RAYMOND HAMILTON LAVERY

Condolences & Memories (33 entries)

• Mr. Lavery was the best teacher I ever had! I was lucky enough to have him for two years in high school. Due to his influence and excellent inspirational teaching, I entered the field of linguistics and literacy. I just helped my daughter interpret Hamlet the other day as I recalled it vividly from Mr. Lavery's teaching. He was a very supportive teacher and even came to watch a dance performnce and track & field competition in which I was a participant. How lucky I was to have had him for an educator and mentor. He will be missed. - Posted by: Jacqueline Glance (Former Student GCCI) on: May 13, 2014

• Brian, our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Nessa Herman, an admirer and former neighbour, and Albert Anderson, keeper of the toaster. - Posted by: Nessa Herman () on: Jan 14, 2014

• I have so many engaging remembrances of Raymond from our years together at Manitoba Education. We worked right next to one another - I the scientific "rationalist" and he as the oracle of the "literati" who loved to torment the pretenses of the sciences as masquerading as the light in the darkness. I don't think Ray ever knew that my first loves are classical music and literature...and keeping these as hidden treasures allowed me to laugh with him when he would go on with a soliloquy that might begin like this: "Now, about science....my indifference to its importance is exceeded only by its irrelevance to the society..." "Everybody loved Raymond".....he will be fondly remembered - especially his broad smile and even broader appeal! Walk those mystical beaches now..... - Posted by: John Murray (Friend and Former Colleague at Manitoba Education) on: Jan 10, 2014

• When I think of Ray, the first thought is of that wonderfully warm smile, and then that great spirit of acceptance and love for all. Ray, your phenomenal mind and your big heart offered so much to so many. I miss you a great deal! Brian, please know I am thinking of you at this time of such an immense loss. You two had such a wonderful life together and I hope somehow your many memories will carry you over the tough days. Love you too, Darlene - Posted by: Darlene Lindsay (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2014

• Most knew of Uncle Ray as a mentor, educator, friend....I knew him as an inspiration, but also a funny and "clumsy at times" uncle who relied on Brian to keep him in order (ha ha). My heart goes out to my mom, Brian, and Marita. I am glad I got to say goodbye and let him know how he impacted my life. - Posted by: Sheena (Niece) on: Jan 08, 2014

• Dear Brian, The world has lost a wonderful soul who will be sadly missed by so many people, but none more than you. My thoughts are with you and family and friends as we all reflect on Ray's wonderful and accomplished life. Deepest Condolences, Alan Blanchette - Posted by: Alan Blanchette (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2014

• Ray Lavery was one of the best teachers I had in high school at Stonewall Collegiate. He was an inspiration to many, smart and funny, and he had to endure too many who were not interested in learning. But he did it with grace, and some he got through to, and it is why we enjoy literature to this day. - Posted by: Robert Hawkins (Student) on: Jan 06, 2014

• Brian, it is with much sadness that I will not be with you, your family, and Ray's friends and colleagues to celebrate a life lived to the fullest. His passion for literacy, learning, and teaching has had a profound impact on our classrooms, and I reflect upon this often. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. - Posted by: Joan Bartley (Friend and colleague at Manitoba Education) on: Jan 02, 2014

• Brian, you know how much we loved Raymond. We will always treasure our times together. Ray was a friend first but also a great mentor to Gail as she worked on her Reading Assessment project. The project was completed Dec. 11th. A few hours later your email arrived. We were greatly saddened but how appropriate... that Raymond passed with an unknown legacy completed. Thanks Ray for your endless guidance. Brian, stay strong. Raymond was blessed to have you in his life. Love to you dear friend. Blake and Gail - Posted by: Gail and Blake Surman (Friend/ cottage neighbour) on: Dec 28, 2013

• There are people we are fortunate to know. Raymond Lavery was one of them. Our prayers are with you Brian. Raymond was a great man. He made a tremendous impact upon multiple lives. Love and blessings to you Brian. - Posted by: Blake and Gail Surman (Friends) on: Dec 28, 2013

• Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ray. I met Ray at the start of my teaching career. I had a tremendous amount of respect for his knowledge, enthusiasm and professionalism. He was an exceptional person. My thoughts and prayers to his family. - Posted by: Missy Penner (Former Colleague (Garden City Collegiate)) on: Dec 27, 2013

• Brian, we have been thinking of you with our deepest sympathy since we learned of Ray's passing. Such a great loss for all who knew him, but most painful for you. Professionally, Ray was a selfless mentor and an inspiring leader in our field. I was so fortunate to have worked under his guidance. Personally, we'll remember some wonderful evenings around the dinner table sharing food, stories, and lots of laughs. May your best memories of Ray help sustain you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Tannis Miller () on: Dec 27, 2013

• We wished that we would have spent more time together. He was wonderful. We thought the world of him. - Posted by: Gilles & Linda Ouellet (Brian's uncle & aunt) on: Dec 23, 2013

• My condolences to Brian and the family during this difficult time. Mr. Lavery was a wonderful teacher who was very disciplined, and I always was thankful for that. RIP Mr. Lavery. - Posted by: Jill Smerchansky (Former Sudent (Garden City Collegiate)) on: Dec 22, 2013

