Ray Coatsworth

COATSWORTH, Raymond Max - Passed away peacefully at his home at Stamford Estates in Niagara Falls, Ontario on the morning of Monday January 17, 2022 at the age of 82. Self-professed mischief, Ray was an avid world traveller, game playing, try anything kind of guy. He loved adventure and leaping into the unknown. Ray grew up in Chatham, Ontario as an only child to doting, loving parents, Max and Irene Coatsworth. Being a good grade 12 drafting graduate, he was offered a 6 month training course with Avro Aircraft and received a job as an entry level draftsman soon after. On a weekend trip to Toronto's CNE in 1958, he approached a booth of smartly dressed cadets, in bright red uniforms, for the Royal Military College. It seemed kismet that his initials matched his college of choice. With a lot of hard studying, he passed grade 13 mathematics and physics to qualify for RMC, and was accepted as a Navy Cadet in the Regular Officers Training Program. Ray received a first-class rail ticket for a 4 day trip out west to start a new, life changing chapter. He graduated from Royal Roads in 1963 as a Sub-Lieutenant, RCN, with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree and decided to join the Navy. Only 2 weeks into pre-fleet training, Ray met Acting SLT and proud Newfoundlander, Selena Marie Butt in the HMCS wardroom. After a few dates in Ottawa and Montreal and Marie fixing Rays’ favourite meal of pork chops, potatoes and cream corn, they were officially a couple. Ray joined the Destroyer Escort ship, HMCS Kootenay as a Junior SLT Officer that patrolled the North Atlantic. After a long distance romance, Ray proposed to Marie and they married in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1965. On leaving the church ceremony, they were saluted by an honour guard and passed through an arch of swords by ten SLTs with a faint trace of snow, falling like confetti. Ray was transferred to the DDE HMCS Saguenay in Victoria and was appointed as the Assistant Supply Officer. They sailed from Victoria to Halifax, via the Panama Canal. Marie was amongst the mob of wives that were on the dock awaiting arrival. After 2 weeks home, Ray then traveled to the Azores Islands, Ireland, England, Amsterdam, Italy and Gibraltar. In 1965, Ray was promoted to Lieutenant, RCN. In 1966, after many farewell summer parties, Ray decided to go directly into the industrial work world and accepted an offer to be Mine Engineer at the Canadian Rock Salt Company in Windsor. It was the perfect time to start a family. Ray and Marie wanted many children and they rejoiced in each one. Settling in Niagara Falls with 4 young children, they bought their dream home and lived in it for over 40 years. Ray flourished in many companies in his time, including Maintenance Manager at Canadian Carborundum Company, Engineering Manager at Cyanamid and Owner of Wash on Wheels. After years owing his own business, and as retirement grew closer, he took a simpler '9-5' job at the new Niagara casino, first as a dealer and then pit manager. He loved people and being social. At Stamford United Church, he met many close friends and participated in all the social gathering offered there for decades. After true retirement, you would find him as the friendliest waving crossing guard twice a day, for a few years, steps from home. In 2016, after 51 years of marriage, Marie passed away. Ray put family first and loved each of his children immensely: James Jay, Stephen Boyd (spouse Martha), Diana Leigh (spouse Kevan) and David Alan. Ray adored his grandkids, Peter, Andrew, Lucas Coatsworth and Luke McKenzie. In recent years, his teenage sweetheart, Glory Desjardins, was a true and loving companion. Ray knew how to have fun, he was restless and adventurous, curious and kind. He was a charmer, a joker, a risk taker and a family man. He will be deeply missed by all his friends and family. Respecting the restrictions of COVID-19 including the requirement for face masks, social distancing, maximum occupancy limits and pre-booked appointments (by emailing pattersonfuneralhome.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[email protected]), friends are invited to join the family at the PATTERSON FUNERAL HOME, 6062 Main St. Niagara Falls, visiting Friday January 21, 2022 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. A Funeral Service in celebration of his life will be held Saturday at 1 pm at the funeral home. In memory of Ray, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson Canada, and would be appreciated. For those who wish, a livestream of the Funeral Service will be available Saturday at 1 pm at facebook.com/pattersonfuneralOnline condolences at pattersonfuneralhome.com