Sydney Forks
Raymond Gordon Schaller, age 77, of Sydney Forks, has passed away peacefully, with family at his side, on his birthday, Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Sydney, Raymond was the son of the late Paul and Cecilia (Cooke) Schaller.
Raymond’s work ethic was unrivaled, anything he set his hands to complete was accomplished to the best of his ability. Whether it was his career as one of the finest finish-drywall tapers on the island over a five-decade reign, or planting and tending to successful gardens, grounds keeping at his summer property in Christmas Island, or keeping his home and vehicle, tools and machines (of any sort) in tip-top visual appearance and working order.
In December Raymond will have been a husband of 55 years who loved and provided in the best way that he understood and knew how, to his loving Rosemarie. He was unrivaled as a superb father who raised by example, and with a guiding whisper when needed. He loved the meaningful people in his life and had many good friends, he looked at the good in each situation and followed the light of the Lord.
Raymond was a guardian of many animals over the years and cared for them all, with a kind and gentle nature. He was most at ease tending a campfire, with a beer, and good conversation or funny stories. He was a lover of the outdoors and our beautiful Cape Breton Island. He was a good man, and never refused to help someone in need.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (MacNeil) Schaller; son, Richard; granddaughters, (eldest to youngest), Stephanie Schaller, Santana Schaller, and Sarah Campbell Schaller; grandsons, Alexander Schaller, and John Paul; siblings, Gerald ‘Gerry’ (Louise), Barbara (Gilles), Ronald ‘Ronnie’ (Susan), Patricia (John), and Jane; sisters-in-law, Irene (Harold) Antle, Joan MacNeil, and Hélène Allard; brothers-in-law, Sandy MacNeil, Freddie (Myrtle) MacNeil, and Arthur MacNeil; many nieces, nephews and cousins; great-grandchildren, A.J, Lucas, Bentley Raymond, Ethan, Siyama, and Franco, and good friends, Albert Horne, Wayne Evong, and Bert Chamberlin.
Along with his parents, Raymond was predeceased by his dear daughter, Janice Noreen on December 15, 2020, and siblings, Doug, Joanne, Robert ‘Bobby’, and Helen Cecilia ‘Ceci’ Schaller.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Myatt, Dr. Hebb, and the compassionate staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital during Raymond’s trying 10-year private battle.
Visitation and memorial service for all whom loved, respected or were influenced by Raymond will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier on Thursday, September 12, 2024. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 12 noon to 2 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks at a later date.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website.
Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
The family request that no flowers be present at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Raymond may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
On behalf of Nancy and I we would like to offer our condolences during this difficult time. Ray was a great neighbor who took pride in the work he did.
From: Kevin and Nancy Sampson
Our deepest sympathies, Will be missed by all in the drywall industry , it was a privilege to work with one of the best
From: Terry Dean
Ray was a guy I looked up to and had great respect for. I only wish I could have been half the man he was.
From: Franklyn Ratchford
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing I hope he passed peacefully and my prayers go out to you and your family RIP Clary Esther and Family So sorry for your loss
Oh my dear sweet Rosemarie and Richard my thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Raymond was a gem.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Raymond always had a kind word and beautiful smile that always made me feel welcome. Rest easy dear cousin..
Saying good bye to Raymond is hard to do. He has been family for most of my life and I loved him . He had such a contagious laugh ! He impressed me with his keen sense for problem solving . Raymond had installed his own version of solar power at his cabin in the 1980’s !! He made an outdoor shower with hot water using black hose to absorb the sun. He built an out door “ facility “ that was so impressive it even had stippled ceiling. He solved the anguish of having to bend down to open and close the zipper on a screen tent by making a pulley type of rope to raise and lower the zipper.
He was smart , funny , meticulous about his garage , wood pile , truck , cabin , house , My gosh we used to ask should I remove my shoes before stepping in his garage . it was spotless.
He loved my sister with all his heart , and his family. He said his prayers every night and once told me he says one for me .
So long my dear brother in law , I love you and will say a prayer for you every night .
Rest in peace . I am sending a virtual hug because we all know that is the kind you preferred 🙂
I remember Raymond as a kind, gentle person. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. On behalf of Bud and myself, I send heartfelt condolences to you Rosemarie and your son Richard!
