Raymond Thomas Lahey, of Glenwood, passed away at Miramichi Regional Hospital on Sunday, August 14, 2022.
He was born on August 9, 1922, in the family home, where he lived his whole life, the son of Patrick and Mary Lahey (Mann). He attended the one room Glenwood School up to the completion of grade 9. Although the education policies of the time and his family’s circumstances prevented him from attending high school, his life-long love of learning and intellectual curiosity led to a special arrangement under which he was able to exceptionally complete grade 10 in Glenwood. One of his greatest joys was the role he later played with others in making sure his children and those of his neighbours had access to high school and therefore higher education.
On July 3, 1948, he married Patricia, the daughter of George Givern and Eileen Dutcher and the chosen daughter of John and Mary Ellen Jackson of Nelson. They were married for 68 years when she predeceased him on September 11, 2016. In good times and hard times, they were totally devoted to each other. Together they raised a family of four girls and four boys: Anna (Mike), Cathy (Ron), Patrick, Michael (Barb), Bill (Kathryn), David (Anita), Beth and Kim (David). In addition to Patricia and his beloved parents, he was predeceased by his son David, by infant sons Joseph and Stephen, by siblings Anna, James and Mary, by son-in-law Mike Rutter and daughter-in-law Linda Lahey (Taylor) and by many dear neighbours and friends who he knew his whole life.
Raymond is survived by 7 children, 6 children-in-law, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren who live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Alberta, Maine and California.
Raymond worshipped for ten decades at St. Michael’s Basilica and followed his deep faith and the example of his parents in every aspect of his married, family and community life. His family meant everything to him and he meant everything to his family. He was loved and admired by many devoted friends and members of his wider family from across the span of generations that proceeded and followed his, who he treasured. He was an extraordinary storyteller in the tradition of his Irish heritage who used his stories to keep alive the history of his community and the memory of his ancestors and those of his neighbours. He was wryly funny and loved to laugh. He equally enjoyed an argument and thought a good one, especially on politics, was one of the great joys of living. Others included the classic country and western and the traditional Irish songs he adored and loved to sing and the many books he read so he could criticize them. He thrived in the woods and on the hunting trips to the camp that were the perfect opportunity for fellowship (with a drink) and the creation of new stories. He was proud to be the fourth of five generations of Lahey’s to be a farmer and a custodian of the land, in addition to the 25 years he worked in the dietary department of Hotel Dieu Hospital In Chatham. He lived life to the fullest and faced death with the courage of the many great pugilists he loved telling stories about.
Raymond Lahey is resting at Maher’s Funeral Home Miramichi on Wednesday August 17, 2022, from 2-4 & 7-9. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday August 18 from St Michael’s Basilica with Fr Antonio Reyes officiating. As an expression of sympathy, a donation may be made to the University of King’s College in support of the Raymond and Patricia Financial Award for graduates of James M Hill High School, the St Michael’s Basilica Building Fund, The Sandra Conroy Scholarship, the Davie O’Toole Scholarship program, or a children’s charity of the donors choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Maher’s Funeral Home Miramichi, NB. Telephone 773-4321 or www.mahersfh.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raymond Thomas Lahey 14 Aug 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Miramichi, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
My deepest sympathy to the family! 😢💔