Obituary of Raymond Alexander Gosbee, River Ryan

With broken hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Raymond Alexander Gosbee on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 at Waterford Heights, surrounded by his family.

Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over five years ago, his gentle disposition and quiet demeanor remained with him until his passing.

Born on May 17, 1937 he was the son of the late Alonzo and Christena (Scott) Gosbee.

In 1956 Ray met the love of his life, Cecilia Currie from MacAdam’s Lake at a dance at the Old Navy League in Sydney. On October 29,1957 they were married at St. Mary’s Church in East Bay N.S. Together they raised four children in a family where Faith, Love and Kindness prevailed.

Ray was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Parish (presently St. Leonard’s).

He began his career as a car mechanic, coal hauler and delivering groceries. He then became employed with C.B. Devco on security and eventually as Maintenance Supervisor at Lingan Colliery. He retired in 1992. Ray also served his community as Town Councillor and interim Deputy Mayor.

In retirement Ray and Cecilia travelled to many of their favorite destinations. They spent time at their summer home in Mira with their entire family and always enjoyed meeting new friends while vacationing in their RV. As much as they enjoyed travelling, Ray was most content at home spending time on his many projects in his garage. He was indeed a “jack of all trades” but antique car restoration and woodworking were his true passions.

Ray was a kind man with a big heart. His greatest strength was the abundance of generosity he so willingly shared. His firm, warm handshake was his word - his smile, wit and humor, our greatest memory.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Cecilia; four children, Raylene (Lauchie) Hinchey, Cecil (Michelle Bourgeois), Brenda (Fred) MacEachern and Doreen (Sheldon) White. His nine cherished grandchildren will treasure memories of their gentle giant; his wit and seemingly endless knowledge will always be remembered by them; Jennifer (Adam) Matthews, Jonathan (Kelsey) Gosbee, Jarett (Cayla) Gosbee, Jason MacEachern, Kyle MacEachern (Jenna Tario), Evan (Ruby) MacEachern, Tyler (Allison) White, Colin White (Melissa Caume) and Liam White (Hannah Conrad). He was blessed with three great grandchildren; Ben and Lucy Matthews, Noah White and a 4th great grandchild due to arrive in May, 2021. His two sisters, Ruth Burchell and Elizabeth (Willie) Porquet will dearly miss their big brother. He is also survived by sisters and brothers-in-law; Theresa Currie, Peggy Currie, Michael Currie, Jimmy (Shirley) Currie, Archie Fraser and John L. (Lizzie) Currie. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by his dear brother Jackie - 1968 (Eileen) and sisters and brothers-in-law; Roy Burchell, Mary (Foch) Pickup, Angus Currie, Dan Currie, Flora (Claude) MacMullin, Katie Mae Currie, Rhodena Currie, Tenie (Micheal) MacInnis, Theresa (Tommy) MacLean, Caddie Fraser and Buddy (Sally) Currie.

Special Thanks to Dr. Glen Worth, Dr. A. Kelly-Wiggins, Physicians and Nursing Staff at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and Waterford Heights, County Home Makers, VON, and special angels Tootsie Desrosiers, Rose Aucoin, Shannon MacKinnon LPN, and special friend, Johnny Gillis.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18 from 6-9 pm at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A private family Funeral Mass will take place at St. Leonard’s Parish with Father Peter McLeod officiating. Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery, River Ryan. A livestream of the Funeral Mass will be available on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. by visiting the following link: facebook.com/raygosbeefuneral. Due to Covid-19, all restrictions and protocols must be followed and everyone is required to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Leonard’s Parish or the Alzheimer’s Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.