Our Locations
Caledonia
We are very sad to announce the passing of James Raymond (Ray/ Poppie/ Mr. Witty/ Ray of Sunshine) Reilly on Sunday, March 14, 2021 with Debbie and Wendy by his side. He was 88 years old.
Ray fought a hard battle with complications from COVID and sadly COVID won.
Ray is predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Margaret, and his grandson, Reilly Dawson. Also predeceased by his parents Mary and Patrick Reilly of Prince Edward Island, as well as all of his siblings and many dear friends.
Survived by his daughters, Debbie (Graham) Hayes, and Wendy (Glenn) Hobson. Loving devoted Poppie to his grand-daughter, Virginia (Rick) Kepka, great-grand-daughters Emma, Taylor, Piper, and grandson Graham (Jacqueline) Hayes, great-grandsons Max and Jack.
Fondly remembered and sadly missed by all of his nieces and nephews in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Due to the COVID situation in Mississauga, Ontario at this time the immediate family will have a private internment and Ray will be laid to rest beside Margaret.
Ray was a very happy, kind gentle man and will always be remembered for his generosity and goodwill towards others. He enjoyed a good party so the family will have a celebration of his life at a later time when it is safe to do so.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Peel, or the Lions Foundation Canada Dog Guides or the Salvation Army or Boxer Rescue Ontario, or a charity of your wish.
Please note: all condolences are reviewed before they appear publicly on the obituary page.
For free information on any of our cremation services, or if you just have a question, simply fill in the form below:
Our goal is providing a low cost, all inclusive alternative to traditional funeral homes for those who value a respectful and modern approach to funeral care. Whether your choice is direct cremation, burial or a personalized memorial service to celebrate a life, we will strive to make your wishes a reality.
20 Guestbook Entries
March 18, 2021 | Deborah L Hayes
To my dear sweet dad, I will miss you, and your smile and laughter. Always so thoughtful and kind. I have wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. Rest in peace, dad. Love you.
Debbie
March 18, 2021 | Marie Reilly Phillips
So very sorry for your loss. We always loved when Ray came to visit. He and Dad, Herman Reilly, would tell stories and laugh for hours. Miss those days, Ray was such a kind generous joyfilled soul. God bless Debbie and Wendy and all family and friends as you go through this difficult time. He would want us all celebrating his life. Sending hugs from PEI….love, marie and ruth.
March 18, 2021 | Sherry -Lee Chordis
Words couldn’t comprehend how much Ray or Farmer Joe as I called him meant to me. His humour and loving ways was beyond anything I could ever imagine. A real down home buddy of mine for sure. I was so happy I had that chance to see him before he went home and I was so honoured to be part of his care team. The love he had for his family Was so immensely overwhelming as he loved them dearly. He always had a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face especially when he saw his grandchildren. They were all the light of his life. From the bottom of my heart I send condolences to the family and to my Farmer Joe you make sure you have that beer ???? in heaven and party your boots off ok mate! Love you forever and will never forget you the memories will linger on. RIP my loving buddy Farmer Joe Your friend “Lee” as you called me Sherry lee Chordis PSW
March 18, 2021 | Randy Reilly
Debbie and Wendy and family
So sad to hear of uncle Ray’s passing. So many great memories of his visits to New Brunswick when we were kids and his time spent there after his retirement. Such a kind caring and funny man. The world is just a little less without him.
Rest In Peace uncle Ray!
Randy
Randy
March 18, 2021 | Marilyn Mugridge
I was so sad to hear that your Dad passed away. Ray was such a kind, sweet, funny and helpful man. When we lived in the same building on Roosevelt Road, Ray helped me with things I couldn’t or didn’t know how to do and was always there with a smile if I needed his help. He was a real early bird too! Every cold winter morning I would go out to go to work and my windshield would be scraped off. Such a kind and thoughtful thing to do, and it was so appreciated on a freezing cold morning. I have many fond memories of your Dad, and I’m so very sorry for your loss. ????❤️
April 2, 2021 | Wendy Reilly
My dad was very fond of you Marilyn. Thank you very much for your kind words. It means a lot to us.
March 18, 2021 | Virginia Kepka
Poppie…thank you for being the best grandfather. We are sad you are gone but are comforted in knowing how much you loved us. We will miss you so much. U will always hold a very special.place in my heart. Love u always ????
March 19, 2021 | Deborah L Hayes
My dear sweet dad I will miss so very much. He was such a kind, gentle man, full of smiles, laughter, always joking, never lost his sense of humour. He was known as Mr. Witty by some old friends as he had an answer for everything.
Rest in Peace, dad, we love you!! XO
Debbie
March 19, 2021 | Deborah L Hayes
So many memories….
March 19, 2021 | Deborah L Hayes
Memories….
March 19, 2021 | Deborah L Hayes
memories..
March 19, 2021 | Elizabeth Clarke
To Wendy, Debbie, Virginia, Graham and your familie. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your father, grandfather and great grandfather Ray/Poppie. He was a good man and enjoyable company. I remember his retro jokes which brought back memories of past decades. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. All the best, Elizabeth
March 19, 2021 | Kris Kopka
Debbie, Graham, Virginia, Graham and families. I am deeply saddened to hear of Poppie’s passing. He was truly a one of a kind man. He was an inspiration to many people and the glue that held his family together. I have great memories of our vacation time in New Brunswick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kris
March 19, 2021 | Rosalie and Malcolm
Debbie, Wendy and Families:
We enjoyed seeing your Dad on our visits to Mississauga. He was always jovial and good for a few laughs. I remember how he enjoyed the clam chowder that Malcolm made on one of our visits. Our thought and prayers are with you at your time of grief. We will miss him.
Rosalie and Malcolm
March 19, 2021 | Hilary Kopka
Ray it was a pleasure having known you. You were a funny man
Someone easy to talk to as well.
A wonderful dad, poppie/great grandfather to your family who
Loved you deeply.
You will be surely missed by all that knew you.
Deepest sympathy to Deb, Wendy, Graham, Glenn, Virginia, Rick
And girls. Graham, Jackie and sons.
Thinking of you all.
Hilary, Henry Kopka and family
March 20, 2021 | M. Kepka
Jerry and Mary Kepka
We are so sorry to hear about Ray’s passing. Our deepest condolences to the Hayes family. Ray will be surely missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
March 22, 2021 | Angela Box
Virginia and Families,
I never had the pleasure of meeting your “Poppie” personally but I feel I met him through your stories that you have shared with me over the years. He was truly loved by you all. You have shared great memories together-hang on to those. I hope you all find peace that he is now resting with his “love”, your grandmother. My sincere condolences.
Angie Box
March 23, 2021 | Amanda Clark
To Virginia and the entire family: lots of love from me and mine during this difficult time. We love you and are thinking of you all.
Amanda, Matt, Katie and Ben.
March 26, 2021 | Deborah Hayes Kinitz
Debbie &Graham, Wendy & Glen. Virginia & Rick, Emma, Taylor, Piper Graham & Jacqueline, Max and Jack: Our prayers are with you at this very sad time. Ray was such a loving Father and Poppy. Had a great smile and laugh.love, Vi, Deb & Erich ????♥️
March 28, 2021 | Wendy Reilly-Hobson
Dear Dad: I will never forget all the things you taught me, especially how to be the best person I can be, to like people first and not to judge. Those are the words I live by. I will always remember your smile and how much you loved life and laughter. You are playing the spoons in heaven and the Angels are dancing the jig, no one could step dance like you !! Love Wendy