• Mr. Lavery was an awesome teacher. I did not realize how educated he really was. His compassion and knowledge of the English language was immense. So sad to hear about his passing. A kind spirit has left us. Rest in Peace Mr. Lavery. - Posted by: Lisa Monk Brooks (Student Garden City) on: Dec 22, 2013

• Fond memories of good times at college, and of happy news from Marita about Ray's life and achievements remain. Ray was a kind, gentle, accomplished class act! My condolences to Brian, family and friends. - Posted by: Barbara (Gray) Kelly (United College classmate) on: Dec 21, 2013

• Ray was a mentor to many and a well respected academic. His joie de vivre was amazing! Keep the happy thoughts of Ray in this time of sadness. - Posted by: NIna Logan (Manitoba Association of Teachers of English) on: Dec 21, 2013

• I was fortunate enough to have had Mr. Lavery as my high school English teacher. He allowed my creative writing juices to flow and was very accepting of potentially controversial pieces myself and others chose to write about. I recall a piece I wrote on Satan (I actually still have the essay) as well as a group project that involved Winnipeg's homeless community. I learned a lot in his class. He will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Mr. Lavery. - Posted by: Aimee Horbul (Former Student (grad 1989)) on: Dec 21, 2013

• We were lucky to have known and loved Ray very much. We were also blessed to have been able to spend time with Ray and Brian last winter. We will cherish those moments together. Have courage Brian. We will have you in our thoughts and our prayers. We love you. (Aunt Francine and uncle Albert from St-Basile New - Brunswick. - Posted by: Francine and Albert Martin (Brian's Aunt and Uncle) on: Dec 21, 2013

• I am so sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. My thoughts go out to his partner, Brian, and his family members. I remember cousin Raymond as a young teacher, when I was in my teens. Even then, he was a kind and caring person. Although we lost contact over the years, I will always remember him in that light. - Posted by: Frances Harrison, nee Fierce (Cousin) on: Dec 21, 2013

• Marlene and I are sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. He will always be fondly remembered and have a place in our hearts. Brian, Diane and Family; you are in our thoughts and prayers. - Posted by: Geoff Fierce (Cousin) on: Dec 21, 2013

• Dear Brian, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. With heartfelt condolences from Henk and Inge Scholte, neighbors at the lake. - Posted by: Henk and inge Scholte (neighbors) on: Dec 20, 2013

• Brian. So sorry to hear of Raymond's passing. He was a great example of genuine caring and I feel privileged to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Take care, regards from Jean and Jean. (the pair of Jeans) - Posted by: Jean Chennell (Nurse to Opal) on: Dec 19, 2013

• I worked with Ray and he was so much fun and so smart. I am so very sad to hear of his passing. Thinking of you, Brian. - Posted by: Nancy Dyck (co-worker) on: Dec 19, 2013

• I was fortunate to have Ray Lavery as a high school English teacher in grades 11 and 12. As a teacher, he was superb, and I remember his classes fondly to this day. May his memory be a blessing. - Posted by: Michael Meyers (Former student at Garden City Collegiate circa 1975-1977) on: Dec 19, 2013

• I was very sad to hear of Raymond's passing. Diane and family, you are in my prayers. Brian, I am very sorry for your loss. Raymond was a partner, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and very special to each of us in his own way. - Posted by: Kathleen (Fierce) Doering (Cousin) on: Dec 17, 2013

• Brian, I am so sorry to hear of Raymond's passing, He was a very special person in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends. Take Care and God Bless you. Janis XO - Posted by: Janis McDougall (co-worker) on: Dec 16, 2013

• We have known this gentle person. We have reminisced and sang songs with him. He gave us his friendship. We are thankful. Diane and I loved him and he will be in our heart always. - Posted by: Levis and Diane Ouellet (Brian's Father and spouse Diane) on: Dec 16, 2013

• My condolences to Brian - my thoughts are with you I know from experience how very hard this is to go through. One day at a time my friend. If you ever need to talk please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. And my heart goes out to Marita as well - you guys have been best buds forever! Take care you two. Sandy Drummond - Posted by: Sandy Drummond (worked with Ray Lavery at Manitoba Education) on: Dec 16, 2013

• We are truly saddened by Raymond's death, our thoughts and prayers are with you Brian. Bon courage. Tante Alice et Oncle Christian - Posted by: Christian & Alice Ouellet (Oncle et Tante a Brian ) on: Dec 15, 2013

• I too am filled with sadness to learn of the passing of Ray... a classy guy who was a wonderful mentor and full of fun! Can it get any better? I will miss popping by at the lake when I am visiting Gail. Sympathy and thoughts and prayers to you, Brian and Ray's family. Sincerely, Lorraine Prokopchuk - Posted by: Lorraine Prokopchuk (friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

• You will be in our thoughts and prays during this difficult time. Take Care - Posted by: Maem and Herb (Friend) on: Dec 14, 2013

• Special thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you Brian during this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Ginette et Richard Poupart from Ottawa, ON () on: Dec 14, 2013