Remembering Dad

This will appear in the Journal today. I thought I would share it here as well. Dad would have been so proud. Thank you sweet Norma for your beautiful words and more importantly , your beautiful heart that loved my Dad so very much. We are eternally grateful for the joy you brought to his life! xo

                               ~ARSENAULT~                     

                          JOSEPH RAYMOND “Ray” ARSENAULT

                  July 28, 1948 – July 17, 2012

Without a good-bye to those he loved, or to those who loved him, Joseph Raymond “Ray” Arsenault, Charlottetown, departed this world on July 17, 2012.  Taken by a massive heart attack just eleven days prior to his 64^th birthday, Ray was born on July 28, 1948 in Summerside, PEI to Melvin and Lorraine (Richard) Arsenault of Borden, PEI.  He was the oldest of seven children (Robert, LeRoy, John Mark, Garth, Gail, and Roger).  Ray was predeceased by his father, Melvin, and his brother, Robert.

Ray received his education at Borden and Prince County Vocational High School prior to entering the Royal Canadian Navy in April, 1965.  He served with the Navy for 25 years, taking early discharge in April 1990.  During his naval career, he was based out of CFB Halifax, where he served as a marine engineer aboard such combatant ships as HMCS Saguenay and HMCS Fraser.   Following retirement from the Navy, Ray instructed Fire and Flood Courses for the military – a job he held for five years.  During that time, he returned to PEI to take up residence.  In 1996, he commenced employment with the Charlottetown Airport Authority, where he diligently served as Core Commissioner until several hours before his passing.  In that capacity, he thoroughly enjoyed meeting the travelling public.

In 1970, Ray married Marlene MacNeill, who blessed him with two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Raelene (Mark Richard).  Ray and Marlene eventually chose different paths, but, always, “his girls” remained close at heart.  They, together with his four grandchildren (Tyler, Mackenzie, Porter and Ruby) were, truly, what brought a smile to his face.  Making weekly trips to Summerside to visit them; showing off their photos; remembering their special occasions; attending Tyler and Mackenzie’s special functions (hockey, soccer, gymnastics and graduations); engaging in floor play with little Porter; and trying to bring a smile to little Ruby (with whom he had but nine short months) brought “Grampie” much joy.

While Ray will be remembered by family and friends in many different ways, perhaps his greatest legacy will be the example he set through his countless random acts of kindness.  Never seeking recognition, Ray, in his quiet and unassuming way, was often silently finding ways to offer a helpful hand or to do a kind deed, whether it was saving his change each day for a charity, or buying an extra lobster to share with an elderly neighbor.  His family has been touched by the many stories relayed about his kind gestures.  To quote one of his co-workers:  “That man had a heart of gold.” 

Ray was, for the most part, a reserved and quiet man but for those of us who knew him well, we witnessed his “playful and wilder” side.  He delighted in seeing people stare, or making comments, about the red laces in his white sneakers; and in trying to pull a “fast one” on Graham; or in proclaiming himself as “Number One” to his siblings and his Commissioner buddies!   Ray suffered from a “love of cars” – always sporting a meticulously clean car that matched his meticulous attire.  His Chrysler “300” was his final love, and Reliable Motors parking lot must sense the loss of his almost daily visits.

Ray possessed many attributes, skills and abilities. He was conscientious, and a person whose work ethics were of high standards.  He had a remarkable ability to pay attention to detail, and was very meticulous.   Ray was a person who could put his hand to most anything – from woodworking, to fixing something mechanical, to making a meal.  He enjoyed Sudoko puzzles – the more challenging the puzzle, the more enjoyment he received.   He also delighted in “chilling out” and listening to “tunes”.  Ray, together with his partner of nine years, (Norma Yeo-Malone), particularly enjoyed theatre, concerts, dining out and going for drives/outings.  They especially loved “almost nightly” visits to his Mother’s for a game of dominoes, a game he had grown to love.

Although taken from us before we were ready, we are grateful for the memories he helped us create.  They are now our treasured keepsakes, and we ask, Dear Lord, that you treasure him. His largely attended funeral was held from St. Peter’s Church, in Seven Mile Bay, with Father Doug MacDonald officiating.  Interment took place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Lovingly remembered,
Raelene, Lisa, Lorraine, Norma and Families

We, the family of “Ray” Arsenault would like to thank the first responders; Moase Funeral Home; Graham MacPhail; Brad MacLennan; the many who attended Ray’s wake and funeral; Anne and Willard Leard (for offering their home between wakes); those who brought food, sent flowers, made mass offerings, and gave  donations to The Autism Society of PEI.  Special thanks to Father Doug MacDonald; the organist and choir; the readers, pallbearers and flowerbearers; and the CWL for catering to the reception following the funeral.   Your kindness and support were most appreciated.