Raymond Eugene Arbic

Born in Bracebridge, Ray was the eldest child of Henry and Verna (Goltz) Arbic. The Arbic family moved to Acton in 1930, where Ray spent the rest of his life. While still in high school, Ray met the love of his life, Rena Braida. They dated for 10 years while Ray finished school, including putting himself through university. After marrying in 1953, Ray and Rena lived with Rena’s parents for four years while they built their one and only home next door. The day they moved into their home on Longfield Road in 1957 was one of the happiest days of their lives. Ray and Rena’s first child, Peter, was born shortly after, followed by Christine, Marie and Andrea. Ray worked hard to support his family, leaving for work before his children were up and often arriving home after dark. Ray’s training as a chemist was his entrée into jobs in the manufacturing sector, including a position at Kellog’s where, as the story goes, he invented Raisin Bran. It was Ray’s attention to detail, his integrity and skills with people that enabled him to become a highly respected manager in the building materials industry. But for all that he achieved in his career, Ray’s proudest accomplishment was his family, to whom he was devoted. His children grew up thinking that their father knew everything and could fix anything, which wasn’t too far from the truth. Ray had ample opportunity to demonstrate and teach these skills at the cottage on Lake of Bays that he and Rena bought in 1978. Ray was still helping with repairs to his children’s houses and cottages and dispensing sage advice on everything from investments to landscaping, well into his late 90s. A natural storyteller, Ray kept his children, family, friends and colleagues captivated for hours. He was a much-loved older brother to Lorne, Russell, Terrance (Wayne), Elaine, Theresa and Danny. His death leaves a huge gap in the lives of his wife, Rena, children, Peter (Julie), Christine, Marie (Bill) and Andrea, as well as grandchildren, Emily and Aaron (Sarah), whom he adored. We will all miss him terribly, but will be comforted by the wonderful memories we have of him and by the wisdom he instilled in us.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 3 at St. Joseph’s Church, 64 Church St. E, Acton. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 at the MacKinnon Funeral home, 55 Mill St. E. Acton.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Ray’s memory to Parkinson’s Canada or a charity of your choice.