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 Nesbitt
Thora and Roger Eyvindson
Dear Denise and Family,
We know how much you will miss Ray. He was a great person and had a good and productive life. Our deepest sympathies.
Karen Aubin
Hi Guy, Cynthia and family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. It’s never easy. Take good care.
Karen
Roman Gorny
Guy please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
I am truly saddened to have the Founder of "The Cloverlawn Breakfast Group" depart one month before we reached our 25th anniversary. Thanks to Ray for organizing us to "break bread" and catch up on the neighbourhood news on the last Saturday of the month.
To his extended family, I send my deepest sympathies and may the wonderful memories provide you with some comfort now.