Parcourez la nécrologie de Ray Kohlsmith March 24 2025 résidant dans la province Ontario pour le détail des funérailles
KOHLSMITH, Ray Peter
July 2, 1945 – March 24, 2025
With huge heartache we share that we lost the leader of our band. After a courageous brief battle with cancer, Ray Peter Kohlsmith of Horton Township (formerly Cobden) in his 80th year, passed away peacefully at the Ottawa General Hospital with his daughters by his side. Predeceased by his parents Eric Kohlsmith and Elizabeth (nee McCulloch), predeceased by his wife Darlene (nee Stewart), adoring father of Lorinda Kohlsmith (spouse Jeff), Valerie Kohlsmith, (predeceased by) Kimberley, loving grandfather of Kara Blackburn (spouse Riley), Ryan McCue, Joshua Blackburn and Payton Jordan. Caring partner of Suzanne Hebert. Best friend to his brother Murray Kohlsmith (spouse Dorothy), predeceased by his brother Barry and spouse Glenda.
Ray was an entertainer from the early age of 12, mastering lead guitar and 4 & 5 string banjo. He played in many bands over the years and most recently volunteering at Renfrew retirement homes, hospital and golden age activity centre with his brother Murray, daughter Valerie and good friends Larry Dougherty and Daryl Mooney. Many private jams at Stewart’s Bay on his daughter Lori’s deck were a sought after event, joined frequently by his good buddy Kyle Felhaver. Ray was honoured to be inducted into the Ottawa Valley Country Music Hall of Fame with the Countrymen in 2016.
Ray worked construction before venturing off on his own to establish his very successful “Kohlsmith Crane Rental” business. He was tremendously skilled at his craft and devoted to his career. He sold the business and enjoyed retirement to the fullest, playing music, Valley Heritage Bingo, cribbage, euchre and the odd trip to the casino. He was also an avid Ottawa Senators fan.
Thank you to all of our family and friends for your outpouring of sympathy and unwavering support, our Dad was a huge icon in the Valley. Words cannot describe how much we will miss him, and how much he was loved.
Final care has been entrusted to Zohr Family Funeral Home, Renfrew. As per Ray’s request, a celebration of life will be held at the Horton Township community centre, On Saturday, May 24, 2025 from noon until 5:00pm. Where with the help of Kyle, his daughters will host an “open mic” afternoon of music, with donations at the door for the ADHS music department (Please put « For music dept. in memory of R. Kohlsmith » on cheque memo line). We invite all friends to come and “Play for Ray”, to honour the leader of our band. Tributes, condolences and donations may be made online at www.zohrfuneralhome.com
March 24 2025
Décès pour la Ville:Renfrew, Province: Ontario
avis deces Ray Kohlsmith March 24 2025
nécrologie Ray Kohlsmith March 24 2025
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Ray Kohlsmith March 24 2025 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.