Lt.Cdr. (retired) Raymond (Ray) Doucette age 84 years of Dartmouth passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Dartmouth General Hospital on May 13, 2016. Born in Beebe, Quebec he was a son of the late Alexander and Gwen Doucette. He is survived by his wife the former June MacDonald, children Barry, (Margo) Victoria, BC, Michelle (David) Victoria, BC, Darren (Vashety) Dartmouth, NS, Kent, Dartmouth, NS and Annette (Natalino) Windsor, ON, as well as six grand children - Adam, Marc, Nathaniel, Erica, Brandon, Dylan.

Ray had two siblings Alec and Dee. He is predeceased by his brother Alec. Ray graduated and went off to college but then decided to join the armed forces (navy); spent 29 years in the Navy getting his commission in 1966 in Victoria, BC then the following year got his navigators designation in Winnipeg. All the rest of the his career was spent in Halifax, on many different ships including a tour on the HCMS Bonnaventure. Included in his career was a posting for 2 years where he was station commander in St Johns, NFLD. After retirement Ray sold houses for Royal LePage. During retirement until his death he was involved with the Masonic Lodge and attended meeting regularly in Debert and Bedford. He made lots of friends with his mason buddies, some of which spent time with Dad in the hospital which really meant the world to him.

June: The fondest of memories over the past 62 years of our marriage and all the wonderful trips we had. I will love you forever.

Michelle: The last two weeks I learnt what my father was all about. I clearly missed so much. His strength and courage was something I could never explain in words that are strong enough. My father taught me so much during his hospital stay that I could never get from a whole lifetime. He was so kind and caring and putting others before himself right to the bitter end. What can I say. I have never known a person that could touch so many lives in such a short time. This included cleaning ladies, nursing students, nurses, doctors and social workers who were all devastated but at the same time so touched by the kindness of my father. I wish I had spent the time to know and experience more of a very special man. Dad I hope you remember that you will be waiting for me with that martini and OH HENRY BAR. I love you and appreciate you more today than ever. RIP my very special stubborn Frenchman. Love you and will miss you very much. Quote from Dave, “Ray didn't understand draft choices and return policies other wise you were a great guy who didn’t get enough egg tarts and thanks for your daughter Michelle”.

Darren: Thank you dad for being my role model. Your career and your movement through the number of ranks taught me that if you work hard any thing is achievable. Vashety and I shall miss you so much. Dad’s philosophy was you only got what you deserved by your actions, not for being someone. Vashety and I shall miss you very much.

Kent: My father, either directly or indirectly, made me the person I am today. For good or bad, I am a stronger person cause of him. He taught me intelligence is stronger than violence, to always tell the truth, to respect people and to treat everyone equally. He taught me the world owes you nothing and that if you want something you yourself must work hard to achieve it. He also made me aware that anything I obtained myself I appreciated a lot more than if he just gave it to me. He was a private man in many ways, never hardly complaining, always had a smile and hello for people even when he was suffering and was this way right up to his final breath. I came to appreciate my dad a lot more in later life and I came to realize, if I become half the man my dad was I can die a happy and proud man. I will always be proud of my dad and his achievements in life, both personal and career.... Dad will always be in my heart, my memories and my prayers. I love you dad.

The family wishes to thank the incredible doctors and nurses that were in care of our father. Too many to name as we would potentially miss one. These caring professionals would always make a point to come say hi to “the Flirt” each day regardless if he was their assigned patient or not. A special shout out to Dr Darra who we have adopted as another sibling who spent many visits and hours with the family explaining the various stages as dads health degraded.