MERCER, Raymond Richard

Retired Project Manager for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and Communications, passed away peacefully at the Royal Victoria Regional Health Care Centre, on Saturday, May 2nd, in his 83^rd year.  Ray was the dearly beloved husband of Barbara Whitell, loving father of Heather Mercer-Turner of Barrie and Carolyn Rastorfer of Egmondville, Ontario; proud Poppa of Adelaide and Hudson Turner and Grace Rastorfer; dear son of the late Fannie and Wilfred Mercer, loved brother of the late Jack Mercer (Louise and Eva, predeceased) of Thunder Bay, the late Phyllis Gordon (Jim predeceased) of Toronto, the late Henry Mercer (Marilyn) of Calgary, the late Leonard Mercer (Betty) of Bracebridge and Orillia and Joy Armstrong (Jim) of Orillia. Remembered by his sister-in-law, Sharon Whitell (Norman predeceased) and several nieces, nephews and many dear friends. 

Ray’s talents transferred from bridge construction into his personal life. He was the original DIYer and consumate handyman who could build, fix, lift or tow just about anything. Those bigstrong hands were also those of a fine craftsman.One of his favourite hobbies was fine carpentry and his wood working skills produced beautiful pieces of furniture and finishing work for the family home and Grace United Church. He was a life long Anglican but dedicated to the ministry of Grace United Church in so many ways; but especially as a member of the Property Team and the groundskeeper. Camping with family and friends was one of Ray’s favourite pastimes; he was a real outdoorsman and loved nothing more than an afternoon snooze in the trailer or at the beach, a BBQ dinner followed by a campfire. “SOD”, Fred Flintstone or Uncle Ray developed friendships that have lasted decades and life very much revolved around celebrating special occasions at home or organizing social gatherings for family and friends.