Obituary of Raymond Joseph John Burger

Nature’s first green is gold,

Her hardest hue to hold.

Her early leaf’s a flower;

But only so an hour.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay.

 

Surrounded by his adoring family, Ray Burger passed away at home on June 1, 2020. Precious husband and cara is fearr of Beba O’Mahony, cherished father of J., Jamie, and Rosaleen, and loving treat-giver to Agatha and Winchester, Ray leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. 

 

Born and raised in south Detroit (aka Windsor), Ray was a passionate Lions, Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings fan. Ray was a dedicated teacher and coach for 30 years with the Lambton County Roman Catholic Separate School Board devoting countless hours to his beloved students, each of whom he made feel special and valued. The only thing he loved more than coaching was winning and he was immensely proud of his 102 St. Patrick’s Junior Girls Basketball winning streak. Ray will be remembered for his unbridled enthusiasm, deep loyalty, and generous spirit. 

 

Ray joins his parents Jack and Margaret Burger; brother Bill Burger; sisters Virginia Tetzlaff and Pat Abdey; and, friend Michele O’Mahony in heaven. He is survived by his siblings Mary (Joe) Theriault, Judy (Pete) Clatworthy, Mike (Debra) Burger, and Bob (Micki) Burger; his sister-in-law Sheila O’Mahony; his beloved godchildren Patrick Murray, Sue Hodgins, Danielle Girard, and Michelle Mifflin; and, his many dear friends.

 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. John O’Mahony, Dr. Glen Maddison, and Blaine Mclellan for their incredible compassion and wonderful care giving Ray quality of life in his final months. Due to the unfortunate situation with COVID 19, a private service will take place at a later date. Private arrangements are entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia. As an expression of sympathy, friends may send memorial donations to Noelle’s Gift, P.O.Box 3334, Sarnia Main, Sarnia, ON N7T 8G6 or the Terry Fox Foundation, 150-8960 University High Street, Burnaby, BC V5A 4Y6. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com

 

Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.

 

Stay gold, coach.