Born in Blucher, Saskatchewan. Predeceased by parents Henry Carmel La Fond and Carolyn Ruth Hope (McLaren), wife Jean Margaret Haslam, and granddaughter Sarah Brooke La Fond. Survived by children Dan (Adele), Michael (Angela), Andrew, and Michele Clairmont (Mike), his sister Flo Turple (Wally), and his other siblings’ brothers Jim (Debra) McLaren, George (Maggie) McLaren, and Bob (Rosie) McLaren, and sisters Donna Marie, Sharon and brother Elroy (Debbie) La Fond. Loved by grandchildren Gregory, Brian, Christopher (Amy), Taylor (Hannah), Ashley (Jamieson), Devon (Sara), David (Brett), Cody, Blair, Steven, and Keith, and great grandchildren Fox, Twyla and Hunter. Missed by nephew Rob (Lilly) Turple, Laurie (Clare) Skinner and Karen Turple Perry and their families.

Ray grew up during the Great Depression in farming communities on the prairies where he enjoyed playing pond hockey in Saskatoon in the same league as Gordie Howe. As a young teen, Ray spent some time in Halifax, Nova Scotia then hopped a railcar to make his way back west, ending up in Ontario. Ray worked as a brick layer before starting a career in construction where he built banks for CIBC. Ray was elevated to Construction Foreman and later took a position of Area Supervisor with the maintenance department at the University of Toronto. Ray raised his family in King City where he coached his sons in hockey and baseball, and was involved with the Bridge Club and an Investment Club. Ray was skilled craftsman. He was very creative, inventive and skilled with his hands. He was always thinking - trying to come with ideas and ways to make things work better. His current project was working on a patent for an improved rifle scope attachment.

Ray loved telling his grandchildren stories of his childhood, sharing what life was like for him and the experiences he had growing up, such as hooking up a wagon to a calf and sending his sister for quite a ride! She didn’t hold any grudges as they enjoyed long telephone chats with each other over the years. He always told his grandchildren to look up at the stars due to his love of astronomy and appreciation that our world is bigger than just us. Ray spent his retirement years living in the Pointe au Baril area (Harris Lake) enjoying many sunsets at the cottage he built with his son Dan in the 60’s.

Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid, a Celebration of Life will take place with immediate family only.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Britt Royal Canadian Legion (Branch # 591) would be appreciated.

Rest In Peace Ray - 90 years young.

Condolences

We were shocked and saddened to here of Rays passing.
May your memories bring you comfort in the coming days.
Cheryl Trevor and Dylan Hughes

Very sorry to hear this. I liked Ray a lot. My condolences to the Lafond Family.

Dear Michael, Angela, Ashley, Devon and David and La Fond family,

We will always have our wonderful memories of Ray during our summers at Sand Bay showing our children the moon, the stars and the planets.

We hope there will be some comfort in your memories too.

With love,

Gail and David

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ray. I have known Ray for many years through my family's business The Haven Restaurant. I loved his stories and warm and kind personality. I am so very grateful that my son Ethan also got to know Ray these past few years. He will be forever missed. What an great man Ray was, he will always have a very special place in my heart.

Ray, and his wonderful stories, will be sadly missed. A wonderful character, who chose to live in the bush, but ventured forth almost daily to socialize with anyone who would enjoy a conversation.

We met Ray a few years ago at the Britt Legion for Friday night wings and pool. Always enjoyed sharing his stories and smile. He always was a great competitor and truly love every day.
A great life and memories will remain.

RIP my friend
Helen & Bob Harford

Sorry to read of Ray's passing.
Ray was a great friend. We still think of about 35 years ago when our Pointe au Baril business was threatened by very high lake levels. Ray provided some very critical and much appreciated assistance at that time.
Sincerely,
Neil and Judy Cameron