Raymond Montague Shave

It is with deep sadness, but immense gratitude for a long and remarkable life, that our family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Raymond “Mont” Shave, at the age of 99, on August 26, 2026, in Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building, surrounded by his loving family.

Mont is survived by daughter, Heather, son-in-law, John Fitzpatrick; grandchildren Laura (Louis Westergard), Jennifer and Andrew (Emma Hackett); great-grandchildren Sophia and Oliver Westergard; brother Sterling (Mildred); sisters Donna (Roland Lanctot) and Eloise (Lyndon); sisters-in-law Belle Shave and Joy Dodge; nephew Randal (Wanda) Shave; special cousin Carol von Syberg; and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Path End, Burin, NL, Mont was the second of four children born to Beatrice Belle (Moulton) and Capt. Raymond Shave, a veteran of WWI and WWII. A WWII Merchant Navy Veteran and Master Mariner, Mont possessed great intelligence, strength and quiet determination, and lived his life with honour, compassion, humility and an abiding faith.

Dad served as a civilian merchant mariner during WWII. Following the war, he sailed on coastal steamships with Newfoundland Railway and attended Navigation Schools in St. John’s and Halifax. Dad was immensely proud to earn his Certificate in Competency as Master of a Foreign Going Steamship. He spent a decade at sea with Imperial Oil and later Fundy Gypsum, captaining freighters through the Panama Canal to South America and along the U.S. Atlantic Coast.

After the birth of his daughter, Heather, Mont began a rewarding 30-year career with Canadian General Insurance. He was highly respected by colleagues and insurance agents throughout Atlantic Canada and for many years taught automobile insurance at the Insurance Institute, Memramcook, NB.

Dad was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He and his beloved wife, Gloria, shared 50 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, friendship and adventure. They enjoyed bowling in leagues, singing in the Bethany Chorale, swimming at the Waegwoltic, cross-country skiing at Ashburn and walking the family dog, Bruno. Dad cherished his longtime friendship with “The Terrific 10”, with whom he and Gloria travelled, hosted internationally themed dinners and attended over 30 New Years Eve dances. He especially looked forward to a good polka!

A steadfast and loving father, Dad led by example, showing the value of honesty, resilience, respect, service to others and humour. His familiar sayings, “Never found lying down” and “patience is a virtue,” reflected his strong work ethic, determination and self-reliance. He loved to travel and made sure our family had many opportunities to explore and create lasting memories on our camping trips.

Mont adored his grandchildren and took a keen interest in their lives, attending and driving them to countless school, music and sporting activities. His two great grandchildren, Sophia and Oliver, brought their “GG” immeasurable joy and laughter.

Following Gloria’s passing, Mont found love again with Susan. For 14 years they shared a loving and joyful companionship until Susan’s passing in September 2025. Susan was a cherished member of our family and brought great happiness and purpose to Mont’s later years.

Remarkably capable and resourceful, Mont could build or repair almost anything. He took great pride in woodworking and lovingly made furniture and special pieces for his grandchildren. He was also skilled at sewing and reupholstering furniture. Dad was known for his delicious Yorkshire pudding and Easter ham. He lived in the same home for 69 years where he lovingly tended to his beautiful gardens and prized begonias. Dad was an avid reader of history, current affairs and mysteries. He always looked forward to a game of cribbage and kept his brain sharp with his daily crossword, Crypto quote and Sudoku.

Music and faith were woven throughout his life. He was a longtime member of St. John’s United and Bethany United Churches, where he was a dedicated volunteer. From a young age he studied piano and sang in church choirs and later become a member of the Bethany United Senior and Men’s Choirs. He also valued friendship and fellowship beyond the church and was a member of the Commercial Club and volunteered with Susan in the Symphony Boutique.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Gloria (Wegener); companion, Susan Bolton; brothers Paul and Harvey (Eloise); sister Greta; special aunt Adelia “Kiddie” (Moulton) Paul; and stepmother Mary (Appleby) Shave.

Mont lived by simple principles: work hard, practise moderation, help others and make the most of every day. He leaves a legacy of love, laughter, family and friendship – a life truly well lived.

Our heartfelt thanks to Dad’s exceptional caregivers on 4 Westwood at Camp Hill Veterans, Parkwood Home Care, his long‑time family physician Dr. Andrew Humphrey, and Drs. David Bell, Lucy Helyer and Jessica Corbin for their kindness and compassion. We are especially grateful to our friend, Bev Johnson, whose kindness, compassion and gentle care meant so much to Dad and our family.

A private family committal service will take place at Camp Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 11am at Bethany United Church, 7171 Clinton Avenue (off Joseph Howe Drive), with reception to follow in the church hall. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream will be available at https://youtube.com/live/yQfwbS83rGU

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethany United Church www.bethanyunitedchurch.ca/donate-now or to a charity of your choice.

“Oh God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.”