Raymond John Cluett

We are heartbroken and despite his age; 99 years young, Dad’s passing was sudden and we will miss him greatly.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Raymond (Ray) was born in the town Sturminster Newton in Dorset, England on March 20, 1924. He was the 2nd eldest of 6 siblings and took his role of older brother with pride and importance. Growing up on a dairy farm he learnt a lot of things, mostly he learned hard work and determination went a long way and of their benefits to his future as a soldier, engineer, and customs agent; he was very proud of his country upbringing, he spoke fondly of the lessons his grandfather and father taught him about farming, Home Guard service and what it was to be a gentleman.

Dad was 17 when he enlisted in the Royal Air Force where he served as a Fitter Armour from 1941 until 1946. He used his work ethic and intelligence to rise to the rank of Sergeant. He was most proud of his vast knowledge of the rear turret gun on the Lancaster Bomber which he worked on while stationed at R.A.F. Oakington 105th Squadron. Dads 3 brothers (Albert, Eric & Don) also served in the war and thankfully all returned home. He had 2 sisters, the “girls” were the babies of the family: Linda & Sheila. Sheila is the sole surviving sibling and still reside in England.

He joined the Royal British Legion in 1942. After the war he played some footy (soccer to us Canadians) at a high level, but a knee injury stopped him from pursing it further. He continued to follow the EPL and was a fan of Southhampton Football Club.

Dad worked for British Railway and then at Heathrow Airport. He loved to talk about his time on the railway and the education he received towards his engineering papers which they paid for, all due once again to his strong work ethic and intelligence. He was extremely proud of his achievements. He left the railway and started his career at Heathrow airport as a Customs Agent in the cargo division. He had some fun stories about his time at Heathrow.

His first marriage gave him a new title; Dad. His eldest 2 daughters are Jacqueline and Esther. Dad, Edith (his 1st wife) and Esther immigrated to Canada in 1969. Jackie stayed in England. She married and had 2 children; Scott & Claudine giving him another new title; Granddad. She later remarried and had another daughter Charlene.

In Canada, he worked for a Customs clearing house at the then Dorval Airport. His time there was also fondly spoken of! He retired after years of working for himself as an Interior Decorator.

Upon arriving in Canada, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion branch #234 Roxboro where he served several terms in varying executive roles. President, Treasurer, Secretary to name a few. He helped run the Legion dart leagues and was a good player. He had the trophies to prove it!

Roxboro Legion is where Ray met Jean, his 2nd wife; earning him yet another new title; Stepdad to Ian, Elizabeth & David (Jamie to us). He became a dad again when Jean gave birth to his youngest daughter Rebecca. Jean passed in 2004, he loved and missed her dearly and knew they’d dance together again one day.

Ray is survived by his children: Jacqueline (Ray), Esther, Ian (Tess), Elizabeth (Mark), David and Rebecca. Grandchildren: Scott, Claudine, Charlene, Lindsay (Patrick), Ashley (Stephanie), Anne and Katherine. Great Grandchildren: Cameron, Tamsin, Alicia, Claire, Bodhi, Sawyer, Brooklynn, Sydnie, Allison and Mackenzie.

Raymond a.k.a. Ray, Dad, Pappy, Granddad, Great Grand Pappy and Great Granddad will be sadly missed by those who were lucky to have known and love him. He was “Pappy” to many who weren’t his grandkids in blood but in his heart; Sarah (Kal), Emma (Dave) and John (Rachael). He liked to portray himself as a no-nonsense tough guy, but under his grumbling grinch-like exterior he was a teddy bear and loved us all deeply. To know him was to love him in all his lecturing, finger wagging, nagging with a big grin ways!

We are extremely fortunate to have had him in our lives for as long as we did, at 85 he underwent a quadruple by-pass heart surgery and quit smoking cold turkey after 71 years, just another example of his strength and determination. In his 100th year we all thought he would live for another decade or two, his goal was to reach 115 years old but on April 7th he passed in our family home which is exactly where he wanted to be; his home was his pride and joy. He is once again dancing with Jean the Ginger to his Fred.

Dance on, Rest in Peace and Lest we Forget.

We love you.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Burial service will be held at a later date at the National Field of Honour in Pointe-Claire, Quebec.