Obituary of Ray McNabb

McNabb, Raymond (Ray), Sydney River / Glace Bay We are saddened to announce the passing of Ray McNabb, on January 7, 2024, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Reserve Mines on January 23, 1930, Ray was the son of Raymond and Katie (Martin) and was raised in Tompkinsville. He is predeceased by Shirley (Crowell), his wife of 69 years, his parents and his beloved son Bruce. Ray leaves behind his children Debra (Kate Dodds), Paula (André Gallant) and their sons Graeme and Max, and David (Ruth Clarke) and their sons Cai and Luke. He also is survived by his sisters Rena Antle (Bernie deceased) and Anne Rennie (George deceased), his brother Larry (Bertie), sisters-in-law Kay McNabb, Joyce Crowell and Isabel Crowell and brother-in-law Bill Noseworthy, along with many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Ray was predeceased by his brother Gord, his sisters Eileen (Joe) MacIntyre, Marge (Ryan) Sullivan, Jean Lawrence and Priscilla McNabb, sisters-in-law Vivian (George) Morris, Audrey (Willy) Czibor, Phyllis (Tom) Johnson, and Beth Noseworthy, and his brothers-in law and Roy, Earl, George (Jean) and Donnie Crowell. Ray was proudly from Reserve Mines and told many stories of his youth: milking the family cow, being taken out of class by Father Jimmy (Tompkins) to be challenged about making a difference in the world, performing in plays, boxing with his buddies and caddying at the golf course. He was a long-time employee of Nova Scotia Power, first at Seaboard Power Plant and then later Lingan Power Plant. After retirement, Ray taught stationary engineering courses at AVTC. Learning from the experience of his parents at Tompkinsville, Ray helped organize a housing co-operative for Rosewood Street in Glace Bay with his lifelong friend Joe Matheson and raised his family there. He was active in his union and in a variety of causes, including the United Way and Kiwanis’ Golden K. He was at various times a skater, a hockey player, a bowler, a golfer and a square-dancer and always a proud Papa to his four grandsons whom he adored. He was a die-hard Leafs fan and in later years cheered on the Blue Jays with Shirley and Paula. He was an avid fly fisher and passed on to David his love of the sport and the secret locations of his favourite fishing holes. Ray held special memories of his fishing trips to Newfoundland and Labrador with his pals. He loved music and well into his 80s thoroughly enjoyed singing to seniors at Harbourstone with the Golden K. He amazed us all with his memory of song lyrics. Ray and Shirley made everyone welcome at their bungalow in Mira. Deb, Paula and David often had cousins and friends visit who never wanted to go home. Ray loved people and was a gentleman to those he met. He enjoyed nothing more than conversations with old acquaintances; he would have hated to miss his own celebration of life. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to daughter Paula and her family who shared their home with Ray and Shirley for more than twenty years and have been very attentive to their care as they aged. We also would like to thank Dr Steven MacDougall and staff for their excellent care and dedication, the wonderful Nursing, Office and Adult Day Program staffs of the VON, the drivers of Handi-Trans, and County Homemakers. Thanks also to Ann MacDonald, Sheri Wall-Breski and Arjun Thakur for their many kind deeds. Arrangements have been entrusted to TJ Tracey. Cremation has taken place. On May 4, 2024, there will be a visitation from 12:00 to 2:00, followed immediately by a celebration of life at T.J. Tracey, 370 Reserve St, Glace Bay. 902-849-4199. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory can be made to the Kiwanis Golden K or V.O.N. of Cape Breton. Condolences can be left at www.tjtracey.com.