Obituary

We are heartbroken at the sudden loss of our dear dad Raymond Arthur Lewin (Ray) in his 92nd year. He left us quietly and privately through the night on Sunday May 9, 2021, and joined the love of his life, his dearest Joyce (2018) of 65 years. He was the most wonderful dad (and father in law) to Murray (Barbara) and Cindy (Cameron) Millar and loving Grandad to Heather (DJ) Bouck, and Kristin (Matthew) Whittaker. Adored Great Grandad to Rachel, Levi, Alexander, Brynlee, Riley, Emileigh and Kinsley. Predeceased by his twin stillborn sons (1961), his parents Mildred (Gooch) and Albert Lewin, brothers Douglas Lewin (Lorraine), Murray Lewin and sister Valerie Gill, brother in law Robert Calderwood and sister in law Isobel Jones. Lovingly remembered by his sister in laws Fairie Lewin of Oshawa and Davida Calderwood of Peterborough, and his many precious nieces and nephews whom he kept in contact with throughout the years and loved each one so very dearly. He had many lifelong relationships also with his extended family and many cherished friendships. Family and friends were so important to him and he took the time to cherish every memory of everyone he met in his lifetime. He was born in Toronto at the Salvation Army Grace Hospital on Monday February 17, 1930. He lost his father at age 11, and helped his mother to raise his 3 younger siblings by going out to work and helping to support the family. Life was not always easy for him but he was a strong man of faith and that showed throughout his lifetime, by his sheer determination to follow a budget (always tithing) and living according to God’s word by showing love and kindness to all who crossed his path. He loved to work with his hands, especially woodworking, but his first love (next to Mom) was his cars. He had such a passion for his cars and the first new car he purchased was a 1950 Vanguard which he just recently sent an article regarding that car, along with some pictures to Old Autos magazine and they published his story, and he was so thrilled to receive that issue just last week. He also had a few antique cars over the years that he rebuilt and took such pride in. He was a fixer- upper, was fiercely independent and could pretty much do anything he put his mind to. He had many jobs throughout his lifetime and was always eager to try new things. He did not advance to high school as he had to work full time to support his mom and siblings, but in order to do that, he was required to attend night school, eventually completing his education, including a college course in the 1970’s! He entered the hardware business at the age of 14 (1944) and was in sales and management for over 56 years, earning his pride and joy, the ‘Golden Hammer’ in 1995 by his peers. His line of work took him to many places around the world, including Germany, Switzerland, and the US, and all over Canada by planes, trains and automobiles. He finally retired in 2000 as VP of Sales and Marketing for Elgin Handles in St. Thomas, and enjoyed a few good years with his sweetheart travelling, woodworking and making up for lost time. Over the years he lived in Toronto, Peterborough, Dundas, St. Thomas, London and most recently Elora to be close to family. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to those in need, while a dedicated servant in the Salvation Army for over 50 years. He was a meticulous record keeper like his mother, and documented every detail of his life, and just 2 years ago started writing down his memoirs on the computer, and placed his last entry just 4 months ago. He has left a legacy for us all! At 91 his mind was still sharp but his poor body could just not keep up. Very special thanks to Dr. David Brault at Elora Medical Group for taking the time to really listen and chat when needed and for the tremendous care to both our parents over the last 3 years. Also to the pharmacists at Guardian Drugs in Fergus, the nurses at St. Elizabeth for their weekly care visits lately, our special friend Brian Bulger, and for the new family that he loved so much in Station Square Elora, Tom and Lena Nudds. Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions, a private family service will be held at the Elora Cemetery where he will join his beloved wife in the beautiful columbarium right next to the Elora Gorge. Donations in Ray’s memory may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Salvation Army, Lakeside Church Missions Ministry, Bethel Baptist in Fergus, Alzheimer’s Society Waterloo Wellington, or a charity of your choice. “Well done good and faithful servant”