Obituary of Tom Raymond 'Ray' Martin

Martin: Tom Raymond 'Ray' - A resident of Chatham, Ray Martin passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Chatham Campus with his family at his side on Sunday, January 18, 2015 at the age of 85. Born in Brantford, Ray was the son of the late Thomas and Alice (Stephenson) Martin. Beloved husband of 48 years to Madeleine (nee Couture). Loving father of Louise Martin (Don Branson) of London, Suzanne Marchand of Chatham, Michelle Ryder (Hugh) of Burlington, Tom Martin of London, Paul Martin (Rose) of Calgary and Matthew Martin (Allison) of Edmonton. Dear friend of Rita Clayton. Also survived by his daughter-in-law Amy Katz of Hamilton. Proud grandfather of Jeremy; Renée (Joel), Céline; Kenzie, Megan, Geoffrey; Bess, Max, Jake, Molly; Cole; Achilles. Great-grandfather of Cate. Dear brother to Edie Hamilton (late Bill) of Brantford, Marg McGregor (Bob) of Brantford, Dorothy Bailey (Bill) of Calgary, Marie Dziadura (late Gene) of Chatham and Diane Mann (Mac) of Brantford. Also missed by many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. Ray was a teacher in Casselman, Ontario, before moving to CCI from 1956 - 1959. He then moved to London Central from 1959 - 1960, returning to CCI as the Department Head of English. He worked as the Vice Principal, and later as the Principal. He then moved to the former Chatham-Kent Board of Education in 1970 where he held the role of Superintendent of Program and Personnel. He retired as an Associate Director in August of 1987. He then attended the University of Windsor, where he received his M.A. in English. Ray was a longtime member at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. He was the Chairman of Fundraising for the Diocese from 1990 - 1991 for the renovation of the church. He was the President of Goodfellows from 1983 - 1985, Mr. Goodfellow in 1985 and director for many years and continued to be active in the organization until the fall of 2014. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Thursday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Vigil Prayers will be held on Friday at 3:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, 180 Wellington Street West, Chatham at 11am on Saturday, January 24, 2015 with Fr. Matt Kucharski celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. Donations made in memory of Ray to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham 519-351-2040