(November 30, 1936 - November 10, 2021) It is with heavy hearts and loving thoughts that we announce the passing of Raymond Clifford Barnes, who is on his way to meet his brothers, (Fred, Harold, Howard, and Lloyd) and sister (Ethel) in heaven. Caring, compassionate, and ever faithful husband to Joyce Mary Barnes, his wife. Loving father to Barb Barnes (George), and Guy Barnes. Dedicated step-father to John Olender, Mark Olender (Deb), and Mary Anne Scheerer (Tom). Grandfather to Brandy, Kyla, Amber, and Kyle. Great-grandfather to Juliette, Tieler, Seth, Lily, Dwayne, and Cora. He is survived by brothers Gordon(Betty) and Allan(Mary Lee) and several nieces and nephews.
Ray was a loving, caring, and thoughtful husband to his wife, and even while struggling with his illness, he managed to make the weekly visits to his wife at the Twin Oaks Home in Maryhill, right to the very end. He never missed visiting her, and we know she will miss him very much.
Ray spent 34 years working at Fiberglas Canada/Owens Corning, along with 4 of his brothers and 3 sons, and at one point it was hard not to find one of the Barnes/Olender boys on any shift that was working. He was a lifelong Optimist club member, holding various positions in the Guelph chapter on Beechwood Ave. right up to the position of President as well as being a member of the Optimist International. He received many awards and citations for his works, which included donating countless hours to the youth of Guelph and surrounding area, for the Soap Box Derby, Public Speaking, Hit-Throw-Run competitions, and The Optimist Club Easter Egg Hunt, to name just a few. Ray volunteered in Guelph Minor Baseball as both a coach and umpire. He was also an avid junior hockey fan following the Guelph Storm for many years as a season ticket holder. He loved to play cards, both euchre and cribbage and even managed to score a perfect 29 hand in his first year in the Guelph Cribbage League. He also played cards at the Evergreen Center and a special thanks to Maureen, Joe & Gale for visiting him over the last few weeks.
A very special thank you to palliative care physician Dr. Cary Shafir, palliative care nurse, Jessica Irvin, and PSW Gavin for all their care and compassion during his last few weeks. Cremation has already taken place and a private ceremony will take place for the family at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Cancer Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, and/or the Guelph Humane Society would be greatly appreciated.
Dad keep the cards warm and the pegs moving.... We'll see you in a while to finish that last game.
A tree will be planted in memory of Raymond C. Barnes in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.