Chafe, Raymund Vincent "Ray", age 88, of Antigonish passed away on September 9th, 2023, at home.
Born in Canso in 1934, he was a son of the late John Robert and Bridget (Bailey) Chafe.
During his years at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in the 1950s, he developed a passion for social justice which resulted in his spending ten years in the West indies as a Community Development Officer and Educator.
Upon returning to Canada, Ray spent 50 years in Ontario as a human resources officer in addition to his diligent involvement in community social issues and community choirs. He had many fond memories of summer sailing and water sports on Balsam Lake (the Kawarthas) with good friends, the Enright Family. His prowess in gardening was especially noticeable by the profusion of climbing roses that covered the side of his homes in Toronto and Brighton. In 2014, he was lured back to Nova Scotia by his love of the sea and salt air.
Among his many community activities, his favourites involved a theatre group in Ontario of individuals with intellectual disabilities called the Light Magicals and in Halifax with The Daily Bread Outreach Program at St. Mary’s Basilica, coordinated by the Sisters of St. Martha Street Ministry. Ray was a 4th-degree Knight of Columbus.
He is survived by his sister, Sr. Stella Chafe, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha, Antigonish. Ray is also survived by 41 nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews, of which he was blessed to have a close and cherished relationship with many.
Predeceased by his sister, Mary (Edmund Marriott); and brothers, Bob (Vivian), Bill (Margaret), Tom (Vivian), Eddy (Marion), Phonse (Mary), Mike (Winnie), Joe (Elaine), Bernie (Glenn), and Ron (Audrey).
Visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Saturday in St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, with Reverend Donald MacGillivray presiding. Cremation will follow with burial in Star of the Sea Cemetery in Canso at a later date.
In Memoriam, donations to L’Arche Antigonish or the charity of your choice appreciated.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com