Obituary of Raymond Joseph Bonhomme

Born the third of eight children to Leo and Jeanette Bonhomme, Valleyfield de Salaberry Quebec. One sister, Denise Ferland remains in Valleyfield. Raised mid the estuaries and canals by the Beauharnois Dam along the St. Lawrence River Valley, Raymond spent his youth largely outdoors as time would permit. He learned how to ice skate and enjoyed the sport well into his seventies. He was proud to have taught himself how to swim both distance and recreation in the local waterways. Raymond had an exceptional “eye” which made him a crack shot for local small game and took him endless hours into the deep woods. Among other sports, he played softball and became quite a good pitcher until his shoulder gave out. He loved to run and jog for hours, just to be out in the bush. Tennis was another sport where he enjoyed the physical activity and one on one competition. Ray was a natural athlete. Coming to Windsor as part of a construction crew in 1954, he discovered that there was no job. Then, Ray was unilingual French, had no relatives in the community and a tentative hold on boarding house accommodation. He walked that streets to find any work—to keep body and soul together. Into the winter months Fortune smiled and Raymond found permanent, inside work. Life was lived on a pittance. Raymond set about completing his education through night courses at Windsor Technical Institute and further at Cass Tech in Detroit. He improved his living circumstances, purchased a car and life was on an upward spiral. In 1961 Raymond and Helena Pratt were married and became proud parents to Steve (Erica) Bonhomme, N.W.T., Lisa (Tom) Hoffman Rondeau Park, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Rideout (Newfoundland) and Jennifer (Nick) Fieldson (Arizona). Recognizing the importance of education Raymond ensured that all four children had the opportunity of a university education. Steve took a Doctorate in Sociology; Jeffrey earned a Teaching Degree followed by an M.A. in History. While the daughters did take some university level courses, their interests lie in other directions. Raymond’s eight grandchildren include Nadia, Amelia and Aleksander Bonhomme; Eric, Rachel, Emma and Benjamin Hoffman, and Jackson Vaughn. In 1996 Raymond married his second wife, Christine Bendis. Providing the amenities for his family meant long hours of work with little money to spare. But he was intoxicated by the game of golf and when he could manage, that was where he spent his spare time. He became well-known around the Kingsville Golf Club as the “Iron Man” and played to a 2 handicap. Not shabby! Now Raymond’s struggle is over and the pain has ended. May he return to Torrey Pines with a challenging partner on a perfect summer day. FORE! Play through Iron Man. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE CREMATION CENTRE (519-254-2585). If you so choose, a memorial gift in Raymond’s name to your favourite charity would be most appreciated. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca