Ray passed away peacefully on November 25th at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital just shy of his 88th birthday.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Michèle; his children Leslie and her husband Richard, Monique and her husband Greg; his grandchildren Jeremy (Sophie), Jordan (Wanda), Gabriel (Laura), Sarah (Patrick), and Danièle (Anthony); his great grandchildren Noah, Luka, Jonah, Jaden, Ethan, Logan, Andy, Davy, and Teagan. He is also survived by his brother Jerome and his niece Sheri (Troy). He is predeceased by his son Jean-Paul and his brother Leo.
At the age of 17, Ray joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. As a communications specialist, Ray supported air force establishments in France, Germany, Clinton, North Bay, and Ottawa. It was while on leave in Paris that Ray met Michèle. This chance meeting was the genesis of a truly remarkable and inspirational love story and an amazing family legacy currently spanning four generations.
Ray retired from the RCAF as a Master Warrant Officer following 25 years of exemplary service. Ray then spent the next 13 years with Canada Post as a senior manager.
Ray was always active in the community supporting countless local events and through his long-standing association with the Knights of Columbus.
Ray was an avid boater (cruising both the Rideau and the Caribbean) and enjoyed fishing, square dancing, pickle-ball, bridge, and on occasion, a glass of fine French red wine.
Ray will long be remembered for the love and generosity he always had for his family, his dear friends (including Tom and Ardele, Renée and Jacques, and Lise and Rheal), and anyone in need of a helping hand.
A memorial service commemorating his life will be held at the Beechwood Cemetery on December 2nd at 1:00 pm.
Ray’s family wishes to express its thanks to the staff at the General Hospital and especially the Haematology/Oncology floor for their kindness and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Mireille Drouin et Mathieu Boulerice
Wayne and Huguette Burns and Family
We offer our sincere condolences on Ray's passing. Ray and Michele's life was a true storybook love story. Ray was a dynamic and active person with Michele at his side all along the journey. Their lives were filled with love, kindness and dedication to their family. We always enjoyed their presence and friendship at many social functions and many years at square dancing. We will miss him. God Bless Ray Isabelle !!
Anne Cameron and Bud Andrews
These are some observations over the 30 years we knew Ray as a friend and neighbour.
* He was good natured and kind.
* He could polish silver.
* He giggled.
* He was good at moving rocks, cement and bags of black earth.
* He sobbed when Peaches, his beloved cat died.
* He was a good driver, especially at night.
* He adored Michelle, his daughters and their husbands, his grandsons and granddaughters and all
their broods.
* He definitely had a zest for life.
* Ray Isabelle was a wonderful man.
Rest In Peace Ray. Your memory will be full of love and laughter.
Lynn and John Murphy
Our heartfelt symathies to you Monique, your sister Leslie and your mom and the family. I remember your dad always having such a wonderful smile and accepting my family into his whole heartedly.
Keep your cherished memories close, they will help you through this very difficult time.
All of our love and support,
Lynn and John
Our heart goes out to the family in these difficult times. Ray was such a nice person. It was a real pleasure to have been able to see him every time my sister's family would gather together for one of the boy's birthday or other events. He will truly be missed. May his spirit continue to live through all of his family. xox