BÉGin, Raymond

July 27, 1929 - January 6, 2008 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Raymond Bégin of Red Rock, Ontario announces his passing on January 6, 2008. A loving and devoted husband and father, Raymond is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mildred (nee Haines), and his seven daughters, Rita (Maurice) Desroches, Lorraine Maidment, Betty Ann (Eugene) Picard, Lea (David) Falzetta, Mary (Scott) Smith, Beverley Bégin, and Joan Bégin. By 14 grandchildren, Amy, Joseph; Desmond, Ian, Tammy; Darcy, Adam; Siobhan, Nicole, John-Ray; Dawn, Julia; Samantha, and April, six great grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, Jessie, Emma-Lee, Liam and Kale. He is also survived by his siblings, Roland, André, Claire, Suzanne, Germaine, Françoise, Claude, Adrien, Rejeanne, and Diane, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Raymond is predeceased by his parents, Jules and Antonia Bégin, grandson Brandon Maidment, and three brothers, Julien, Émile and Jean Paul. Born in Hearst, Ontario, Raymond was a self-educated man, whose wit could rival that of any scholar. He could do anything he set his mind to, and was a skilled craftsman, carpenter, volunteer fire-fighter, and a jack-of-all trades. He enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, gardening, playing cribbage, and loved a good Canadiens game. After 39 years of work at the Red Rock paper mill, Raymond was happy in his retirement and especially enjoyed the 14 winters he spent with his wife at the Three Worlds Resort in Florida. As well as the love he had for his family, Raymond always had a special place in his heart for his puppy, Courtney. Visitation will take place at St. Hilary's Catholic Church in Red Rock, Ontario on Tuesday, January 8 from 4pm to 9pm. Prayer services will be offered at 7pm at the church. Funeral services for Raymond Bégin will take place at St. Hilary's Church at 11 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, with Father Milton McWatch officiating. Interment will follow at Cliffside Cemetery in Nipigon, Ontario. Friends so wishing may make donations to the Northern Cancer Research Foundation or the Alzheimer's Society of Canada, in the care of Elliott Funeral Home Ltd. , in Nipigon, Ontario.