Raymond Patrick Sullivan

Passed peacefully away in the presence of his loving family on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Age 77. Predeceased by his loving wife Trixie Sullivan, parents Aiden and Maude Sullivan, brother Gerard Sullivan, sisters-in-law Regina Dowden, Mercedes Tobin, Ellen Hawkins, and brothers-in-law Harold, Petie and Tommy Hawkins, Bob Ettleman, Kevin Dowden and Neil Healey.

Leaving to mourn with heavy hearts, his sons Neil Sullivan (Cheryl Thorne) and Brad Sullivan (Shannon). Also leaving to mourn, his most treasured grandchildren who were his entire world and light of his life, Sarah, Sydney, John and Michael Sullivan, and he always welcomed Keely Fillier into his life with a loving heart.  Sisters-in-law Sheila Sullivan, Marlene Ettleman, Mathilda (Tee) Mayes, Anita Armstrong (Louie), Mildred Hawkins, Dorothy Hawkins and Mary Hawkins.  Brothers-in-law Don Hawkins and Bren Tobin.  Also leaving to mourn are special friends Alfred Condon, Craig Lee and Sarah and Sydney’s mom, Alaine Sullivan, as well as his golf, Mountain View Drive and Calvert friends, who he cherished. In addition, Raymond leaves to mourn a huge circle of nieces, nephews and friends and all those he touched and left his mark on through his years of coaching minor hockey. Thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center for the great care they provided and to Dr. Ahmad Chaudhary for your compassion shown to dad through his journey. Thank you to Father Joe Barton for your prayers and support.  A special thank you to Alfred and Cathy Condon for your support shown to dad over the past several months. Alfred’s daily visits and the meals and visits from Cathy meant more to all of us than you can ever imagine – thank you so much.

While our sadness is deep, we are eternally grateful to have had the love of such a genuine, kind, loving and generous person in all of our lives. Ray approached everything with unwavering commitment, a fair hand and a genuine care for the well-being of others. He loved his hockey, baseball and golf and could be most often found late night watching a hockey or ball game on TV waiting for Trixie to return from her daily travels. Ray was at peace knowing she would always be home at some point and felt great loss the past few years without her, now they are with each other again as they travel their next journey together.

Ray grew up in Calvert and spent his career working with the Department of Fisheries and in later years the CFIA where he was focused on Inspection of Fish processing plants. Although this job could be difficult it was admirable the way he always kept the respect of and a strong working relationship with plant workers, owners, operators and government officials in his role as fisheries inspector.

Ray also had a huge passion for sports. In his years, he was a very skilled hockey and softball player and enjoyed many years playing in the Southern Shore hockey league. In later years, he coached both his boys in minor hockey and left a positive mark on many young people in the Goulds through his passion for coaching.

Over the past two summers, Ray enjoyed being on the water fishing every weekend which even included a few special trips out Calvert Bay which will always be treasured memories.

Later in life, he found his greatest love of all in his grandchildren. Ray never missed a hockey, volleyball or soccer game where he could see one of his grandchildren play. He could always be found quietly sitting in the stands or standing in the corner at the rink which was his favorite place. In his final weeks, he travelled to Clarenville to see a volleyball tournament and in his final days he could be found watching a practice in the corner of the Goulds Arena.

At Ray’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Bay Bulls on Monday, February 24th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and Tuesday, February 25th from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Kevin’s Catholic Parish, Goulds on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at 10:00 am with Inurnment to follow at St. Kevin’s Cemetery, followed by a reception at St. Kevin’s Parish Hall.

For those unable to attend, the Funeral Service will livestreamed with the link available below.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Raymond Patrick Sullivan, please visit our Tree Store.