Ray McKelvie – In Memoriam

“Ray McKelvie was a driving force behind the Platers and Attack for 33 years. His foresight and commitment to hockey in the Grey Bruce region led him to open the door to the Platers in 1989 and to help to facilitate the change in ownership in 2000 that kept the franchise in Owen Sound. The area’s hockey fans owe Ray a debt of gratitude and his passing leaves an enormous space in the hockey world that will be hard to fill.  We will miss him every day.” – Attack President and Member of Team Ownership Dr. Bob Severs.

“Our sincere condolences to the McKelvie family Ray and his wife were great to me many years ago. Great Man.” – Joe Speziale

“Thoughts and prayers for the McKelvie family, terrible news. Ray was like a grandpa to all the players.” – Zach Roberts

“We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the McKelvie and Attack family.  We were lucky to have both of our sons play for the Attack. We  consider ourselves  blessed to have had our sons, Geoffrey and Thomas watch and learn from such a cheerful, kind and generous man.” – Thoughts and prayers from the Schemitsch family.

“Ray was one of the nicest, genuine humans I’ve ever met, he had a big heart and always wanted the best for everyone, and never put himself first. Ray will be missed, but I know that thinking of Ray will always give me happiness.” – Aidan Dudas, Attack Player 2016-20

“Ray McKelvie’s obituary mentions he was a generous contributor to his community serving on many boards and committees with 50 years devoted to local hockey. In the media, many speak of his willingness to always have time for an acquaintance. However, not even his two children were aware of their parents’ great support of the theatre community. Both Ray and Georgina regularly attended the Owen Sound Little Theatre productions and rentals such as Leahy. When “ The voice of The Attack “, Fred Wallace, took on the demanding role of Oscar Madison in The Odd Couple, Ray and Georgina became sponsors in order to wish Fred well in the programme. Ray also sent the electronic promotional poster to all Attack season ticket holders. Needless to say, we had waiting lists to see the show every day of the second week. When the theatre group produced Shorthanded, a play about an old timer hockey team, Ray lobbied to have The Attack come to Opening Night which was great promotion once again. When the talented cast had sung O Canada earlier at an Attack game, he offered to allow us to sell tickets on the spot ( which we couldn’t do) and suggested we set up a space where the show could be promoted even more with flyers, posters and amusing actors. Once again we had amazing attendance even though for the first time in OSLT history, an Opening night was cancelled due to the inclement winter weather. However, the entire organization attended the following Tuesday add on show. How refreshing in these times to have known a man of integrity, who was not self centred but modest and devoted to his family and community.” – Shirley Holmes

“Ray’s door was always open to anyone to discuss and resolve issues. He cared deeply for the attack team and his community. Both he and his wife are a huge loss, but they will be remembered for their honesty, loyalty and dedication to everything they were involved in.” – Peg and Mike’Primeau

“Ray was a huge part of the Owen Sound Platers and Attack organization. Not only was he a great hockey person but he was an amazing human being. Always so approachable and easy to talk to. You will be missed. Rest in peace Ray.” – Wayne Primeau

“Ray was a good, honest, and kind man. My condolences to your family and the Attack family and community. You will be missed.”
– Scott Tregunna

“It was a privilege to meet and get to know Ray. He will be missed.” – Rob and Amanda Suzuki

“We are so lucky to have come to meet Ray. Our son was traded to Owen Sound, and it felt like coming home to family. It was because of people like Ray that always welcomed you with a smile or a hug. Ray always made us feel welcomed and made the time to just say hi. They don’t make them like Ray anymore and I feel so blessed to have crossed paths. God Bless you!”
– The Centorame Family

“Thank you Ray, for being the person you were, kind, patient, honest ,friendly and just so nice!! You will be missed!! God bless you” – ❤️

