On January 8, 2024, Raymond Lloyd Cole, a man of unwavering strength and resilience, peacefully departed this world at the age of 85. After a valiant and prolonged medical battle, Ray found peace at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and a lifelong connection to the land he cherished.
Ray was not just a farmer; he was a steward of the land, a custodian of traditions, and a man who found joy and fulfillment in the simple yet profound beauty of a life lived close to the earth. Born to Willard and Myrtle Cole, Ray grew up in the Alliston area, surrounded by the sights and sounds of farming a way of life that would shape his character and convictions throughout the years.
In a journey marked by 63 years of marriage, Ray was the loving husband and life partner to Marie. Their enduring commitment, filled with shared joys, challenges, and countless precious moments, stood as a testament to the strength of their bond. Together, they created a home filled with warmth, love, and the indomitable spirit of a life spent tending to the land.
Ray’s role as a father was a source of pride, and his daughter Cindy (Rod) will forever hold the memories of his guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love close to her heart. As a doting grandfather to Haley (Chris), Ray found immense joy in witnessing the family legacy continue to grow and flourish.
His journey through life was enriched by the presence of his twin sisters, Janet (Roy) and Joan (Paul), forming bonds that transcended time and connected them on a profound level. Yet, Ray also experienced the pain of loss, bidding farewell to his parents, Willard and Myrtle, brother Douglas, and his son Doug. The echoes of their memories lingered in his heart, a reminder of the bittersweet nature of life’s journey.
Ray’s passion for farming was not just a profession; it was a calling, a way of life that brought him solace, purpose, and an enduring connection to the land. For those who knew him, it was evident that life, in Ray’s eyes, was better on the farm. It was a sentiment shared by kindred spirits who recognized the therapeutic embrace of nature and the fulfillment derived from nurturing the land.
