Obituary of Ray Ness

Ray Ness was born on March 29, 1927 to Robert and Mabel Ness (McConnell) in Belleisle Creek.  Ray was not given a middle name, maybe because he was the #4 son. Ray had seven brothers and two sisters.  The boys were well known in the Belleisle community because they were always getting into mischief.

Ray attended the Saint John Vocational School, and when he finished, he went to work with the Department of Transportation, where he stayed for 47 years until his retirement.  Ray worked as a welder, mechanic and an automotive shop superintendent.

In 1954, Ray married Helen Wallace from Penobsquis and they lived on Church Avenue in Sussex. Ray and Helen were married for 59 years.  Ray was a long serving member of the Sussex Fire Department and from 1979 – 1986, served as the Fire Chief for the Town of Sussex.  He was also involved in the Fish & Game Association and with the Boy Scouts Group Committee.

Ray loved to go hunting, fishing, trapping, snowmobiling, and out on the ATV.  Wednesday night suppers with the men was a highlight. 

Ray supported and loved his family in all they chose to do.  Ray was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

Ray will live on in the hearts of his daughter, Kathy Reicker and her husband Ken of Sussex Corner;  his son, Michael Ness and his wife Stephanie of Sussex; his sister, Mary Joynes and her husband Howard of Belleisle Creek; his sisters-in-law: Madeline Ness, Dorothy Wallace and Bernice Wallace; five grandchildren: Danny Reicker and his wife Amy, Tony Reicker and his wife Meredith, Greg Reicker and his wife Linsey, Andrew Ness and Morgan Johnston and Matthew Ness and Laura Buck; six great grandchildren: Adelaide, Brayden,  Zachary, Benjamin, Johnathan and Kenneth as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ray Ness of Sussex, passed away at the Kiwanis Nursing Home on November 29, 2018 at the age of 91.

Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Helen (Wallace) Ness; his brothers: Russell, Robert (Eleanor), Ronald (Jean), Jack, Allen (Frieda), Edward (Jean) and Donald; his sister, Hattie Northrup (Gerlad); his brothers-in-law: John Wallace, George Wallace (Mary) and Ron Wallace; and by his sister-in-law, Jean Holden (Art).

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8pm.  

A service celebrating Ray's life will be held from Sussex Baptist Church on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 2:00pm.

If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Kiwanis Nursing Home. Condolences and donations in Ray's memory may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com