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Benns, Raymond John Charles passed away suddenly at home on Thursday, March 21st at the age of 75. He was the loving husband and best friend of Margaret (nee Graham) for 52 glorious years. He will be sorely missed by his sons, Steven (Amanda) and Jeremy (Melissa), and the joy of his life, his grandchildren, Kelsey, Nicholas, Elizabeth and Reed. He will also be missed by his sisters Grace Broomfield (Bill), Bonnie Graham (Doug Kelly) and special sister-in-law Tammy Lyle. A favourite uncle to Paul, John and David Broomfield, Geoff and Erin Graham and Jacob and Allison Lyle. Ray was born in Cobourg. He attended the "one room school house, Mullholland SS11", then CDCI West and CDCI East when it first opened. After graduation he attended Waterloo University, then switched, deciding he wanted to be a farmer. Upon graduation from Kemptville College he returned to his family farm in Haldimand Township. He ran a successful farrow to finish swine operation serving on the Board of the Northumberland Pork Producers for many years before retirement. Not willing to "retire" to his rocking chair on the veranda (where he did spend a lot of time), his good friend Tony Beauchamp encouraged him to run for Council. Ray ventured into Municipal politics in 1998 as a councillor and one term as Deputy Mayor serving his community for over 20 years. Council was his forte and he was dedicated to the Township's success. He served on every Committee over the years but had a keen interest in his work with Safe Communities, the Lower Trent and Ganaraska Conservation Authority where he served as Board Chair for many years. He also loved working with wood, and created a small business, "Natural Creations" where he made a variety of bird houses in his spare time and always looked forward to participating in the Rotary yearly Waterfront Arts and Crafts Show. In his early years, he was very well known in the softball community as a pitcher with the Cobourg men's team and he pitched for Warkworth in a winning Ontario championship. After breaking his ankle he traded hats and became an umpire. He also was a wiz at badminton and played in the Cobourg league for many years. He loved the outdoors and his passion was fishing with his friends and grandkids at various locations throughout the world. His dream trip was his trip to Brazil fishing for peacock bass. Ray was known for his outgoing personality, great sense of humour and ability to make conversation with anyone. He truly was a "people person" and he will be missed. As per Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to visitation that will be held on Wednesday, March 27th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King Street East, Cobourg, Ontario. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 28th at 11 a.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel with a reception to follow at the Baltimore Recreation Centre. In memory of Ray, donations may be made to Community Care Northumberland (for Ed's House) or Diabetes Canada.
Kind thoughts for Ray and his family. The picture of Ray captures perfectly how he greeted people, with friendliness.I met Ray while we both served as members of the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Board of Directors. His dedication will be remembered, as will the homemade gifts he gave us at Christmas time. Displaying the little wood birdhouse ornaments has become a tradition.
Dear Bonnie, Barry and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear brother. Our sincere condolences go out to you and your brothers family. He accomplished a lot and gave a lot. He will certainly be missed.Sincerely, Debbie and Barry
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Ray. I wish I could have made it to the visitation or celebration of life. This email is not the way I wanted to show my condolences but thought I had to let you all know that me and my family are thinking of you all. Mike, Ingrid,Codie,Ashley
I'm so very sorry to hear this news about Ray. I first met him a few years ago as we sat together on the Cycling Master Plan for the County. He was such a kind, gracious and fun-loving soul. My deepest sympathy...CoriTourism CoordinatorNorthumberland County
HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL.HE WAS SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT TO HIS COMMUNITY AND WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. THE DALGARNO FAMILY
Marg and family. I was so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family. He was one of my favourite people to talk to. I don’t think I’d ever met a man with a more enthusiastic and upbeat personality. He was a true “gentleman”.
