Raymond Peter Lavergne
We regret to inform you that on October 24, 2017 Raymond Peter Lavergne passed away at home in his sleep.
Ray was born to Bertha Cutler on February 24, 1943 in McKenzie Island. At a young age of two he was adopted by Cecile and Benjamin Lavergne and lived in Kenora until his passing.
Ray had fantastic musical ability and initially played the accordion. One evening when Ray was about 13, his uncle Reg Bovette, former Grand Fiddle Champion of Manitoba and his buddies were having a jam session at the Lavergne residence. When they took a break Ray picked up a guitar and played his first song, he never looked back from there. At 14 he was in his first group the Twilighters.
Ray played in many bands but his greatest accomplishment was to write, sing and record songs about his family and his love for God.
Ray married his high school sweetheart Dianne Fugate and the joy of his life “his little girl, Tammy was born.”
Ray’s accomplishments were many. He was a Black Belt in Judo and a Sensei to many people in Kenora. He won the Ontario Championships in 1971.
Ray took great pride in being a paper maker at the Kenora Mill and was employed there for over 30 years.
Friends of Bill W. in our district knew Ray as a rock solid “Big Booker” and many owe their lives to the time and effort he put in to their sobriety.
Ray studied the Bible daily for over 30 years and helped many people to turn their lives over to God whom he loved so much. He was often heard to say “God comes first in my life, my family second, the AA people third and everyone else is in the backseat.” He loved life and loved us all.
Recently Ray took great pride in obtaining his Metis status and at the time of his passing he was working on obtaining his full status. He was proud of his roots and his heritage.
Ray leaves to mourn his prayer partner and best friend Margaret; daughter Tammy (Eric); step sons Chet (Cathy) and Karl (Jenn). Through marriage to Margaret Ray leaves to mourn eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and loving friends.
His absence from our lives will leave a great void but as he often said “You should not cry for a man who has gone home to his Father.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetic Society, 101-730 Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7E 1E9.
Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre with reception to follow in the Knox United Church basement.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
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