RANSOME, Ray David- aged 70 of New Albany, passed away peacefully Monday, December 2, 2013 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville, with his family by his side. Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late John and Alice Mae (Turple) Ransome. He is survived by his wife, the former Kathleen "Kathy" Fougere, New Albany; sons, Steven Ray (Susan MacLean), Dartmouth and Christopher John (Theresa), Port Dover, ON; sister, JoAnne Rogers, Brookfield, NS; brothers, Roy (Louise) Rogers, Lower Sackville, NS and Robert Rogers; grandsons; Joel and Brendan and step granddaughters, Amanda, Amber and Ashley. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Wayne Rogers. Ray grew up in the Halifax area, and was married to Kathy in 1963. Ray's employment was centered around the trucking industry, including driving, service, and management positions. Ray's love of all things automotive was his lifelong passion, and Ray enjoyed more than anything to take drives for pleasure with people he cared about. Ray loved to explore the countryside and a staple of his family life was a Sunday drive with Kathy and his boys, where the journey was its own destination. On one of these trips, Ray fell in love with the New Albany area, which led to moving to the area with his family in 1982 at Trout Lake. Besides driving, Ray had many interests, including camping, attending classic car shows, playing cards, hockey, auto racing and always making time for his family and friends. Ray had a great sense of humour, and even though his health concerns caused some discomfort, he always had a positive outlook on life, and greeted everyone with a smile. Ray loved to lift people's spirits with a good joke or a funny story, and he believed laughter was the best medicine. He lived a full and happy life, and most recently, he and Kathy were excited to celebrate their golden anniversary. Special thanks to the staff at Soldier's Memorial Hospital in Middleton, and Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. The kind, compassionate and respectful care they provided at a difficult time was second to none, and his family was confident he was in good hands. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 7:00 to 9:00PM, Friday, December 6, 2013 at the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, (902) 825-3448. A memorial service will be held 11:00AM, Saturday, December 7, 2013 in Middleton at St. Monica's Catholic Church with Father Jose Thomas officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, New Albany. Donations in memory may be made to Pine Grove Cemetery, New Albany or a Charity of Choice. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com