Sorry, we did not make the visiting.Both Inge and I have difficulty walking and standing.However, we fondly remember Ray as a great neighbor.I shared many a laugh with Ray after Council meetings and I treasure three of his birdhouses.Sadly missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Diabetes Canada
I hope knowing that others are thinking of you Marg and your family, gives you some comfort during this difficult time. I will keep all of you in my prayers.Love Linda
My sincerest sympathy to Mrs Benns and family in the loss of Ray. I remember him well from the Northumberland Pork Producers events! May you treasure and hold tight to your memories. Jayne
Marg,We are so sorry for your loss. Ray lived a full life of service to his community and leaves us all better for his contributions.Judy Herod
Tammy & Family: Words of comfort are hard to find - I just know we really care and want you to know that too. Ray was such a great guy and we will all miss him. Take care of yourselves and each other - Laugh, cry and remember all the good times that have been - Your memories of Ray will keep him near, comfort you and help ease the pain.With our deepest sympathy. Fran & Bill Aird and Family
Grace & Bill: Words of comfort are hard to find - I just know we really care and want you to know that too. Ray was such a great guy and we will all miss him. Take care of yourselves and each other - Laugh, cry and remember all the good times that have been - Your memories of Ray will keep him near, comfort you and help ease the pain.With our deepest sympathy. Fran & Bill Aird and Family
Bonnie & Doug: Words of comfort are hard to find - I just know we really care and want you to know that too. Ray was such a great guy and we will all miss him. Take care of yourselves and each other - Laugh, cry and remember all the good times that have been - Your memories of Ray will keep him near, comfort you and help ease the pain.With our deepest sympathy. Fran & Bill Aird and Family
Marg and family. Sending my condolences to you on Ray's sudden passing. I was deeply saddened to hear the news. Trusting your memories of 52 years will carry you through this difficult. Memories are a treasure. My thoughts and prayers are with you..Bev Patterson
Mrs. Benns and family,I am sorry for your loss. You probably don't know me but I had the pleasure of knowing Ray through fastball (as a pitcher great having him umpire behind the plate), community and we went on a fly in fishing trip a number of years ago to Nakina. Rays sense of humour and warm personality will be missed.Sincerely,Scott Lang
Our condolences to the family.Our thoughts are with you all.We will definitely miss him and his cheerful smile.
Since condolences from the Hodge and McAuliffe families. Ray will live on in our memories as a big spirit with a big heart. His laugh was contagious and we have many fond memories of great times at the farm, with Steve. Sending love to you all, Christine
Dear Marg, Stephen and Jeremy and family,We share with you in your sorrow and loss and rejoice with you in who Ray was to you foremost but also to friends,. We have fond memories of Ray with his sense of humour and caring for the people and community that we live in.Fondly,Alma and George Beston
Deaer Marg and family. So sorry to learn of Ray's sudden passing. Ruth is in the hospital but I will try and get to the visitation if I can arrange cover.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.Sincerely,Alex & Ruth.
'Aunt' Marg, Stephen and Jeremy,So sorry to hear the news. I will always remember 'Uncle' Ray and his big smile and jovial laugh. Monica & family
Sorry for your loss, Jeremy and family. Thinking of you at this time of sorrow. From Dan and Penny.
Marg, I was shocked to learn of Ray’s sudden death. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. May family and friends and memories comfort you in the days to come.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
Marg & Family:Very sad to hear of Rays untimely death, he was truly a great all around guy. I know that there are a lot of fish breathing much easier now.Kind regards,Betty & Roger
MargWe were shocked to see the post about Ray. Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this sad time. I know you will be surrounded by friends and family through this time.Hugs to you!Christine and Frank
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Take comfort and strength from the Lord.
We are very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Ray’s big smile and very friendly nature will always be fondly remembered. Our thoughts are with Marg & the family.
Sad to here of Rays passing. My condolences to Marg and family Dan Harwood
Marg, Stephen and Jeremy...…We are saddened to hear of the death of your husband and dad. He was such kind and wonderful man. Always there to give to his family, friends and community.Please accept this message of condolence from us since due to a commitment we are unable to change we cannot be there in person to join in saying goodbye to Ray.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
I have very fond memories of Ray and his humorous comments. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time
So sorry to read of the passing Ray. Always smiling, working for the community, you will be sorely missed Ray, an incredible loss to your family, & for us your community. Thanks You for all you have done. Pat Vic & Family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Diabetes Canada
So sorry for your loss. We are going to miss a very precious friend and neighbour.