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Ray’s passing. He was a class of his own in major junior hockey circles in Ontario. He was truly a gentleman, a mentor and everyone’s friend. I feel privileged to have known Ray when I was a player with the Attack. On behalf of the Mignardi family, I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the McKelvies. The Attack family, past and present, have lost one of our finest but we will continue doing what Ray would have wanted for all of us.” – Rob Mignardi, former Attack player, 2009-2011

“Our son played for the Attack for the better part of 3 years and we have nothing but fond memories of Ray. Ray was a wonderful man who cared deeply for the boys on the team, the Owen Sound Attack, and his family. He made our son feel welcome from Day 1 and his smiling face and sense of humour was one of the best parts of being around the Bayshore. Our sincere condolences to the McKelvie family. We are fortunate to have been a part of such a great organization, and to have gotten a chance to know Ray.” – The Struthers Family

“Ray was an amazing person, GM and fantastic hockey man who knew the importance of being a good person 1st. He was so good to me and my family in my time in Owen Sound. I will always be grateful for how he looked after me even after my time in Owen Sound was over. A true gentlemen and all class , Ray you be missed but your life lessons will never be forgotten- Rest in Peace”
– Ryan Mougenel

“I have so many great memories of Ray and truly enjoyed working with him. A conversation with Ray usually involved answering a flood of questions but in stepping back he was very much interested in what your thoughts and opinions were. The chat sessions following a home game in his office with a beer or two were always fun. We would replay the game and have some great laughs.
Ray’s contribution to the Platers, the Attack and the Ontario Hockey League help cement Owen Sound as a solid OHL franchise.”
– Dave Lord

“As new neighbours to Ray in his condo building, my wife and I were shocked and saddened to hear of his death – he had given no indication of health problems to us. He was warm and cheerful, and we were looking forward to knowing him better. Clearly from the tributes he was a pillar of the Owen Sound hockey and wider community and will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family and friends.” – John Martin and Sampa Bhadra

“Such a wonderful guy.  Peace be with is family, extended family and friends”. – Mark Wunderlich

“I got to know Ray McKelvie during my internship with the Owen Sound Attack in the winter of 2016.  Ray was the epitome of class and kindness that everyone who works in sports aspires to be.  Ray was hockey in Owen Sound.  His passing is a tremendous loss for the community.  He will be greatly missed.  I send my thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.” – Jamie Bennett, Former Attack Intern.

“Very sad to hear of the passing of Ray.  His family and the local hockey family will miss him very much.  He was always so polite and always took the time to talk to you and ask how your family was.  He will be sadly missed by anyone who knew him or had any connection with him.  Thank you Ray for bringing OHL hockey here.  Will miss seeing you at the Bayshore but your memory will last around it forever.  Rest in Peace my friend.  Condolence to your entire family and the Attack organization”. – John Blue

“Well, what a very sad day.  It’s been a few years since Sean & I billeted but we loved every minute.  What an amazing experience.  I considered Ray a friend.  He treated us so very kindly and when we had our first boy, Milan Doczy, Ray helped him to acclimatize and get paperwork in order.  He and Georgina went above and beyond by having him over for dinner.  Milan ALWAYS LOVED RAY.  What a professional man he was!  I’ve always believed that the team would miss him greatly, if and when his time would come.  He was always a t-crosser and an I-dotter wasn’t he?  There are many, many people that will feel this loss.  We are feeling it deeply today.  We are sorry for the entire organization and first and foremost, for his lovely family.” – Tracy & Sean Walker, Former Billets

“The loss of Ray McKelvie makes a four game weekend all the more challenging for the Attack.  My deepest sympathy is extended, not only to the family, but also to the team and management.  A long time association with Ray and Georgina goes back to when they lived in an upstairs apartment in the Gord Jennings residence I believe.  We often shared the elevator after an Attack game.  He will be missed.”  – Ann Kelly

“My sincere condolences are extended to both the McKelvie and Attack hockey families as they mourn the passing of their guiding hand, Ray.  I have had the pleasure of knowing Ray since 1988, and enjoyed his friendship ever since.  His love for the game of hockey was evident in his smile at every game.  Ray has been a friend, mentor, advisor to many around the Bayshore, and community of Owen Sound for decades.  His kindness to so many over the years will never be forgotten.  I am fortunate to have known Ray.”. – Pete Miller

“Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ray McKelvie.  We have known Ray and Georgina since I started playing hockey with their son Scott.  Their generosity and caring nature is what we will always remember.  They welcomed me into their home and I will always be grateful to them both.  Owen Sound has lost a great man and he will be dearly missed by many people whose lives he has touched.  We know you and Georgina will be together again and cheering on the Attack from above.”  – The Taylor Family

“I arrived in Owen Sound in 2006 as a 16 year old. Ray always made myself and especially my family feel at home. He welcomed us with open arms. Thank you Ray, for everything, for greeting my parents at every home game, for your advice, and friendship. May you rest in peace my friend.” – Mike D’Orazio- Attack Alumni 2006-2009

“Ray did not know me but I knew who he was. During many games I would walk around the rink and pass by him and say hello. Next thing I know, he would recognize me and come to me, touch my arm and say Hello. What a wonderful man we have lost.” – Simply a fan. G D 12. Elaine Slater

“Worked with Ray when I was associated with the Owen Sound Greys as scout in Northern Ontario.  A true gentleman.My condolences to both his family and the Owen Sound organization.”  – Rick Crease, Elmira Sugar Kings.

“First and foremost, I express my deepest condolences to Ray’s family and to the Attack family. I was fortunate to have met Ray in the early 90’s when I began scouting in the OHL and that carried over until 2020. Over the years I got to see an honorable and respectful man that was involved in the game for all the right reasons. His loss will not only be felt in the hockey world and but also in the Owen Sound community. May the memories of his wonderful personality and contributions to the game and community be remembered and celebrated by all.” – Norm Robert

“Our deepest condolences from the SunGrid and Goertz Family to the whole McKelvie and broader Attack family!  Ray McKelvie was instrumental in shaping Hockey in Grey Bruce county.”  – Jermey Goertz

“Outstanding person and a perfect gentlemen.  It was a pleasure to know him.  RIP.”  – Wayne Daniels, Oshawa

“Was a great man…too many things he did to list…excepted his players into his home with open arms…such a loss to Owen Sound…RIP” – Scott Gilbert, #17

“Heartfelt condolences to the McKelvie family on the passing of Ray.  Such a great guy who will be deeply missing in the hockey world and by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  Thoughts and prayers.”  – Kerry-Ann & Dennis Weaver

“While I was sad to learn of Ray’s passing.  I’m happy to have know him during many years with the Attack and Platers.  What a fine ambassador he was for his hockey club.  As photographer for the league’s magazines from the late ’80s to the late 2000s and as team photographer on different occasions for a number of clubs (Mississauga, Brampton, Barrie, Guelph, and presently Kitchener) I would cross paths with him in many arenas – sometimes in media rooms, press boxes or just sitting unobtrusively up in a corner seat.  Always a pleasure to speak with and a great source of insight into players or situations I needed to photograph.  He didn’t just know about his own club, he knew the league very well and his observations helped me be more efficient in game coverage.  If he didn’t have an answer to an enquiry, he knew who might and would direct me to them, occasionally taking time to make a personal introduction.  Condolences to those near and dear to him and may you find comfort in the many good memories I’m sure he created.  A great guy who made the game better for his time within it.”  – Dan Hamilton, Vantage Point Studios Toronto

“Ray was human inspiration in many small and large ways.  We were on a bus trip to see the Blue Jays play their last game in the “old” Yankee stadium.  On the way back to the hotel after the game, our, fully occupied, bus stopped to pick up passengers stranded when their bus conked out.  The driver asked if anyone who could would stand to make room for the newcomers.  We remember Ray, at the end of a very long day and not the youngest traveller amongst us, instantly jumping to his feet and standing the rest of the night hanging on to the seat rail.   It was an instinctive reaction and showed how good to the core a person can be!”  – James Wainwright