KAATTARI, Ray

KAATTARI, Ray - One last word “From ta tesk uff Rupperpoots“: “I always wanted to reach the ripe old age of eighty, but at least I can say I was pushin' eighty when I died at 12:51 pm on March 29, 2011.“ “I've had a great life; one could say 'twas the best of times. In looking back, I've raised an amazing family, and had many dear friends. I had a long educational career as a teacher and principal and I did many things that I loved. Using my own two hands, I built our homes, and never met a piece of Sudbury rock I couldn't use somewhere. My love of words and chronicling led me to write 5 books and a regular monthly column in Finglish for 13 years. I have had the joy of performing in community musical theatre, male chorus and church choirs, and enjoyed teaching myself to play the piano and organ, composing love songs about my wife and Finland. With my hands and on my knees I played with my grandchildren, helping them love words and to have a lot of fun in the world around them. While I love local history and geology, I have also enjoyed exploring the wonderful world from Garson to Finland, Turkey to South Africa and stargazing on Trout and Long Lake. I had a very happy life and I moved from one joy to another and lived a life so full.“ Ray is fondly remembered by many people. Some will remember him as a shy, introverted young man; others may remember him as a self-assured, thoughtful, humourous man with a zest for life and learning. His family remembers him playing games with gusto, enjoying a good hot sauna, dressing up for any and all occasions, getting deals at the Dollar store (especially dark chocolate), and enjoying a lifelong love affair with the idiosyncrasies of the English language. An extremely deep and sensitive man, he was the beloved husband of 56 years of Grace (Macdonald); adoring father to Pam and Dan, Jo and Steve, Eric and Tamara; doting Poppa to Kristy, Rebecca and Riley, Nick and Evan, Davyn and Kassandra; and much loved brother of Lenard, Helen, Ron and Betty- Ann. Memorial Visitation at the JACKSON AND BARNARD FUNERAL HOME, 233 Larch St., Sudbury. (Friends may call 2-5pm Saturday only). Memorial Service in the Trinity United Church, Lively, Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 at 3pm. (Friends may gather at the church after 2:45pm Sunday). In lieu of flowers, donations to Trinity United Church in Lively, the Regional Cancer Program or the Maison Vale INCO Hospice would be appreciated. To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line at www.lougheed.org “We'll pee seeing you rount, Poppa, Dad and Honey.“