Obituary of Raymond Cyril Adams

Raymond Cyril Adams, 93, of Toronto, Ontario (previously of Burin, Newfoundland) departed this life peacefully in his sleep on October 18, 2023, at the Kensington Hospice in Toronto where he spent his last weeks with family and friends.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Lyma, his parents Wilson and Meta and his son-in-law Peter.

Known as Raymond to Toronto friends and Cyril to Burin friends; he was a loving dad to Cindy & Karl (Marie); loving grandpa to Bill (Elizabeth) and Sara (Darryl); GG to his 5 great-grandchildren Robbie, Evelyn, Alec, Ollie and Cate; honorary father to Terry (Janice) & Valerie (Tim); honorary grandfather to Dylan, Meghan, Nicole and Carter; honorary GG to several newcomers to Canada.

Born January 10, 1930, on Great Burin Island in Newfoundland (since resettled) where he went to Avondale School, he lost his mother at a young age. He was raised by his grandfather as his dad fished the shores of Great Burin Island for a living. He spent his early career on Great Lake freighters before settling down in Burin (after meeting his future wife Lyma) where he eventually retired as a supervisor at the local fish plant.

A man of quiet strength and a big heart who, above all else, loved his family – both immediate and extended. He was a steadfast support to all his family members as they encountered life’s challenges.  He was deeply respected in his community. His kindness and warmth were boundless. Family members cannot remember him ever saying unkind words or raising his voice to anyone. 

His faith was as strong as the rock on which he was born - he deeply valued his involvement with Zion United Church in Burin and Islington United Church in Toronto.

He loved spending time with his grandkids, fishing on Muncho Lake with family, avidly following the Toronto Maple Leafs, Blue Jays and Raptors, being a Newfoundland tourist guide to friends who travelled to Newfoundland with him, playing cards with friends and watching game shows.

Utmost gratitude and thanks are extended to the staff at Kensington Hospice who made his final days peaceful and comfortable, while also supporting his saddened family.

His funeral service will be held on Friday October 27^th, 1 p.m. at Islington United Church. Donations in his memory can be made to Islington United Church, Zion United Church in Burin, or the Kensington Hospice.