E. Ray Townsend

Edward Ray Townsend, beloved husband of Barbara Townsend (nee Geddes), passed away peacefully on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the amazing age of 96 after experiencing some health complications. Loving father to Howard Townsend (Val), Roselyn Knox (Bill), Deborah Fraser (David), Gary Townsend (Vera), and Martin Townsend. Affectionate stepfather to Robert Orr (Jen), Stephen Orr (Lindsay), and Wendy Wygergangs (David). Favourite Grandpa to Jeremiah Townsend (Trina), Brent Fraser, Breanne Robertson, Laurie Fraser (Jordan), Jamie Robertson (Megumi), Madelaine Townsend (Mirnes), Sam Townsend, Angus Townsend, and Emma Townsend. Special Great-Grandpa to Griffin, Lyle, Trent, Myles, Portia, Emery, Adler, Alice, Julia, and Ella. Cherished big brother to Jean Uzumeri. Pre-deceased by parents Wilbert and Margaret (nee Colbeck), siblings Edith, Arden, and Gordon, grandson Gordon Fraser, and the late Leone Townsend (nee Waugh). Admired by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Ray was born at home in Monticello, Ontario on September 15, 1925, during the Great Depression. He spent his early years on the family farm with his parents and siblings. After graduating high school in 1943, Ray enlisted in the Canadian Army and was sent oversees where he became a member of the Royal Regiment of Canada. Private E.R. Townsend was wounded at the Twente Canal during the liberation of Holland. Upon returning home, Ray attended and graduated the University of New Brunswick, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry. In 1946 Ray married his first wife Leone Lillian Waugh in Douglas, New Brunswick. They were married for 57 years until Leone’s passing in 2003.

During his early working years, Ray worked as a Forest Engineer; he spent 20 years with the Canadian International Paper Company in Maniwaki, Quebec. During this time his five children were born. In 1975 he accepted a position as Operations Superintendent with the Algonquin Forestry Authority in Algonquin Park—which Ray claimed was the best job of his career. After 15 years, he retired at the age of 65. In 2006 Ray married his wife Barb in Port Sydney, Ontario. He enjoyed attending Knox United Church, gardening, walking the dog, trekking through Algonquin Park, spending time with his grandchildren, volunteering with Meals on Wheels and the Canadian Cancer Society, singing in a barbershop choir, travelling, dancing, and writing 3 books. Ray was a proud long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The family invites friends to a visitation on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Billingsley Funeral Home from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  A Royal Canadian Legion Service will be held at 1:00 PM followed by the memorial service in the funeral home chapel. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 232. Messages of condolence can be left at: www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com.  Please RSVP your attendance by calling Billingsley Funeral Home at 705-789-8982.