Obituary of Ray Staples

Ray passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at the age of 85.

Beloved husband of 63 years to Elizabeth Ann (nee Whaley); loved dad to Stephanie and Jennifer (Kyler Smith); cherished grandfather to Nathaniel and Annika Smith. Brother to Ken and Don.

He was predeceased by his father, Frederick, and his mother, Estella (Carroll), siblings Lynda, Shirley, and Allan.

Ray joined the Air Force in 1953. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth, while in the Air Force.

Ray was a very simple man. He loved both car and horse racing. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. They were his world.

Ray was also a gifted painter which he inherited from his father who was also a painter.

Ray was a husband. He believed in marriage, and he demonstrated this when his wife had a stroke in 2011. He became her primary caregiver, cook, housekeeper, and banker. He never complained. His spirit broke when she went into LTC. He lost his purpose.

He loved animals dearly. He had many cherished “friends during his life”. Most recently, Tigger, Molly, and Charlie.

The common thread by all is that Ray was kind and a caring man. He never wavered. He was dependable.

His family and friends will miss his gentle ways. Cremation has taken place.  A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at a future date. Ray spent time working and supporting Out of the Cold and Food Bank programs. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ontario Humane Society, the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, or Out of the Cold Programs would be appreciated by contacting the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.