Rainer “Ray” Antero Lempiala passed away on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 in Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at the the age of 86.

Ray was born in Port Arthur and spent most of his life proudly working and running the family business, Lempiala Sand and Gravel. He started working for his father, Antti in 1943 and was soon joined by his brother, Paul with whom he took over the business.

Lempiala Sand and Gravel was eventually sold to his sons, but his love of the business kept him running his machines until he was 75. When he wasn't working he would spend time going to his camps at Quorn and Umber, where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, blueberry picking, spending time with his family and “playing” in his loader, quad and Kubota.

Ray is survived by his wife Joy; three sons Alan (Janice), Kenny (Val) and Wayne (Tracy); two daughters Sharon (Jim) Gosling and Darlene (Darrell) Bray; eleven grandchildren Mark, Jason, Jennifer, Stacey, Steven, Ryan, Ashley, Heather, Kristy, Kurtis and Lauren and ten great grandchildren. Also survived by his brother Paul (Doris) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his first wife Celia.

To honour Ray's wishes, there will not be a funeral, and a private interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery at a later date. EVEREST FUNERAL CHAPEL, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma in care of arrangements.

Should friends so desire, donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Ray's memory would be greatly appreciated.