Raymond Bragg

Raymond Bragg

September 30th, 1936 - April 10th, 2023

It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Ray Bragg at the age of 86—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Ray passed on Monday, April 10th, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born in Sydney Mines, he was the son of the late Casper and Marcella(Reid) Bragg.

Ray worked for many years at the CN in North Sydney. He also worked at United Alarms, and Gulf Steel. When he retired, he volunteered his services as Manager of the Cape Breton Exhibition. He, along with his team of Roy, Denise, Jim, and Gordon, along with numerous volunteers that lined up to help him, whom he so appreciated. The ex was brought from not being able to pay a bill, to a very successful one. He was awarded by the Nova Scotia Government for volunteering. He put an unbelievable amount of effort into it and loved every minute of it. His desire was to have it for the children to enjoy. He was the key component in bringing Northside Downs back to life. He was instrumental in transforming the buildings from what they were to what you see today. Ray always said he did it out of his love for the place. He received the President’s Award from the Cape Breton Horsemen’s Association in 2007 for his work.

He had a passion for horses that he kept on his property until his death. Ray was also a real sportsman. He loved hunting, and fishing, was a certified scuba diver, water skier, gardener, and fabulous cook, had a love for boating, and was a jack of all trades. He lit up when he was around his grandchildren (the light of his life). His unique personality was adored by all who were lucky enough to know him. Giving and kind, he was the happiest when helping others. He was a man of great faith, one of a kind - a true kind gentleman with the biggest heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, and best friend Shirley (Matheson) for 63 years, daughters Wendy (Dennis) Finney, and Raylene(Duke) Lewis, and son Curtis. Pop will be dearly missed by his pride and joy, his grandchildren Jordan(Crystal), Steven(Victoria), Janelle, Michael(Jennifer), Ryan, and Jewel, as well as 5 great-grandchildren London, Dallas, Jace, Ryker, and Elsie, all of whom he loved so dearly. He is also survived by his sisters Jessie(Brent), Beck, and Joan, and brothers Harold(Millie), Jack(Jacquline), and Don(Jessie). Also leaving behind by brother-in-law Murdock (Carol) Matheson, Jack (Nancy) Matheson, and sister-in-law Karen (Mike) Poplawchuk.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter Debby Raylene, mother and father-in-law, sisters Thelma and Sara, brothers Cecil (Mary), Walt (Doris), Gordon (Nona), brother-in-law Fred, Hughie, and Winston (Ruth).

The family wishes to thank the staff at Northside Dialysis Unit for their care and friendship over the past few years, as well as Dr. Young.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will take place in the summer and be announced at a later date. Donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church or a charity of one’s choice.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.