Ray Dillabough

A lifetime resident of the Dunbar area, Ray Dillabough passed away at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sun., Sept. 12, 2010. He was 70.
Ray was born in Dunbar on Oct. 15, 1939 to his parents, Calvin and Cassie Dillabough (nee Hummell). He was raised on the family farm along with his sister, Shirley, and attended local schools. He started working when he was 14 or 15 fixing bridges, and working on the Seaway driving the big rock trucks (yukes) even before he had a license to drive. He was happy as long as there was a truck to drive or a piece of equipment to run, especially if it was a Ford.
On Oct. 5, 1957 he married Lois Gray, and together they had four children: Wayne, Donna, Darlene, and Debbie. Ray operated the family farm, as well as working outside the home for Queensway Tank Lines, Jack McMillan Fuels, and the Department of Highways. He sold the farm in 1989, and built the house beside his parents on Froats Road.
Ray and Lois celebrated their 25th anniversary shortly before Lois passed away in 1983, and a few years later he married Verna McRoberts. Ray and Verna celebrated their 14th anniversary in June of this year. Their families of four children each would soon become eight. He loved to have his family around him and enjoyed being with his 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Teasing or joking, making them laugh, or just getting a big hug and kiss. He would never miss a special occasion from birthdays, to family gatherings, to weddings. They were always attending hockey games, broomball games, dance recitals, etcetera. Whatever his children or grandchildren were doing, he was always there to show his respect and love. Family was the most important thing in the world to Ray. He was always there when his family or friends needed help or advice when it was requested.
He was a "get it done" kind of guy. He believed that there was no sense in waiting, you might as well get at it, regardless of what the job might be. He loved country music, especially Charley Pride and George Jones, and dancing. Ray always had a guitar as well as other instruments sitting in the living room, and he always encouraged his children to sing and play. He was proud of all of his children, each in their own special way, and that was evident when he had a story to tell about them. Ray also enjoyed a good movie as long as it was a war film or starred John Wayne. He taught his family that to live a good life you had to work hard, be good to your friends and neighbours, and they in turn would be good to you. He taught them to live life to the fullest, enjoy whatever it is that they are doing from work to play, and always do their best and their best will be good enough. He had many friends, work friends, good neighbours, and camping buddies, and with each one he had a good time.
Ray is survived by his wife, Verna; his children, Wayne (Shirley) of RR #2 Chesterville, Donna Dillabough of Morrisburg, Darlene (Linden) Marcellus of RR #2 Ingleside, and Debbie (Mike) Sharkey of Chesterville; and his step-children, Keith (Kathy) McRoberts of Ottawa, Karl (Christine) McRoberts of South Mountain, Donna (Gord) Lutz of Chesterville, and Kenny (Linda) McRoberts of Orleans. Ray will be fondly remembered by 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was a dear brother-in-law of Lyle Munro of RR #2 Chesterville. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lois Gray, his parents Cal and Cassie Dillabough (nee Hummell), and his sister Shirley Munro. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Tues., Sept. 14 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Wed., Sept. 15 at 11 am with Rev. Elaine Beattie officiating. Interment followed at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Chesterville. The pallbearers were grandsons Billy McRoberts, Josh McRoberts, Brody Lutz, Blair Marcellus, Adam Dillabough, Jake McRoberts, and Jordan Sharkey. The honourary pallbearers were granddaughters Jamie Belanger, Aimee Dillabough, Alanna Marcellus, Brooke Sharkey, Nathasha McRoberts, Kendra McRoberts, BreeAnn Lutz, Jenna McRoberts, Krista McRoberts, and Lisa McRoberts.
Donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family.