Cover photo for Raymond George Denney's Obituary
Raymond George Denney Profile Photo

Raymond George Denney

November 16, 1928 — April 18, 2023

Emsdale, Ontario

The family of Raymond George Denney are sad to announce his passing on April 18,2023 at the age of 94.  He leaves behind his loving wife, Wilma Bartmann after 73 years of marriage, his children, Bonnie Beswick, Gregory (Wendy), Carolynn Laxton (Bill) and Jeffrey (Sue), 11 grandchildren,16 great grandchildren, sister, Shirley Reidt, sister-in-law, Marie Abel and a very close and cherished family friend, Dale McRae.  Also, Uncle Ray to many nieces and nephews.

Ray was born in Howick Township on November 16,1928.  Raised on a farm by Ernest and Elsie Denney, 4th of 7 children. He met the love of his life, Wilma, at the local skating rink in Fordwich, Ontario.  Soon they married in Wallace Township, Ontario at Wilma’s parent’s farm on February 4,1950 then lived in Exeter Township, Ontario for 1 year.  Ray built their first home in Windsor, Ontario.  Six years into their marriage, Ray and Wilma had filled their home with 4 children and Ray drove transport with Overland Express, for 15 years.  Beginning as a young man, Ray worked at farm hand jobs, the later years, road construction and carpentry and then with his children’s help, an owner of a Muskoka summer cottage resort called, Slumber Lodge, Clear Lake, Emsdale, Ontario from1965-1976.  Ray became very successful as a self-taught artist creating wood carved pictures until his late 80's. Wilma was always at his side and recorded 50 first place ribbons and 5,000 carvings.  Ray’s pictures are admired in Canada, United States and Europe.  For 40 years they traveled to Florida and North Carolina.  Ray was a great storyteller and loved to pull the odd prank on family and friends. He loved to read, play cards and enjoyed his iPad.  He wrote and published his own autobiography titled, Footloose, which has been gifted and read by many people.

Wilma will miss her soul mate and we will miss our father dearly.

The Denney family are truly grateful for the attention and heartfelt professional care given for our father and giving comfort to our mother.  Thank you and acknowledgment to Dr. DeRoode, Community Care Access Centre - Northeast, NECCAC,  Dr. Debra Harold for her outstanding compassion who father had great respect and gratitude along with her special palliative team. Algonquin Grace Residential Hospice for taking our father into their wonderful caring arms when he most needed them.  This family will never forget.  Hugs to all, The Denney's

Celebration Of Life will be held at a future time in Listowel, Ontario.  Donations appreciated to Hospice Huntsville or Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site - Muskoka Algonquin Health Care.  Messages of condolence can be left at www.billingsleyfuneralhome.com

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