1941 – 2026
The family of Bertram John ‘Barney’ Ray from Collingwood, Ontario is heartbroken to share that he passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia at the age of 84.
Barney leaves behind his loving family – his wife Pat (nee Mac Donald), who he was married to for 58 years, his children Todd (Heather) and Dawn, along with six grandchildren he adored (Leah, Taryn, Mya and Tanner Ray, plus Cassie and Reagan Gauthier). He will also be remembered by his sister Joanne, brother-in-law Bob Mac Donald, sister-in-law Susan Walkington (Chris), and their families. Barney was predeceased by his parents Gladstone ‘Glady’ and Jennie Ray as well as his in-laws Scott and Marg Mac Donald.
From 1984 until retiring in 2013, Barney owned B. J. Ray Fuels (Petro Canada), providing services to homes and businesses in the Windsor-Essex region and Northern Ontario. In 1988, he received Petro Canada’s President’s National Award for Excellence in Service.
Barney was known for being kind-hearted and generous. He always stepped up to help others without a second thought, including sponsoring numerous sports teams. A lover of the outdoors, he will be missed by many friends in Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, and Manitoulin Island with whom he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He will also be missed by his Friday morning breakfast pals in Wasaga Beach and many friends in Naples FL-especially his buddy Tom Kokoszka. Many will remember him for the ‘yellow roses’ he often sent as tokens of affection.
The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Jaime Stewart , Dr. Sandra Black, and all staff at people Care Meaford Long Term Care Home for their kindnessand care provided to Barney duringhis illness.
All are welcome to join a Celebrationof Barney’s Life on Saturday , May9 ,2026 from1to4 p. m. at Quattro Conference Centre, Northern Ballroom ,229Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie , ON.
In lieu of flowers, directionsfor donations canbe made to Meaford Nursing Home Auxiliary(cheques onlyplease) or Sunnybrook Foundation(donate. sunnybrook. ca – In Memoryof Barney Ray). Donationsin Barney’s namewill go toward Dr. Black’s areaof expertise; these can also be made through Ferguson Funeral Home ,48 Boucher St. E., Meaford ON N4L1B9 who have been entrustedwith arrangements. www. fergusonfuneralhomes. ca
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