Obituary of Ray Joseph Webb

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Ray Joseph Webb, age 88, of Pleasant Harbour. Ray passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at Harbourview Lodge, Sheet Harbour. Born on January 4, 1938, in Pleasant Harbour, he was the youngest son of the late Hugh and Etta Mae (Beaver) Webb. Ray shared 65 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Rita and his family meant everything to him. He was known for his infectious sense of humour, constant positivity, and an unwavering willingness to lend a hand. Whether helping family, friends, or neighbours with a project, he always gave his time and skills generously. A certified welder, Ray travelled to England for specialized training in submarine welding. He began his career at the HMC Dockyard in Halifax working on naval ships, and later dedicated nearly three decades to the Nova Scotia Department of Highways (Transportation). He served as Superintendent of Highways and later as General Superintendent of Steel Bridges, overseeing provincial steel bridges, hydro-seeding, and brush-cutting operations. Alongside his career, Ray was a lobster fisherman for more than fifty years, proudly serving as both captain and crew. Faith and community were pillars of Ray's life. He was a lifelong member of Saint Martin's Church in Tangier, an RCMP Auxiliary member for more than 30 years, and actively involved with the Spry Harbour Atoms Athletic Club and the Eastern Shore Memories Cruisers Car Club. In 1998, he carried out a difficult responsibility with compassion and dignity when he assisted Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Butts during the recovery efforts following the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy. Ray was happiest when surrounded by the things he loved; his family, antique cars, snowmobiling, the great outdoors, and country music, especially Hank Williams. Some of his fondest memories were made on the water with Troy, Tyson and Justin, and enjoying delicious homemade baked goodies prepared by Marlene. Together, Ray and Rita enjoyed attending dances, variety concerts, and car shows. Their long retirement was filled with travels throughout Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and a memorable visit to the Grand Ole Opry. Ray's greatest legacy is the family he loved so dearly. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rita (Hawes) of Pleasant Harbour; his children, Troy (Patrizia Alecce), Marlene (Stephen Hooper), and Tyson (Sherry); his grandchildren, Brady, Colin, David, Caitlyn (Greg Morrison), and Justin; his sisters, Elaine (Duncan Mason), Stella (Philip Boutilier), and Patricia Boutilier; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Helen Webb, Don Goodfellow, Connie Owen (Richard), Brenda Mason, Sheldan Hawes (Faye), Darlene Whitman-Hainsworth (Barry), Georgina Hawes, and Bliss Hawes; in addition, many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Ray was predeceased by his brothers George (Gelda), Gerald (Joyce), Frank, Percy, and Peter in infancy; his sisters Etta (Earl Borgal) and Cecelia (Louis Bouitilier); his brothers and sisters-in-law, Wallace (Ada) Hawes, Cora (Gordon) Abriel, Curtis Hawes (Ann), Sherman Hawes (Connie), Orrin Hawes (Darlene), Velda LeFrank (George), Terry Mason, David Hawes, Herb Whitman, and Stuart Hawes; as well as several nieces and nephews. The family extends their sincere thanks to the staff of Harbourview Lodge, as well as the staff at Twin Oaks Hospital and Dr. Anthony of Sheet Harbour, for the immense compassion, patience, and dignity they provided to Ray. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 5, from 2:00–4:00p.m.and 7:00–9:00 p.m. at D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Peter's Catholic Church, Sheet Harbour, with Archbishop Martin Currie officiating, burial in St. Martins Cemetery, Tangier. A reception will follow at the Tangier Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his great-niece Harper Tanton's medical fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/help-harper-make-history-gene-therapy-for-ctnnb1-syndrome (search "Help Harper Make History" on GoFundMe), or to the Saint Martin’s Cemetery Fund. Ray’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Hank Williams’ song "I Saw the Light" serves as a beautiful reminder that the light, faith, and love he shared will always remain.