It is with great sadness that the family of Ray O’Hagan announce his passing on August 9, 2022 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Ray was born on April 8, 1951 in Kilkeel, Co. Down, Northern Ireland to Hugh and Josephine O’Hagan (nee Brady). He was the sixth of eight children.
Ray attended primary school in Kilkeel and secondary school in Dublin and Newry. During his secondary years he developed a great love for Gaelic football, and competed in many High School and College championship tournaments. He obtained a teaching certificate from St. Joseph’s College in Belfast. He later completed a B.Ed at University of Saskatchewan in 1981. During that time he met his future wife, Marguerite Lynch. They were married June 15, 1971. Their first daughter, Niamh, was born in 1972, followed by Ciara in 1975 and son Dermot in 1977.
Ray taught in Stella Maris Boys’ Secondary School in Glengormley, Co. Antrim before accepting a position in Cumberland House, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1976. While in the North, Ray embraced the indigenous culture and wilderness that Canada offered. He became an avid outdoorsman; hunting, fishing, canoeing. Ray even built a cabin in McDonald’s Bay on Namew Lake as a school project.
In 1983, Ray moved to Churchbridge, SK where he taught Industrial Arts and Social Studies until retiring in 2010. While in Churchbridge, Ray and Marguerite developed close friendships through the community and were busy keeping their children active in Minor Sports and school activities. Camping and outdoor activities continued to be a big passion for Ray throughout this time.
In retirement, Ray took on many hobbies but most of all, loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Ray enjoyed playing chess and taught several of his grandchildren the game by challenging them to tournaments, both in person and online. He enjoyed cycling daily with his constant companion, Tilly, and continued to be active in seeking outdoor adventures. Ray was fond of all music, especially Irish folk, and shared his favourite songs with his family to enjoy. He was an enthusiastic storyteller, taking his time to describe the tales in excruciating detail. Most importantly, he always enjoyed a good joke, even at his own expense. Ray shared his witty humour with all his loved ones. He had a special interest in world affairs and kept himself current through travel and daily newspapers. He gained great satisfaction through woodworking and lending a helping hand to friends and family on their projects. Among those close to him, Ray was famous for his generosity; he could always be relied upon, and was forever willing to take up a challenge, no matter how daunting.
Ray is survived by his wife Marguerite, his children Niamh (Rae), Ciara (Bryce), and Dermot (Kimberly) and by 10 adoring grandchildren: Maggie, Ciaran, Gabrielle Sveinbjornson, Connor O’Hagan, Eimear, Sinead, Shane, and Shaye Currie, and Declan and Callum O’Hagan. He is also survived by his siblings; Sylvia, Ann, Gerard, Maureen and his in-laws Christine and John McGrath and family, Marie Lynch and family, Seamus and Jennifer Lynch and family, and Dermot and Martina Lynch and family.
He is predeceased by his parents Hugh and Josephine, his brother Seamus, and sisters Eilish and Gabrielle (in infancy), and also by his brother-in-law John Lynch.
Ray has set the standard of what it means to be a parent/grandparent, a friend, and a mentor. In honour of his legacy, we all strive to meet the incredible example he has set. We love you dad!
Read Less
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond O’Hagan, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Raymond O’Hagan Tuesday August 9th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Yorkton, Province: Saskatchewan