The Reverend John Raymond Stokes

B.A., B.Th., B.D.

May 21, 1935, St. Catherines, On

June 11, 2017, Ottawa, On


Passed away after a lengthy illness. The Reverend Stokes was the father of Philip and Andrea (Doyle), the grandfather of Harriet and Abigail Stokes, and Tallie and Jamie Doyle. He is survived by his sister June and nephews Glen and Jason.

Ordained Deacon and Priest in 1960 by Bishop W. Bagwell, Bishop of the Diocese of Niagara, Ray served at Church of the Redeemer, Stoney Creek, and Church of our Saviour in Fruitland, On; Church of the Ascension, Hamilton, On; and St Jude’s in Oakville, On. He then served at St Peter’s Church in Winnipeg, MB, in the parish of Clarendon. He eventually served at St Paul’s, Overbrook, Diocese of Ottawa in the mid 1990’s. Ray worked as an Administrator for the Department of Health and Welfare, Canada, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, and Administrative and Personnel Management for the House of Commons. Ray was also Principal and Chaplain of the Lelape La Jesu Seminary in Lesotho, Africa.

While in the Ottawa area, he had also lived in Chelsea, PQ., where he was associated with St Mary Magdelene Anglican Church.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks street, Ottawa on Monday, June 26 , at 11 am.