With a heavy heart today I said farewell to a dedicated churchman and servant of Christ. Ray Hinton died suddenly and unexpectedly today of natural causes. Ray was 75. Funeral details are pending and I will update as details become available. To say that I am in shock is terrible understatement. Tonight we pray for Marion who has lost her closest friend and her dear husband of over 50 years. We also keep in our prayers their three sons, Stuart, Kevin, and Michael.
Hans Christian Andersen wrote that “A human life is a story told by God.” Ray was one of God’s great stories. Ray and Marion together were tireless in acts of love and charity. Many people at St. Mark’s by-the-Lake can testify to the love that they received by way of caring visits, delivering flowers, casseroles and generally doing whatever might need to be done for a brother or sister who was needing care. Ray was tireless in his devotion to the church at all levels. He was active at the parish, deanery, diocesan, provincial, and national levels of the Anglican Church of Canada. For his devotion, Ray was awarded the Order of Huron. Anyone who has attended a Huron Synod for the past 25 years will know who Ray Hinton is. Dietrich Bonhoeffer insisted that “One act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons.” I will be peaching a long time before ever coming close to the obedient love that Ray showed for Jesus. I will forever be thankful to have known him.
As details of a Celebration of Ray’s life become available, we will post them.
It's Just Kevin's Corner 
I am shocked. I just spoke to Ray on Sunday and he was his usual pleasant self. I told him that I didn’t know how he and Marion managed to do all that they do at home and around the church. I never knew a couple their age who were also so busy helping and giving to others. He will be greatly missed.
George and I are so saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. Our deepest condolences go our to Marion and her son’s. Ray will definatley be missed at St Mark’s.
We are speechless and we are shocked.
We had known Ray for only a short period of time, but it was
long enough to discover that he was a special child of God.
Rest in peace, Ray. You are going to be missed so much.
May the Lord bless and comfort Marion and their family at this
sad and difficult time.
A wonderful man. Ray was a visible example of what it looks like to serve Christ in all people. I am thankful for the honour of knowing him.
I am “gobsmacked” A wonderful man and a true servant of Christ. My heart is full of thoughts for you Marion. What a tragic loss. He will be so missed.
The boys and I are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Ray Hinton. He and Marion took us under wing, and welcomed us into the community of St.Marks by the Lake. We are going to miss Ray so very much! Love and prayers to you Marion, and your family!
We remember Ray fondly and pass on our deepest condolences to Marion and family. He always had a kind word and a smile. May he rest in peace.
Deeply shocked. I have known Ray and Marion for many
years. They have both been true servants of God. He was such a gentle and caring man. My love and deepest sympathy to you Marion and your boys. He will be truly
missed.
Such a gentle, lovely man. My thoughts and condolences go out to Marion and her family at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
So sad. Ray and Marion welcomed me to St. Marks when I first came and have been there ever since. Marion thinking of you and the boys and know that we are here for you.
It took until this morning for the sad news to sink in, I was numb yesterday evening so can only imagine how Marion is feeling. Ray was a gentleman and a gentle man in every sense. Always a helping hand or word. We will miss his quiet countenance every day. Now we must care for Marion as she and Ray have done for so many.
Marion, your sorrow is shared in many ways by all of us who knew Ray and loved him. He was a very special person. My life has been enriched knowing you both.
Alyce Sandie
We are very sad and shocked that Ray is gone. He was a very special man and always had a smile and hello for our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marion and her family.
Mark, Janet and Samantha Halbish
The greatest gift that Ray has left to his St. Mark’s family is the way he quietly lead by example. We should all aspire in our daily lives to exhibit the thoughtfulness and kindness he so selflessly provided to others. His actions enriched our parish family and those in our community. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. Our loss is certainly heaven’s gain.
All of our thoughts and prayers go out to Marion and her sons.
We were shocked and saddened by the news of Ray’s passing. We haven’t known him for long but he and Marion welcomed us when we joined St. Mark’s By-the-Lake. Truly a very loving and kind couple. Our thoughts and prayers are now with Marion and her family. Rest in peace my friend.
Sandy and Cam Pepper
Deeply saddened with the news of Ray a dear man who loved and cared for many .He was one of the first people that made us welcome at the door of St Marks .years ago . Now we shall take care of Marion as she has for so many others . so very shocked Matt & Pam Black
With shock and deepest sympathy I heard of Ray’s passing the other day. It’s been on my mind every since.
I remember so many moments of his kindness toward me, my mom and or family through the years at St. Mark’s. We had lunch after church a few weeks ago a will miss him so very much. My heart goes out to Marion and the family now and always, Ed Sears
We are In complete shock and sadness at the news of Ray’s passing. Our love, prayers and thoughts are with Marion and family at this very sad time. It has been an honour and pleasure to have known you Ray.
Rest In Peace.
Carol & Vic Green
Philiip & Frances Young,
As new commers to St. Marks, we have always admired Ray’s
warmth and committment to our church. We are indeed shocked by
Ray’s sudden passing, and we extend our love and prayers to Marion
and her family.
Phillip & Frances Young
We were so shocked to hear of the passing of this dear and gentle man who quietly helped everyone without any expectation of spotlight for himself. You will be in our thoughts Marion. God bless Ray.
Jacqueline & Don