Obituary of Raymond William Newson

NEWSON- Raymond William of St. Thomas passed away at home, surrounded by the loving comfort of his children, on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of 62 years to the late Barbara June Newson (2014). Ray is survived by his children Rick (Judy) Newson, June (Dave) MacDonald, and Jo (late Verne) Purvis; by his grandchildren Ryan (Michele) Newson, Gregg (Nicole) Newson, and Eric (Alishia) Newson, Derek (Caitlyn) MacDonald and Darren (Monika) MacDonald; Cheryl (Josh) Balsden and Stacie (Josh) Hearn; by his great grandchildren Olivia, Adrian, Christian, Madison, Liam, Logan, Allie, Hailey, Brooke, Caleb, Henry, Brinley, and Leah; by his sister-in-law Ruth (late Jim) Newson; and by his special friend Doreen Dalton. Ray was born in St. Thomas to the late Floyd and Irene Newson. He worked at Weatherhead Company for 22 years in the accounting department, becoming the Plant Accountant and Controller. In 1968, Ray became a Certified Management Accountant. He moved to Canadian Timken in 1972, where he worked for 17 years becoming the Treasurer. He retired in 1989. Ray was active in the community. He volunteered with the United Way Budget Committee. He was Treasurer and President of St. Thomas Minor Baseball Association in the 1960’s and 1970’s and coached minor baseball at the Pee-Wee level. Ray and Barb enjoyed volunteering together at A Day Out with Thomas. He was also a member of Central United Church for 85 years, holding various positions. Ray enjoyed golfing with his wife Barb at the Belmont Golf Club and at the courses around their winter home in Lakeland, Florida. In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570) on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 11:00 am. Those wishing to attend the memorial service are required to register on Ray’s tribute page on the funeral home website, or by calling the funeral home. For those unable to attend the memorial service, a livestream will be made available on Ray’s tribute page. Interment of ashes in Elmdale Memorial Park Cemetery. If desired, donations to Heart & Stroke Foundation or STEGH Foundation would be appreciated. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.ca