1941 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bertram John ‘Barney’ Ray from Collingwood, Ontario shares news of his passing on Thursday, February 5, 2026. He fought a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease – Lewy Body Dementia and was 84 years old.
Barney leaves behind his wife Pat (nee Mac Donald), to whom he was married for 58 years; their children Todd (Heather) and Dawn; plus six grandchildren who meant the world to him (Leah, Taryn, Mya and Tanner Ray, along with Cassie and Reagan Gauthier). Also remembering him are his sister Joanne, brother-in-law Bob Mac Donald, sister-in-law Susan Walkington (Chris) and their families. Barney was preceded in death by his parents Gladstone ‘Glady’ and Jennie Ray as well as his in-laws Scott and Marg Mac Donald.
From 1984 until he retired in 2013, Barney ran B. J. Ray Fuels (Petro Canada), serving homes and businesses across Windsor-Essex and Northern Ontario. In 1988 he earned Petro Canada’s President’s National Award for Excellence in Service.
Known for being kind-hearted and generous without hesitation, Barney often sponsored sports teams. He loved spending time outdoors and will be fondly remembered by friends from Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, and Manitoulin Island where they hunted and fished together. His Friday morning breakfast crew in Wasaga Beach will miss him too-as will many neighbors in Naples FL, especially his good friend Tom Kokoszka. And lots of people recall those yellow roses he always sent as a special sign of affection.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Jaime Stewart , Dr. Sandra Black , an d all staff at people Care Meaford Long Term Care Home fo r their kindness an d suppo rt during Barney ’s illness.
Everyone i s welcome to join a Celebration of Life for Barney on Saturday , May 9 , 2026 , from 1 to 4 p. m., held at the Quattro Conference Centre , North Ballroom , located at 229 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie , ON.
If you’d like to express sympathy through donations , please consider the Meaford Nursing Home Auxiliary ( cheques only ) or the Sunnybrook Foundation (donate. sunnybrook. ca– In Memory of Barney Ray ). All contributions made under Barney’s name support Dr. Black’s area of expertise. You can also send donations via Ferguson Funeral Home at 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford ON N4L 1B9 who are handling arrangements.www. fergusonfuneralhomes. ca