Sincere condolences to the family
So sad to hear of Ray ‘s passing Although I did not know him well I thought it only right to share this.Ray and I met while on site of the Whitney Pier Habitat for Humaity
site, no surprise he was employed to do the drywall filling.He was a master of the trade ,from the plop of the mud to the whiz of his knife it took seconds to recognize we had a master in the house.He was quiet …I was not and I marveled at his work ! He moved about the room like a spider on those stilts.Well we got to talking and I told him of my dad and brothers in the trades.Yep and I got a lesson on those stilts and ‘mudding’
tricks.He even brought Rosemarie by for a visit.A great guy whom I am so glad I had the pleasure to have met.Fly high Ray and thanks for the lesson.Heartfelt sympathy to Rosemarie and family.I know there is a hole in your hearts today.
SandraKelly
Rosemarie, so sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. My condolences to you and your family in this very difficult and sad time. My thoughts and prayers are with you today. Rest in peace Raymond
Rosemarie and family. So sorry to be reading this about Raymond’s passing. Thinking of you my sweet friend.
Jackie Matthews.
Condolences & love to all Raymond’s family on his passing. A truly great guy
Friend to many may he rest
In peace💔
Our condolences to Rosemary RG and the rest for the family. Ray was a very nice man who left is mark on all people that got to know him.
maryevong47@gmail.com
Godspeed.
Rosemarie and family
So sorry to read of Raymond’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Your Dad did a great job raising you. May you always feel his pride and love.
I’m so sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing,Condolences to Rosemarie,Richard ,and the other family members…Raymond was such a kind soul,and had a great personality,he will be missed by many
Rosemarie and Richard, I am so sorry for your loss! Hugs going to you both! 💕
My dear cousin Rosemarie and Richard, Gary and I send our deepest Condolences to you both.
If there’s a silver lining here, know Raymond is now with you beautiful Nora looking out for you and Richard.
I am honored to have met Raymond. Such a kind and lovable man and Joan, you are right about his infectious laugh.
God Bless and I’ll be in touch soon. Much love going to you dear Rosemarie and RJ. ❤️🫂🙏
Sending heartfelt condolences to Rosemarie , son Richard and to all Raymond’s grandchildren , great grandchildren , his family and friends that all knew Raymond and loved him . God Bless each and everyone .
To Rosemarie and Richard and the rest of Raymond’s family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. The few times that I met him I found him to be a very pleasant and welcoming person. Freeman and I send you both our deepest condolences on your great loss.
My deepest condolences to Rosemarie and Richard and all other family members. Raymond was a true gentleman with amazing skills and true honesty. May he rest in peace and praying for Rosemarie and Richard that they will have courage and find peace in the many fond memories of Raymond.
My condolences
Richard, I’m very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family, and hope you find comfort in your memories of him. -Jenna
So sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. My deepest condolences to the Schaller family.
Geordie Bissett and family
So sorry for your loss thoughts and prayers going to you all 🙏 ❤️
I’d like to pass on my condolences to Ray’s family on his passing. I only knew him for a week in 1986 when I called him to get a quote on drywall and crack filling for my new house.
He was very polite and came to see my house and give me a quote within a few days. We agreed on a price and he said two guys would arrive Monday and put up the drywall and he would come Tuesday to do the crack filling and probably be finished by Friday. True to his word the two men came and did their work on Monday and Ray came on Tuesday and was indeed finished on Friday.
Thirty eight years later his work has more than stood the test of time as it is as good today as when he did it. I never ran into Ray again but I have recommended him dozens of times to anyone who was looking for crack filling work. He was the only contractor I dealt with when I built my house and even to this day to be honest that came when he said he would and finished the job on time and never tried to charge me extra. I never forgot that and judging by the comments I’ve read he treated everybody like that.
Very sorry to see he passed but definitely a life well lived with integrity.
Thanks Ray
Dear Rosemarie and Richard, I am so sorry to hear about Raymond. I remember him as a hard working, devoted family man. He was always happy and kind. You were blessed, with a good man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mitzi and the kids.
I think of many good times together with Rosamarie and Raymond. Lots of dancing and laughing. My thoughts go out to everyone and hope he passed peacefully, Surprised both he and Sonny died on their birthdays.