Raymond John Hosick

Raymond John Hosick, 74 years old, passed away peacefully at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from a brain bleed that unexpectedly took his life.

Born on February 2, 1952, in Toronto, ON, he’s lived in Toronto, Bradford, Tecumseth Township, Alliston, Angus, Borden, Barrie and New Lowell.  Although Raymond started working as a Welder for Borden Metal Products in Beeton, he changed his trade to become a Mechanic where he worked for a variety of dealerships within the area.  Raymond decided to become his own boss and opened his own garage in Barrie, where he was the dedicated Mechanic for one of the top taxi companies in Barrie.  Following a long and difficult recovery from Meningitis, and the loss of his business, Raymond got back on his feet and continued his career as a Mechanic with none other than Base Maintenance with the Department of National Defence at Canadian Forces Base Borden, where he provided over 25 years of service to the Government of Canada until his retirement in 2012.  During that time, Raymond was also an active member of his union, Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE); first as a Union Steward, then Chief Steward and eventually as President, a position he held proudly for several years.

Raymond, alongside with his Akita dog named Kumo, were active members of The Good Guys Carting Dogs, which was an organization founded in1987 that supported worthwhile community services/charities by way of fundraising events.  They often participated in annual events such as, and not limited to, the All About Pets Show, the Toronto Sportsmen Show, as well as numerous community fairs and parades.  In fact, Raymond and Kumo were once on the televised The Dini Petty Show and featured in an Akita Calendar. The Good Guys Carting Dogs are unfortunately no longer an active organization.

Raymond and Kumo were also certified with St. John Ambulance Canada - Therapy Dog Program.  Raymond was very proud of Kumo as he was an Akita like no other and would often visit hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Those who knew Raymond also heard all about the muscle cars he owned and wished he still had today, as well as the number of motorcycles, namely his pride and joy, the 2003 Anniversary Edition Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Springer in Gun Metal Pearl with lots and lots of chrome, which he rode from Coast to Coast across Canada and the upper United States.  He truly enjoyed the open road and never gave up a hot summer day to ride his motorcycles.

Raymond was unfortunately diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease in the Fall 2021 and although every effort was made to keep Raymond at home, his condition declined quickly resulting in hospitalization in June 2024, where he waited for a facility to become available for Raymond’s full-time care.  Raymond was placed at the Collingwood Care Centre in January 2025, where he was happy to call home.  Raymond was loved amongst the staff and residents, and got to enjoy many activities, especially Bingo!

Raymond is survived by his wife Sylvie (née Malfait), his children Matthew and Graeme (Jeannelle Proctor), his stepchildren Jessica VanBurg (Jon MacNeil) and Nicholas VanBurg (Zoé Gagnon).  Raymond is also survived by his siblings Joan (Jim Robinson), James (Susan Ingraham) and niece Amelia, and Jeffrey; as well as his nephew Philip Robinson (Erin Schowalter) and grandniece Linnea.

Raymond was preceded in death by his father Melville Hosick, mother Madeleine (née Callaghan), and his eldest sister Andrea Walli.

Cremation has already taken place; and a Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a tribute/eulogy to be held at 11 a.m., where relatives and friends are welcome to pay their respects and share memories at Liberty North, 100 Caplan Avenue, Unit 1, Barrie ON L4N 9J2, 705-728-3877.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of the Collingwood Care Centre for their wonderful services and for the care they provided Raymond during his residency since January 2025.  They would like to also thank the medical team at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital for the care and comfort they provided Raymond prior to his passing.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Raymond’s honour are welcome to the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, 20 Anne Street South, Barrie ON L4N 2C5, www.alzheimer.ca.