Obituary of Ray Kavanaugh, New Waterford

Raymond "Ray" Michael Kavanaugh passed away peacefully on August 28th, 2020 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital at the age of 70. Apart from one initial year teaching in Dartmouth, Ray spent his teaching career at Breton Education Centre in New Waterford, where he also served as the Head of the Social Studies Department. He thoroughly loved being a teacher and it was common to hear his former students say “Ray K. was the best teacher I ever had.” Ray’s love for teaching was very evident because he often said, “I never worked a day in my life.” His love of history and his great ability to write were very evident when he and the late Martin Schwartz co-wrote the book titled “Cape Breton Island A Select View”, a compulsory read for all Coal Bowl participants. Additionally, for years he served his fellow teachers through his position as President of the Cape Breton District Local of the NSTU and through terms of office on the NSTU Provincial Executive and the NSTU Group Insurance Trustees. A natural leader, like his father, Ray became involved in municipal politics, serving as New Waterford’s last Mayor and, after amalgamation, as a Councillor for the Cape Breton Regional Municipality. His knowledge, skills, and commitment to working in the best interests of Cape Breton and its citizens also saw him serve as Chair of the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, Chair of Destination Cape Breton and a board member on the Sydney Airport Authority. After retiring he also had his own private consulting company, KAVO Consulting. Ray was never happier than when he was socializing with family and friends. A true host, Ray loved having laughs, entertaining guests, and telling stories. From hosting Sunday Brunch, to enjoying Sunday Funday at his son Jason’s, Ray loved being around people. His greatest pleasure was when his sons Jamie, Jordan, Justin, and their families, came home to spend time with Granny and Papa. He never had a bigger smile than when he was enjoying his grandchildren Callen, Finn, Wilton Quinn, Lincoln, and Erica. Ray’s life was made complete by his wife of 48 years, Carmie. Best friends, and a couple since junior high school, they were truly a match made in heaven. Ray is survived by his wife Carmie (Campbell) and his four sons Jamie (Michelle), Jason, Jordan (Jennifer) and Justin (Holly) and their beautiful grandchildren Callen, Finn, Wilton Quinn, Lincoln and Erica. His brothers Jim (Mary) Kavanaugh, Tom (Marlene) Kavanaugh, and sisters Marie Kavanaugh, Loveina (Frank) Kennedy and Pauline (Frank) Ducharme. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Heather Kavanaugh, Diane (Brian) Spencer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents Jim and Marie Kavanaugh, his sisters Inez and Norma, and his brother Bobby, as well as his mother and father in law, Alex and Margaret Campbell, and nephew Quinn Kavanaugh. Cremation has taken place .Visitation will be held from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 1st at the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Due to COVID - 19, the McGillivray staff will be directing attendees through the process, face masks and social distancing are required. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Raed Azer, Dr. Glen Gracie, Dr. Kian Khodadad, the VON, Dr. Saneea Abboud, Dr. John Ritter and the palliative care staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County or the Cancer Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Online condolences may be made at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca