It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond Wilfred Doucet, 76, of Chéticamp, NS. He passed peacefully on Saturday, July 4, 2020 at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre in Chéticamp after a year of kidney dialysis and a recent battle with cancer.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marie Stella (Deveau), son Kevin (Jeannette), daughter Darlene, granddaughter Annette; sisters, Marie (late Freddie), Dora (Edgar), Rosella (Steve), Stella (Blair); brothers, Isadore (Delina), Dennis (Bertha) and Daniel (Marcella) as well as 22 nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Lorraine Deveau and Diane (late Marcel) Cormier.
He was predeceased by son Wendell, parents Arthur and Margaret (LeBlanc) Doucet, in-laws Joseph and Marie (Chiasson) Deveau, brothers-in-law Freddie LeBlanc (Marie) and Irvin Deveau (Marie-Catherine).
Raymond was first and foremost a family man and a community man. Many family members from Margaree were thankful they could seek refuge at Raymond’s home while working in Chéticamp. Kids gravitated to him, whether it was the nieces and nephews or the kids that visited the Co-op with their parents. He was the candy man to them. Raymond understood early in his career that community and co-operation worked hand in hand. He was manager of the Cheticamp Co-op for 40 years and was responsible for growing a small grocery store into a multi-million-dollar grocery, hardware and building supply co-operative with a funeral home. He knew the value of a community owning and controlling its economy. He devoted his time to countless community organizations over his life. He was proud of his work with dozens of community groups but especially his work with le Conseil Coopératif Acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse and sub-committees of the Conseil Paroissial de la Paroisse Saint-Pierre.
He was a wise man of few words but when he did speak, he had something to say that was worth hearing. He was a kind and gentle man although an imposing figure in his time. He grew up on Arsenault Hill in Margaree and borrowed money from his father to court a girl from Chéticamp. He and Marie Stella were married 55 years.
He was a visionary. His Co-op family was immense across Atlantic Canada. He even went to Spain to learn about co-operatives around the world.
He was a great father and cherished his granddaughter. He was known as “Uncle Raymond” to generations of Doucet kids and as “Raymond from the Co-op”. He touched many lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Raymond can be made to “Paroisse Saint-Pierre – Sauvons notre Église” fund, the Sacred Heart Hospital Charitable Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Family viewing will take place on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 followed by funeral mass at 3 p.m. at Église Saint-Pierre in Chéticamp with Father Pierre Antoine St-Cyr officiating. Burial in parish cemetery. Due to covid-19, family and invited guests only.
Condolences
Joanne and I were very sad to hear of Raymond’s passing. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend. I first met Raymond in the summer of 1969. He welcomed me into his home when I was working in the Park. Raymond at that time was in the early years of his career with the Coop. It was truly amazing what he went on to accomplish with the development and expansion of the Coop.
I always enjoyed Raymond’s company. He was a man of few words but when he did speak you knew it was important to listen. And I did enjoy his sense of humour.
Marie Stella, Kevin and Darlene, our sincere condolences.
C’est avec tristesse que j’ai appris de la perte de Raymond. Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille pendant cette période difficile
Our deepest condolences to you Marie Stella, your family and all of Raymond’s siblings and their families. Raymond was a good man who was loved and respected by all who Knew him. He will be missed by all him and by his community. May he rest in peace.
Our condolences to Raymond’s family during this difficult time. I had the good fortune of knowing Raymond during his year’s as the General Manager of the co-op.He was a natural leader, the community as well as the co-operative system in Atlantic Canada were much better because of his leadership.
Sincères condoléances Stella, Kevin et Darlene. Raymond était une très bonne personne pour tous, pas seulement les copérateurs. RIP Ray
Mes bons amies de Chéticamp.
Nous vous offrons nos sympathies les plus profondes en ce moment difficile.
Mme Doucet, Darlene, Kevin quelles plaisirs de vous avoir tous connues et d’avoir l’opportunité de travailler avec Raymond quelle coopérateur, bâtisseur et bon vivant. Nous allons tous le manquer comme il était toujours prêt à nous accueillir à grand bras ouvert. Nos prières et pensées sont avec vous tous .
Espérons d’être dans la belle région Acadienne de Chéticamp un jour et de vous payer une visite.
R.I.P. my good friend Raymond.
Gerald & Linda Robichaud Dieppe NB
Nous écrivons ce message mercredi le 8 juillet vers 3h. Nous sommmes chez-nous à Ste Marie au Nouveau Brunswick . Nous regrettons ne pas être avec vous mais on est conscient du covid 19 . Nous voulons vous supporter en ces moments difficiles, Nous sommes sûr que les cérémonies à l’église ont été excellentes et que des remarques élogieuses ont été faites pour Raymond. On prie avec vous et partageons votre souffrance.
Marie Stella, Darlene, Kevin, Jeanette & Annette, I am sad that he has left us behind, but know that his journey of illness has ended, and on his terms, like most of his life. From a co-operative perspective it would be hard to find anyone who believed and lived the principles daily more then Mr. Co-op. As a family man and friend, I was glad I was part of that circle, I always enjoyed my visits with him in Cheticamp, Inverness and Riverview. Rest well my friend, see you on the other side.
Nous tenons à vous remettre nos plus sincères condoléances, Marie-
Stella, Darlene et Kevin. De bons souvenirs en votre présence nous ramènement dans votre beau coin de pays. Mes parents, Rhéal et Yvette, vous considèrent depuis fort longtemps des amis chers. Nous avons toujours apprécié votre accueil chaleureux et votre joie de vivre. Que la présence de vos proches et vos amis vous apporte réconfort et courage.
Nos plus sincères condéléances à la famiile Doucet. Raymond était un coopérateur comme ils ne se font plus. Son accueil lorsque nous allions à Chéticamp sont des choses que je n’oublirai pas. j’aurai tourjours en souvenir ma dernière rencontre que j’ai eu avec toi, en octobre 2015 à Moncton au Rodds.
A vous Stella, Darlene et Kevin nos pensées sont avec vous. Raymond repose en paix et veille sur ta famille comme tu l’as toujours faits.
Roger et Francine St-Coeur
Marie Stella and family
Sincere condolencesYvette and I send our sincerest condolences and prayers to you and the entire family.
We send our sincere condolences to the family. May Raymond rest in peace.
Sincere sympathy to Raymond’s family and friends on his passing . I always told follks “If you want to be refreshed in commitment to CO-OP ” see Raymond in Cheticamp . a true example of all that is good . hugs all
My Deepest Sympathies to, Kevin,Darlene, Jeanette, Anette and many other family members, and especially his caring and devoting wife Marie Stella. Know that you, are all, in my thoughts and prayers, during this difficult time. 🙏
Dear Marie Stella and Family,
I read with sadness the news of Raymond’s death. I express to you my sympathies and condolences, care and concern, friendship and prayer for not only Raymond but also for yourselves at this sad time. I remember well Raymond and his family in Margaree. I remember with great fondness our conversations over fish and chips at the restaurant in Cheticamp and other pleasant encounters. Raymond was a good man!
My prayerful suppport.
Fraternally,
Fr. Bedford Doucette
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous venons d’apprendre le déces Raymond. A toi Marie-Stella , Darlene et Kevin nos sincères sympathies . Que de beaux souvenirs nous reviennent lorsque nous pensons à l’été 1969 alors que Raymond et Marie Stella devenaient notre foyer alors que je travaillais au parc pour l’été. Avoir habité avec Raymond et Marie -Stella a marqué ma jeunesse et j’en suis très reconnaissant. Bon courage . Soyez fière de Raymond ; excellent papa et mari, visionnaire et homme vaillant et soucieux de sa communauté,
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing, may he Rest In Peace .
Dear Marie Stella, Darlene, Kevin, Jeannette and Raymond’s pride and joy grand daughter Annette, also all his brothers and sisters and extended families we are deeply sorry for your terrible loss. Raymond was a wonderful person and a great community man. My heart is so sad for you all. It hurts really bad to loose Raymond but he is in the hands of God and his suffering is over. He will beside you all on every occaision and every family get together. You will feel his presence for sure. Know that you are all on our minds since we got the news. Please take care of yourselves and hugs to all.
Stella and Blaire MacDaniel, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother… He gave his all to stay here for another long while but God had other plans… His duty here on earth was accomplished and God called Raymone home… Rest in Peace Raymond… You will be sorrowfully missed by your community…
Marie-Stella, Kevin and Darlene,
We were so sad to hear of Raymond’s passing. Over the years your family made us feel so welcome to your home when we visited Cape Breton. When we come again it will be different not seeing Raymond’s smile.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
With love,
Cathy and Harold (MacDonald)
my sincerest sympathy on your loss. always enjoyed my visits to Cheticamp with Raymond. .
I was saddened of course to hear of Raymond’s passing. I worked with 100’s of Coop people over the years and from an influence point of view Raymond ranked near the top if not the top. He was always kind to me and helpful. I loved touring his store as he would take the time to explain complex coop issues at the same time as extolling the virtues of local pickled chives. May he rest in peace. My condolences to Darlene and Marie Stella and the rest of the family.
Marie Stella so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, my deepest condolences to you and your family at this most difficult time . God Bless 🙏❤️
Chère Darlene,
Mes plus sincères condoléances en ce temps de grande tristesse. Ton père était certainement un homme de famille et de communauté. Je pense à toi, à ta mère et à Kevin. Vous êtes dans mes prières pendant ces moments difficiles. Que l’âme de ton père repose en paix.
I’m sending you a BIG hug,
Delta Samson
So sorry to hear about Raymond’s passing. Raymond was a kind, compassionate man. He was also a great listener with a good sense of humour. Raymond was always there to lend a hand if you needed it and he was always ready to listen to your opinion. He will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
R.I.P. buddy .
Sooo sorry to hear about Raymond’s passing…may he now be in peace🙏🏼🙏🏼 Our prayers and thoughts are with you, Marie Stella, Darlene and Kevin
Brenda and Blair
My deepest condolences to you Marie Stella and the family. May the great memories of Raymond help you all through this difficult time.
Deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your families at this difficut time. May he rest in peace and fly high with the angels as he watches over all of you.
I am so sad to hear of Raymond’s passing. Such a nice man! My parents thought the world of him! Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
My sympathies to Marie Stella, Kevin, Dsrlene and family.
He was a well liked, well respected man and will be remembered fondly.
May the memories of your time with him lessen the weight of your grief. My thoughts are with you all. 💞
Sincerest condolences to Raymond’s pride and joy – his family and many close friends. May you take comfort in knowing that many of us are keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. So sorry for your loss. Raymond, may you Rest in Eternal Peace. Love Gerard Aucoin, Rosie and Armand. xxoo
Sympathies to Marie Stella, Kevin, Darlene and all his family. R.I.P. Raymond.
Most sincere condoleances to the family.
This man was very special to me; he helped me through many tough times when I was raising my family . Home for me was in Pleasant Bay and with 3 boys to feed( on EI during the winter I may add) grocery money at times wasn’t plentiful but not once did Raymond Doucet ever refuse me credit to get groceries. You definitely don’t forget this kind of stuff. I seen Kevin today driving the pretty new blue car that his dad didn’t get to drive but at least he got to have his pretty blue car❤️❤️My heart goes out to your family on your great loss especially during this time of uncertainty due to Covid 19. Please accept my deepest condolences to you all and Raymond May you RIP 🙏❤️
We were so saddened to hear of Raymond’s passing. He was a dear Coop Friend whom we loved to spend time with. Always willing to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. We wish we could come to his funeral, but of course with his many friends and family we understand the limits due to COVID-19. Please know our hearts will be there with Stella and his family. We were hoping to come in August for a visit and if all goes well we will still come to see Stella and pay our respect in person. We’ve lost a dear friend and share deeply in your loss. God bless you all! Brian and Susan O’Handley
So very sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. Our sincere condolences to all of his family at this difficult time.
so sorry for your lost Marie-Stella ,Darlene and Kevin your in our thoughts and prayers From Claudia and Donald Fortune
To Marie and all of Raymond’s family, Roy and I are very sorry to hear of his passing. I remember when Roy and I were dating, how impressed I was that his cousin ran a Co-Op. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Roy Jr. and Susan O’Callaghan.
Darlene and family!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family during this difficult time. Raymond was a great Cooperator and a great host when hosting our store managers gatherings in Cheticamp…Always a memorable time…RIP Raymond!
Ron and Rose Montgomery
Hugs!
We are so sad to hear that Raymond lost his battle to cancer. Having grown up in Fordview, we knew the folks from Arsenault Hill well and our parents were friends. We extend our sympathy to Mary Stella, his children, granddaughter and all his siblings and their families! May the fond memories you have give you some comfort at this difficult time. Our prayers and best wishes are with you!
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. He will be missed, I always looked up to Raymond. Bye for now.
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family. Raymond was a true gentleman and co-operator. I had the pleasure of knowing Raymond and on occasion working with him over the past 45 years. He was a devoted family man and always worked tireless to improve his Co-op and his community. He certainly will be missed. May he RIP.
My sincerest sympathies to the family, Ray was always welcoming when I visited Cheticamp, may he rest in peace.
Dear Stella:
Losing a sibling takes a huge chunk of your heart. May you be blessed with God’s presence especially during this time of sorrow. May Raymond’s soul Rest In Peace.
With my deepest sympathy,
Elaine Bowie
Antigonish
On vous adresse nos plus sincères condoléances en ce moment de deuil et vous témoigne toute notre sympathie et notre soutien.On vous souhaite tout le réconfort, le soutien, le courage et la bienveillance que vous méritez dans ce moment difficile. Votre “famille” et amis.es de Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Sandra, Bernard et Emilie Pardoën
Online condolences are now closed.