Réal (Ray) Joseph Rosaire Brousseau
June 1, 1949 – June 12, 2026
Ray passed away peacefully at Nipissing Serenity Hospice on June 12, 2026, at the age of 77, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Rita, and by his first wife, Louise Brousseau (Ayotte).
Ray is lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Norma, and by his daughters, Susan (Marc), Michele, and Patricia (Adrian). They will remember him for his steady support, warmth, and guidance.
Ray will also be missed by his siblings, Jean-Paul (Françoise), Yvan (Suzanne), René, Johanne (Marvin), Pauline (Daniel), Marc (Susan), and Chantal. He is also remembered by his nieces and nephews—Jonathan, Nicolas, Francis, Serge, Lena, Gilbert and Julie—as well as cousins, and friends.
Family was at the centre of Ray’s life. He was especially proud to be Grandpa to Carolynne (Kevin), Ainsley (Zack), Spencer (Robyn), Quinton, and Eve, and Great-Grandpa to Luc and Llewyn. He was proud of each of them, loved seeing them, and never passed up the chance for a game—especially if he thought he could win.
Born in Mattice, Ontario, Ray moved to North Bay at 13, where he attended l’Académie Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and went on to build a life defined by hard work, family, and quiet generosity.
For 48 years, Ray worked as a master painter. He was Supervisor in the Paint Shop at CFB North Bay before establishing his own successful business, Ray’s Painting. He took great pride in his work and in doing things well, and he earned the respect of those around him through his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic.
Ray knew how to enjoy life. He loved a glass of good Cabernet Sauvignon (or a bad one), Coronation Street, a good card game, and cheering on the North Bay Battalion. Curling was one of his great joys—whether he was out on the ice, making trips to the Briar and World Championships, enjoying bonspiels with Norma or his not-so-quiet armchair coaching in front of the TV (he never called a bad shot).
As much as Ray loved curling, life on the water may have had the edge. He especially loved evenings aboard the NormaRae, weekends sailing the French River, and the always-memorable July 1st regattas. When the sailboat later gave way to the “land yacht,” the adventures continued—with winters in Florida and its permanent home at Fish Tale Camp, where there were always good friends and just enough tinkering to make it look like he was helping.
Wherever he was, Ray brought warmth, laughter, and a way of making things a little more fun.
In recent years, he was a proud member of the Club Action 50+ Card Club and also gave his time as a maintenance volunteer at Nipissing Serenity Hospice, always glad to lend a hand where it was needed.
Ray will be remembered for the care he showed his family, the pride he took in his work, and the steady presence he brought to the lives of those who knew him.
In keeping with Ray’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Hasspieler, Dr. Goldfarb, Dr. Jinnah, and the staff at the North Bay Regional Health Centre, as well as Dr. Malone and Dr. Lam of the Northeast Cancer Centre in Sudbury.
Special thanks to the staff at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice for their compassionate end-of-life care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice, or to the charity of your choice, in Ray’s memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Basic Cremation Services.
