Proud son of the late Constable Joseph Bracewell (Sargent) and the late Nora Bracewell (nee. Wilson) of Lancaster, England. Cherished lifelong partner and husband to wife Denise (nee. Elliott) of 54 years. Loving father of son Guy (Cynthia), daughter Holly and predeceased by daughter Wendy. Fun loving Poppa to his beautiful grandchildren, Megan (Mark) and Matthew.
Ray was an academic, an athlete, an artist, an adventurer.
Prior to leaving England, he was a star rugby player at the Vale of Lune Rugby Club in Lancaster and then for Hartley Pool Rovers in Northumberland.
Once on Canadian soil he settled in and began a new life. After his stint at Alcan he returned to school, graduating with honors from Bishop’s University where he lettered as Captain of the soccer team. Ray discovered a love of sailing. Showing off his dart skills in the pubs and finding himself on the pages of the local newspaper for his championship wins written in the other official language for which he was fluent.
He later met and married his love D, finding himself settling in Ottawa with a new Family where he soon discovered his love of cross country skiing in the Gatineau`s.
Ray believed in giving back to the community and enriching lives as the cub/scout leader Bagheera and coaching his children in sports for many years.
His career spanned from industry to public service with contributions to process improvements at Alcan and his foundational policy development of Risk Management at Treasury Board, where he also became a Mentor to the up and comers after retiring.
In his retirement years, he treasured times with his grandchildren, friend groups and family – even taking part in his ROMEO Club - “Retired Old Men Eating Out”
He will be deeply missed by his wife and children and friends and family near and far. He knew how to keep us all on our toes, whether we welcomed it or not.
Heartfelt thank-yous go out to all the Dr’s, Nurses, Personal Support Workers, Physio Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, the Paramedics - from the Civic Hospital, Bruyere Rehab, Perley Rideau, Hospice Care Day Program, Carefor, St. Elizabeth, Bayshore, Bruyere Continuing Care, the Doctors from the palliative care team, his G.P. of many years, Friends and Family who gave support and guidance through the up and downs of Ray’s tenacious and inspirational fight to stay with us and live life to the fullest.
Due to Covid-19 a celebration of Ray’s life will be held when it is safe to gather in greater numbers worthy of the occasion.
For now, anyone wishing to make a donation in Ray`s memory, please consider programs involving art therapies, the paramedics fund, cancer society, heart and stroke, bruyere or one of your choosing in this difficult time for Everyone.
We thank Beechwood for taking care of our dear Ray.
Digital Guestbook
Heather and Derek Oudit
Rick, Colleen & Wade Kropp
Our thoughts and prays are with the Bracewell family. Remember we never say goodbye it’s just until we meet again.
Bernadette and Jim Dale
We will always treasure the good times we had with Ray and his family. His parties were legendary.
Barbara Lapointe
Dear Denise and the rest of the family, I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. The whole Cloverlawn Gang will miss his great spirit, his sense of fun and his artistic abilities. It has been such a pleasure to have had you and Ray as friends and neighbours. We are still here for you. Be sure to let me know whatever I can do to help at this sad time.
Cindy Pope
Dear Denise, Holly, Guy and family
I am so very sorry to learn of your loss. It has always been a great pleasure to share time with him as a great member of our “Cloverlawn Gang” I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything at all I can do for you please let me know.
Donna Bottomley
Dearest Mrs Bracewell, Guy and Holly and family. Deepest condolences on passing of a great man. He will be missed. Hope that he and my dad are having an awesome reunion!!!
Deepest love
Donna
Karen (Pope) Christensen
Sending love and condolences to your family at this very difficult time. I will always remember him and his wonderful sense of humour from growing up down the street! xo
Adrian Hilda Char & Aaron
We are all sending our love to the whole family at this sad time.
From when we were in our early 20’s Ray was an inspiration to us in so many ways. We have him to thank for setting us up in Canada after moving from the UK. The support Ray & Denise gave us will never be forgotten. Many times we popped over for advice & guidance on different matters.
When our children arrived we enjoyed our Sunday dinners so much. These dinners were the foundation of our children growing up with good table manners. Ray was always on his guard watching them. But we would often let our guard down when he did his little trick with the clinking of the hot teaspoon! We all had such wonderful times at that dinner table.
Such a knowledgeable fun loving man. ❤️
Leo and Faith Crowley
We are indeed sorry to learn of Ray's passing
Daniel Corneau et Anne-Marie Kokinski-Corneau
It is with deep sadness that Anne-Marie and I learned about Ray passing. Our sincere condolences to Denise and all of the family, Holly, Guy and his family. We will miss his sharp sense of humour.
Our sincere sympathy to you and all your family. It will be hard for you to postpone the celebration of Ray's life but will not deminish the love you had for him.