Obituary of Elmer Raycroft

Elmer Robert Carl Raycroft

August 10, 1938 - August 31, 2023

(Renfrew County District School Board of Education-17 years)

(Former Deputy Mayor of McNab-Braeside)

Today we lost a very special man. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Elmer Raycroft, who departed from this life peacefully on Thursday morning, August 31, 2023 at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital. He was 85 years young. Elmer, the heart and strength of the Raycroft family, was the beloved husband of the late Beulah Raycroft (nee Stevenson) (July 31, 2008). A proud father, Elmer's legacy lives on in his children: Cathy Smith (Eldon), Rob Raycroft (Adyne), Randy (Denise), and Ruth Ann (Peter) Gaebel. The twinkle in his eyes shone brightest for his grandchildren: Sarah (Adam), Emma (Rory) and Duncan Brown, Joshua, Jesse (Kristen) and Joelle Raycroft, Jordan (Daniele), Natalie (John Marc), Alexandra (Jordan), Jacob, Matthew, Benjamin, and Eliza Gaebel and his 8 great-grandchildren. Dear brother-in-law to Ellis and Earl Stevenson, Joyce Moore, Margaret Raycroft and Eva Raycroft. He will be missed by many nieces and nephews. Special friend of Joyce Ellis (nee Dean). Predeceased by his parents Noble and Gertrude (Runtz) Raycroft and his siblings Kenneth, Doris, Garnet, Eldon, Wilmer, Melvin, Harold, Lois and Jean. Elmer’s memory will forever be that of a man who balanced his commitment to work with a steadfast dedication to family. He was a man of strength, unwavering principles, and a heart full of love. His laughter, stories, and larger than life spirit will be missed but will forever remain in our hearts. Elmer's journey through life was as vast as it was impactful. In his younger days he started his tenure in the lumber industry and later went on to embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship at Raycroft Ford. Not one to shy away from community service, Elmer dedicated 17 years to the Renfrew County District School Board of Education, both as a Trustee and as board chairman. In addition, he held the office of Deputy Mayor for McNab-Braeside. His love for his farm was palpable; its rolling fields and serene surroundings were a reflection of his inner peace and hardworking nature. But above all his achievements and passions, family was everything to Elmer. The Raycroft family extends their gratitude to Dr. Gordon and the staff of the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care in Elmer's final days. Elmer's arrangements have been entrusted to the Boyce Funeral Home Ltd, 138 Daniel Street North, Arnprior where visitation will take place Friday September 8, 2023 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and again at the Glad Tidings Pentecostal Church, Arnprior Saturday September 9, 2023 from 12:00 Noon -12:45 p.m. The Funeral Service will take place at the church at 1:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Cremation to take place. Interment at Flat Rapids Cemetery, McNab-Braeside at a later date. In Memory of Elmer, a donation may be made to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation or to a charity of your choice.

Rest in peace, Elmer. You have left an indelible mark on our hearts, and your spirit will always be with us. Your legacy lives on in the stories shared, the land loved, and the family cherished.