Raymond John Deane

The Old Grey-Haired Buzzard was best known for his quirky, sometimes dark yet surprisingly wise sense of humour. On one of his last days, when his daughter Nicole told him she would miss him, he laughed and replied, “I’m gonna miss me too.”

So it is, with full, yet heavy hearts that we announce that Raymond John Deane, passed away peacefully in his home in Toronto, Canada on August 31st, 2021 in his 76th year after a 10 year battle with Lymphoma.

He touched more people’s hearts than he ever knew, and he will be missed the world over.

Ray was a beloved father to son, Brad (Lina), daughter, Nicole, and his loyal furry sidekick, Dali the Brussels Griffon. He was also the proud and devoted Grampie of Zola, Melvyn, and LouLou (along with Satchmo, Monk and all the other dogs he loved before). He was a loving brother to Pat, Tommy (Angela), Diane (Willy), and Dorine (Wes). He was predeceased by his parents Emma and Andy.

If Ray had to write this himself, he would likely start by recounting the story about the night he met Lynn, his "Lover", and knew that it was all over for him. They spent 49 years attached at the hip. No matter what curve balls life may have thrown at him, his life was always centered around his love for her. She was the very meaning of everything to him. All his friends would tell you that too.

Ray was one of the original “Mad Men”, known for his award-winning work in the world of advertising. He was a talented creative with endless ideas. But, more importantly, was that he demonstrated an endless generosity - to his staff at Deane Advertising, to his friends, and to his family - acts which will never be forgotten.

He was an active volunteer, raising money and awareness for Leukemia & Lymphoma alongside the LLSC, an organization that provided him and his family with enormous support and hope over the years.

He was one of the really good ones. A memorial will be held in 2022 to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada .