Raymond Patrick (Ray) Burchell

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Raymond (Ray) Patrick Burchell on Friday, September 13, 2024, at home with his loving family by his side, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Sydney Mines on March 9, 1958, he was the son of the late Cyril and Alvena (Landry) Burchell. 

Ray's love for his family was unwavering. He always had a harmonica in hand, ready to play a tune, and never missed a chance to gather with friends. His greatest joy, however, came from being a grandfather. After his daughter Paige’s tragic passing in 2016, Nanny and Poppy became her children’s primary caregivers, Hailey and Georgie, a role Ray embraced with all his heart.

Ray was a dedicated worker, spending over 40 years in the west, in the labourers and pipeline union, and most recently in the operators and engineers of local 955 operating the boom truck. He held various positions and job titles, always striving to provide for his family. He was committed to his work , even though it meant leaving home for long periods.

Ray was diagnosed with cancer 22 months ago; he battled courageously every single day until the very end. Forging on as she typically does Joanne was steadfast in her quality care of Ray during his illness.

Left to mourn his passing his loving wife of 45 years, Joanne (Jobes); his three sons Josh (Margaret) Ft. McMurray, Jonathan (Alyssa), and Justin (Santanya), both of Sydney Mines, daughter Rhiannon Deere( Layton) Stettler, AB. Grandchildren: Hailey, Georgie, Caleb, Ella, Sophie, Noah, Owen, Ryder, Evanny, and Exzavia. Siblings, Alvena (the late Ray) Poole, Halifax, Cyril (Anne) Burchell, Ontario, Joan (Jim) Prince Halifax, Alan (Sue) Burchell, Ft. McMurray, Theresa (Joe) Lynk, Ft. McMurray, Peter (Gena) Burchell, Calgary, Laura Roberts, Calgary. Brothers and sisters-in-law Gail (late, Donnie) Maclean, Ingonish, Manning (Andre Campbell) Jobes, Sydney Mines, Lori (Gary) Jessome, Sydney Mines, and Kara Jobes (Travis Williams), Ingonish. Adored family member Bev Mitchelitis, mother of two of his grandsons, Melissa Hawkins. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews but shared a special bond with two in particular, Greg Moores, who, during his illness, visited daily with coffee in hand, and Jeremy Whitty, who, from the time he was a young boy; shared a close relationship with his uncle, during Ray’s illness they shared many drives filled with meaningful conversations. Close friend Dougie Rideout, who kept Ray supplied with lobster.

Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by his daughter Paige,it is believed he has gone to meet her just in time for her birthday, September 15th. Sisters Carol and Yvonne, Mother and father-in-law, John Dan and Nora (Murphy) Jobes.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the following: Ray's brother Peter, who traveled from Calgary to be with Ray during his difficult days, taking a “hands-on” approach to his time with his brother. To his sister-in-law Lori for her commitment to his ongoing medical needs and her “hands on” approach while caring for Ray. And to Julia (Palliative Care), V.O.N, Dr. Peter Poulos, Dr. Amy Wambolt, and Lori Ryan

Visitation for Raymond Burchell will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 4-7 pm in JM Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A funeral mass to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, September 19, at 11 am in Holy Family Parish, with Fr. Fabian officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Sydney Mines Pensioners Club, 6 Fraser Ave. Sydney Mines.

“Through memories, the ones we love live in our hearts forever. “

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