Ray, Bertram John 'Barney'

Barney is survived by his loving family – his wife Pat (nee MacDonald) of 58 years, his children Todd (Heather) and Dawn, and his six grandchildren whom he loved and adored (Leah, Taryn, Mya and Tanner Ray, and Cassie and Reagan Gauthier). Barney also will be remembered by his sister Joanne, his brother-in-law Bob MacDonald, sister-in-law Susan Walkington (Chris) and their families. Barney was predeceased by his parents Gladstone ‘Glady’ and Jennie Ray as well as his in-laws Scott and Marg MacDonald.

From 1984 to his retirement in 2013, Barney was the owner of B.J. Ray Fuels (Petro Canada) which serviced homes and businesses in the Windsor-Essex area and across Northern Ontario. In 1988, Barney was a recipient of the Petro Canada’s President’s National Award for Excellence in Service.

Barney was a caring and very generous person known for his kindness and willingness to help others without hesitation, including sponsoring many sports teams. Barney loved the outdoors and will be missed by many friends in Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie and on Manitoulin Island with whom he hunted and fished.  He will also be missed by his Friday morning breakfast buddies in Wasaga Beach and by many friends and neighbours in Naples FL, especially his buddy Tom Kokoszka. Many will remember him for the ‘yellow roses’ that he always sent as a sign of affection.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jaime Stewart, Dr. Sandra Black, and all the staff at the peopleCare Meaford Long Term Care Home for their support and compassionate care they provided to Barney throughout his illness.

All are invited to a Celebration of Barney’s Life on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 1 until 4 p.m. at the Quattro Conference Centre, North Ballroom, 229 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, ON.

A private internment will be held at St. John’s Norway Cemetery, Toronto.

As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Nursing Home Auxiliary (Cheques Only Please) or Sunnybrook Foundation (donate.sunnybrook.ca – in memory of Barney Ray) would be appreciated as there is a special area designated for all donations made in Barney’s name to be directed to Dr. Black’s area of expertise; you may also make these donations through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca