomberg and even helping us fixing up our new house when we moved to Stoney Creek. We will always remember you friend.
Todd Marchant says
To Sandra, Ryan, Owen and all of your families,
Our most sincere condolences go out to you all.
Todd, Marilou and Don Marchant
Nancy Moffatt and family says
Our family would like to offer our sincere condolences to Sandra and family. We hope you will find some comfort surrounded by family and friends and the happy memories you have of your time with Ray!
Vivenne Blaj and Toni MacPherson says
To Sandra and family,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband Ray.
Caring thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow. May the happiness you shared be warmly remembered and may those memories help to ease the pain of your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary Snoddon says
Sandra, Ryan, Owen and family
Our sincere condolences after hearing of Ray’s passing.
A truly dedicated and hard working man with attention to detail.
His time as coach with the Tottenham baseball team will never be forgotten. He was truly dedicated to the sport and the entire team.
Our thoughts are with you all.
Pat and Gary Snoddon
Kevin Holmes says
Dear Sandra, Ryan, Owen, and Family: We were saddened to hear of Rays passing and recent health struggles. We are one of the fortunate ones to live in a house that Ray built. Our thoughts are with you all at this time. Kevin Holmes and Family.
Lorna Simpson says
Sandra & Family my sincere condolences hearing Ray had lost his battle and is now resting in peace . He will always be remembered in your memories.
Jim & Sharon Rainey says
Sandra and family we our sorry to hear of Ray’s passing and send you our condolences.
al johnson says
I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Rays family–I have had the great pleasure of dealing with Ray many times over the years-He is one of the best-always dedicating himself to ensure customers had the best value-very creative thinker-always curious about new products & techniques-He will be missed by many !!!!
Steve and Maria Bradley says
Words just don’t do justice to how we feel about the passing of Ray.
What a wonderful person and a first class craftsman. Time spent with him was always a pleasure.
We’ll miss you Ray, but never forget you.
Heidi smith says
Sandra and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ray was the GC that hired my Dad, Don the plumber, for many many projects. Ray was a big part of my apprenticeship and shaping my idea of what it was like to be in the trades. Ray was an excellent builder and made the job site an enjoyable place with comradery among the trades, often through strictly booked coffee and lunch breaks. Now as I run my own business out here on the west coast I will often think of, and refer to, Ray’s job sites when I teach my apprentices the way of the trade and chat with other trades to ensure the project runs smoothly.
I would have liked to have have one last Tim Hortons cup of tea with you Ray, before you hung up your ‘apron.’ Rest well after so many jobs well done.
Heidi the Plumber
Cathy & Dave Turner says
With great sorrow we learn of Ray’s passing. Thanks to him and his crew we were able to enjoy life in our King Township homes over a span of more than 30 years. Our heartfelt condolences are shared with Sandra and the family.
Max and Diane Epp and family says
Our Sincere condolences to the Somerville family. We had so much respect for Ray. A hard worker and always such pride in his projects. He did a lot for us in the years we have known him. Always there when a renovation project was planned. Not a room in our home hasn’t been touched by his skilled hands. It was such a pleasure having him in our home and in our lives. It was a honour to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Jim and Veronica Greco says
Sandra, Ryan and Owen our deepest sympathies on the passing of Ray.
Ray was a very talented man who was extremely honest and a wonderful person. I will miss our coffee and muffin and conversation with him.
I was very proud to call him my friend
Dorine Dubreuil says
Sandra and family;
My sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. May the cherished family memories help you through this difficult time.
Wayne and Betty Sutherland says
Our sincere condolences to Sandra and family on the passing of Ray. He was a fine gentleman and will be missed by so many. We have always considered ourselves to be fortunate to live in a home built by Ray and his crew.
Wayne and Betty Sutherland
Herb and Lynn Fuller says
Sandra, Ryan and Owen, so sorry for the loss of your dear husband and father. Herb and I would like to extend our condolences.
Lorraine Gingerich says
Sandy and Family, Ray was a very talented man. He did a lot of work for us. He was a great and honest man and loved his family. He will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy. Lorraine Gingerich and family
Joe/Mary Ellen Keenan says
Dear Sandra, Ryan and Owen, we are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a marvelous individual, so talented, humorous and kind. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandra and your family
May God bless and protect. Joe/Mary Ellen Keenan
Linda Baker says
My condolences, Sandra, to you & family. Ray will be remembered as a
devoted family man & highly respected in his accomplishments. In sympathy, thru’ this difficult journey.
Sam and Sharen Keenan says
Sandra and family
Sam and I are sorry to hear of Rays passing he was a talented and kind man always had time to say hello, our prayers are with you.
Sharen and Sam
Mary and George Milner says
Sandra and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing; please accept our sincere condolences.
Marc and Crystal Bonnici says
Ryan, we are so sorry for your loss. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Barry and Linda Matson says
Sandra and family,
Ray was a great human and a devoted family man. So very sorry he had a this terrible journey at the last. Our sympathy to all
Norm & Mary Lipsett says
So sorry for your loss Sandra and sending our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Diane Bridges says
Our deepest sympathies to all his dear family and friends. We hope that you can find comfort in the warm memories throughout the days ahead. Much love from Diane (Olsen), Roddy, Andrea and Nathan Bridges
Donna Wilson says
Ray and his crew built three houses for my late husband Wayne Wilson and myself His workmanship was the best!
He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to Sandra and family.
Donna Wilson
Bonnie O'Hara says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sandra & your family on the passing of Ray.
John H. Archibald says
Sandra and family: Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ray. Our hearts go out to all of you. Ray had a long and courageous battle with his cancer. Treasure your memories.
John & Anne Archibald
Cheryl Collings says
I’m so sorry for your lose. My condolences to you Sandy and your family.
Cheryl Collings
Jesse Barraza says
Ryan and family thinking about you at these moments. Our condolences.
Krista Lloyd says
Sandra, Ryan, Owen and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. It was a pleasure always to see Ray at the Fuller family reunion or Fuller functions. A kind soul that will be missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time
Krista Lloyd xo
Howard and Sharon Venning says
Sandra and family
So very sorry for your loss. Ray was a very gentle man. Always with a smile. He was supportive to all and will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time. RIP Ray
Joanne & Pete Duggan and family says
We are so sorry in hearing of Ray’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.