We were deeply saddened to hear of Ray's passing. I enjoyed working with Ray for many years when I was the Road Superintendent and always enjoyed seeing his smiling face across the table.Please accept our condolences. He will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
We are thinking of you, Marg and your Family as you say "Farewell" to Ray.He lived life fully and well and you shared so many joyful memories together.You and the Family are in our Hearts and Prayers.....Sincerely, Leith and Lynn Murray
We are saddened to hear of your loss Marg. Our condolences to you and your familyWe always enjoyed our time spent with you and Ray.
Heartfelt condolences & sympathy to the family. Allan has many fond memories with Ray. ... Allan & Susan
To the Benns family,The Kemptville College Alumni extends sympathy to all the family.Raymond's classmates in his '66 Advanced Mechanics from Kemptville will also be thinking about you at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss, Steve. It sounds like you have some lovely memories to help give you comfort at such a difficult time.Take care, I'll be thinking of you.Maresa
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Diabetes Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
Marg and family,I was saddened to hear from my sister, Eleanor, about Rays's passing.I remember Ray from high school and from playing softball with him on the Baltimore team.I also remember coming to your home with Helen to buy one of Ray's bird houses.Ray had a very welcoming and outgoing personality that put everyone he met at ease.I hope that good memories from your 52 years together will be a comfort for you during this sad time.Bob N.
We are so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. We were two of his "Scenery Drive Restaurant Friends" and always enjoyed chatting with him. He was such a gentlemen but also had a great sense of humour and such a wonderful smile. We will miss him sitting at his usual table but will always remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Danny and Kathy Bazley
Dear Marg and family. We were deeply saddened to hear of Ray's death. He was a great ambassador for the farm community, his ratepayers and all he met were touched by him. We mourn his death but celebrate his memory and all he gave of himself for others. The first time I met Ray was at your farm when Wayne was picking up pigs. Ray was such a tease and had a wonderful laugh. He was someone you liked instantly. We share your sadness and hold you close in our thoughts and prayers. Warmest regards Wayne & Sandra
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
Saddened to hear about Ray's passing. Gone far too soon. I got to know Ray quite well in his first years on AH council when I was a community newspaper reporter. Ray was always informed, exceptionally accommodating and had a great sense of humour. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family.
Dear Marg and Family. Sending our condolences at this time. We were so saddened to hear of your loss of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to his community. I am personally sorry that I am not home to be with you at this time, but I will see you when I return in April. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you remember the impact Ray had on so many lives. Love Donna & Rob Lockhart
We still have two of Ray's lovely birdhouses. Every time we look at them we'll remember him. Our hearts go out to you Marg and your family.
Our thoughts are with you through this difficult time. He made our community a better place and we are all going to miss him. Rest In Peace Ray.
Pat and I were very saddened by the news.You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.God bless
You have my sorrows . I worked with the Provincial government . Ray always took a keen interest in Emergency Management in the municipality. Just another example of his love for his community.
So sorry for your loss Ray was such a nice man always had a smile on his face he will be missed by many
Marg, Steve, Jeremy....there are no words to express how sorry we are about Ray . He was a vital part of our Centreton community, a great friend and neighbour and a real “ salt of the earth “ kind of man . Always a smile on his face and twinkle in his eye, with a story to tell whenever he met you . We have all lost a part of us. Our most heartfelt sympathy to all of you . Love and prayers .
Dear Benns family, We are very sorry for your loss. A very positive man who made you feel better after chatting with him. His many, many contributions in the community speak for themselves. He has left a great legacy with his children and wonderful grandchildren. Thinking of you.Deepest condolences, Jan and Amanda Bangs
My condolences to the entire family. My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time.
MargWe are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Ron and June
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Community Care Northumberland (Ed's House)
Bonnie - sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Thinking of you and your family!
We are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a charming, enthusiastic and caring man and a joy to meet and work with. We extend our most sincere condolences to the Benns family.
Sending deepest condolences to Marg and family. He will be missed by all that knew him. Cherish your memories.