RAYMOND “RAY” CHALIFOUX Obituary
Referred to warmly as Ray or Poppy, born January 21, 1938, in Timmins, Ontario passed away peacefully the morning of September 7th, 2021, in the arms of his wife of 62 years, Patricia Chalifoux. Son of immigrants from France, he was a devoted father and grandfather. His family was his life. He had three beautiful daughters, Debra married to Patrick Giordano, Michele married to Jim Mclean and Melody Vansickle (deceased). He had one brother Leo Chalifoux (deceased) who loved painting who was married to Margaret Chalifoux who lives in Wisconsin. Mary and Fred Wyville were his in-laws (deceased) and he had a sister Lillian (deceased) married to Norm Harkins (deceased). He is remembered by his wonderful grandchildren, Angelina Giordano in Montreal, Peggy Giordano in New York, Tina Giordano-Flannery in Chicago, Paul Giordano in Evanston (Illinois), Tyler McLean in Sarnia, Eric Vansickle in Sarnia and Chelsea Vansickle in Sarnia. He has two great granddaughters Ava and Elysia. Also remembered by his cousin Isabelle Gillis, his sisters-in-law, Barbara married to David Marks, Bonnie married to Ed Marcy. His nephews Kelly and Caroline Marks, Todd and Angela Marks, Chad and Michelle Marks, Lance Marcy and Shane Marcy, Bobby Chalifoux, Joseph Chalifoux and his nieces Rachel and Jeff Burt, Patty and Wayne Leclerc, Reneé and Nick Mascoboné, Danny and Robin Harkins, Jim and Lauren Harkins, and Monica Gillis. His extended family are Ted McLean, Jackie and Sam McLean. He also has a list of great nieces and nephews. Ray was an inspiration to his family. He had a brilliant mind; he was an inventor who was always fixing things. He helped raise his grandchildren and ran a tight ship while helping raise triplet girls. He had a very warm heart. He was an inventor, who had patents, a boilermaker, an antique shop owner, an author, a fan of the Canadiens hockey team. He will forever be remembered for his strength. He was a great hockey coach, baseball coach and although he was never officially a figure skating coach, he was paramount in the success of his family’s figure skating careers and was an avid fan. He made everyone around him feel loved. Ray was fond of catch phrases; whenever he had a phone conversation he would say, “Give my regards to Broadway,” based on the musical. Thanks to Sumac Lodge – you are the best loving, caring staff to Ray and his family. We could not have gone through this without you!! Last but not least, I know smiling from above he would tell us that everything is copacetic and he would say a final cheerio to all of us. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Friday, September 10, 2021, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Due to COVID restrictions, those who wish to attend the memorial service must sign up online: https://signup.com/go/pLVUwMZ.