W. J. Raymond Keery

KEERY, William James Raymond (Ray)
(Teacher at Cawthra Park, Midland Secondary School, ODCVI,  Espanola High School. Additional work with Remax, Home Hardware)
Passed away suddenly at his home on August 11th, 2019 in his 75th year.   Ray Keery, of Orillia, Ontario, is survived by his loving family, wife Fran (nee: Kowalchuk), son Rob and daughter Ann (Kathryn Ann).    Pre-deceased by his parents John and Madge Keery (Margaret Totten) and brother John (Cheryl).  He is survived by his Uncle Charles Millar (Jean).  Ray was a mischievious cousin and uncle and will be missed by cousin Derek Millar (Nancy), brother-in-law Gerry Kowalchuk (Lee), sister-in-law Ruth Elliot, nieces and nephews Ryan Keery (Stephanie and sons Gavin and Hayden), Michael Keery (Jenna), Kristin Turkelson (Terry and daughter Maggie),  Liz Elliot (Enzo), Jennifer Elliot (Victor), Carolyn Elliot (Raul), Andrew Kowalchuk (Katy), Jenna Groatmillar (James, daughter Evelyn and son Sebastian), Charlie Millar, Paul Millar (Erika).  Ray will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends including a strong core of best-friends that have travelled through life and over many golf greens with him.  Ray was a second father figure to many, especially those students involved in the creation of the Skills Canada program at ODCVI and later in his work in Espanola.  His advocacy for students introduced him to trade, business, education, political connections some of which go back several decades that provided the sounding boards and support to fuel his work.  Ray was a trail blazer in education, a recently published author (novella “Bobby Kane”), a passionate teacher, a devoted father and husband, and authentic friend.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia, on Saturday August 17th, 2019 with visitation from 11am until the time of memorial service at 12 noon. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com  Donations would be appreciated to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, the Canadian Cancer Society, a school or charity of your choice.