Grossinger, Real "Ray" - Obituaries | Timiskaming Funeral Cooperative

Grossinger, Real "Ray"

GROSSINGER, Real "Ray"

1942 - 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Real “Ray” Grossinger, who left us peacefully with his loving family by his side October 8th, 2025. Born in McWatters, Quebec in 1942 to Paul-Émile and Fernande Grossinger, Real was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a cornerstone of the Sesekinika community. Predeceased by his parents, his nephew Paul Grossinger, sister Lise and his beloved wife Theresa.

Real grew up alongside his siblings: Rejeanne (Gilbert-deceased) Godin, Jacques (Sunny) Grossinger, and sister Lise (Brian-deceased) Clark.

In 1963, Real met his “Sunshine,” Theresa, at the North Y restaurant. They married in August 1965 and shared 58 years of love, laughter, and a life built on hard work and deep devotion.

Real will be deeply missed by his children: Norman, Bernice (Joe Bisson), Tammy (Tom Drew-Brook), and Darlene (Peter Marinigh). His grandchildren, Julian Grossinger, Casey Rae, Ashley Grossinger, and Emmerson Drew-Brook. He was a step-grandfather to Leah Marinigh (Mark Pearce) and Lauren Marinigh (Scott Brayne), and a great-grandfather to Laser Dobson-Rae, Theo Pearce, and Dallas Pearce. Many nieces and nephews will fondly remember him.

Real’s life was defined by unwavering dedication, resilience, and service. He began trapping at the age of 12, a passion he maintained his entire life. Even in his later years, he passed on his knowledge by training his son Norman and grandson Julian on the trapline he worked for over 55 years.

Real worked at the Ministry of Natural Resources as the fire watchman at Crystal Lake Fire Tower and grader operator for the Ministry of Transportation. In the early 1970s, he opened Ray’s Auto, becoming a Class A mechanic through correspondence. He was well-known across the community for keeping people on the road.

In 1984, Real donated land and helped establish the Sesekinika Fire Hall, where he went on to serve as a dedicated volunteer firefighter for 47 years, 38 of those as Fire Chief, responding to every call, with the fire radio stationed right in his kitchen.

In semi-retirement, he purchased a sawmill and expanded his carpentry skills, never content to slow down. His passion for the outdoors and land development led him to build many rustic cabins on his property, including a cherished “Toe-tapping cabin” shared with Theresa.

Real was more than a tradesman and trapper, he was a visionary, who could MacGyver anything and was a man of his word. Whether he was plowing roads, repairing vehicles, grooming snowmobile trails, or hosting corn roasts and hootenannies, Real believed in hard work and showing up for others.

He journaled daily, took extensive walks through the bush, and kept busy at all times. He had a fierce love for old country music and was often found with snowshoes, chainsaws, traps, or canoeing Tea Lake. Real shared a special interest with his son Norman through their antique car collection.

Real leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, and commitment — values that live on through his family, especially his four children, with whom he shared a very special bond. Small in stature but enormous in heart, Real proved that anything is possible with determination, loyalty, and courage.

He remained true to his Jehovah’s Witness faith, living with humility, integrity, and unwavering belief until the end.

After a life lived fully and generously, Real is now reunited with his Sunshine, Theresa.

In the words of Ray, “Stay on the Trail!”

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the neighbour Steve Pullen, paramedics and police who went above and beyond to assist in Real’s emergency. They also wish to sincerely thank the staff at Blanche River Health and Timmins District Hospital.

In memory of Real, donations can be made to the Sesekinika Fire Hall.

Real will be laid to rest at Kirkland Lake cemetery. We welcome family and friends to a Celebration of Life at the Sesekinika Fire Hall on Saturday, October 18 th from 1-4pm.


                                                                                                                       ♥

C'est avec le cœur lourd que nous annonçons le décès de Real "Ray" Grossinger, qui nous a quittés paisiblement, entouré de sa famille aimante, le 8 octobre 2025. Né à McWatters, au Québec, en 1942, de Paul-Émile et Fernande Grossinger, Real était un époux, un père, un grand-père, un arrière-grand-père, un frère bien-aimé et un pilier de la communauté de Sesekinika. Prédécédé par ses parents, son neveu Paul Grossinger, sa sœur Lise et son épouse bien-aimée Thérèse.

Real a grandi aux côtés de ses frères et sœurs : Réjeanne (feu Gilbert) Godin, Jacques (Sunny) Grossinger et sa sœur Lise (feu Brian) Clark.
En 1963, Real a rencontré son "rayon de soleil", Thérèse, au restaurant North Y. Ils se sont mariés en août 1965 et ont partagé 58 ans d'amour, de joie et une vie faite de travail acharné et de dévouement profond.

Real sera profondément manqué par ses enfants : Norman, Bernice (Joe Bisson), Tammy (Tom Drew-Brook) et Darlene (Peter Marinigh), ainsi qu'à ses petits-enfants : Julian Grossinger, Casey Rae, Ashley Grossinger et Emmerson Drew-Brook. Il était le grand-père adoptif de Leah Marinigh (Mark Pearce) et Lauren Marinigh (Scott Brayne), et l'arrière-grand-père de Laser Dobson-Rae, Theo Pearce et Dallas Pearce. De nombreux neveux et nièces se souviendront de lui avec tendresse.

La vie de Real a été marquée par un dévouement indéfectible, une résilience et un sens du service. Il a commencé le piégeage à l'âge de 12 ans, une passion qu'il a entretenue toute sa vie. Même à un âge avancé, il a transmis son savoir en formant son fils Norman et son petit-fils Julian sur le territoire de piégeage où il a travaillé pendant plus de 55 ans.

Real a travaillé au ministère des Ressources naturelles comme veilleur d'incendie à la tour de guet au lac Crystal  et conducteur de niveleuse pour le ministère des Transports. Au début des années 1970, il a ouvert son entreprise Ray's Auto, devenant mécanicien de classe A par correspondance. Il était reconnu dans toute la communauté pour sa capacité à maintenir les gens sur la route.

En 1984, Real a fait don d'un terrain et a contribué à la création de la caserne de pompiers de Sesekinika, où il a été pompier volontaire pendant 47 ans incluant chef de pompiers pendant 38 ans, répondant à chaque appel, la radio d'incendie étant installée directement dans sa cuisine.

Préretraité, il a acheté une scierie et a perfectionné ses compétences en menuiserie, sans jamais se contenter de ralentir. Sa passion pour le plein air et l'aménagement du territoire l'a amené à construire de nombreux chalets rustiques sur sa propriété, dont un précieux "chalet  à pédales" partagé avec Therese.

Real était plus qu'un artisan et un trappeur, c'était un visionnaire, capable de tout reproduire à la MacGyver et un homme de parole. Qu'il déneigeais les routes, réparais les véhicules, entretiennement des sentiers de motoneige ou organisait des épluchettes de blé d'Inde et des musiques country, Real croyait au travail acharné et à l'engagement envers les autres.
 
Il tenait un journal quotidien, faisait de longues promenades dans la forêt et était toujours occupé. Passionné de musique country, on le retrouvait souvent avec des raquettes, des tronçonneuses, des pièges ou en canoë sur le lac The. Real partageait un intérêt particulier avec son fils Norman pour leur collection de voitures antique.

Real laisse derrière lui un héritage de travail acharné, d'amour et d'engagement – des valeurs qui sont perpetuer dans sa famille, en particulier auprès de ses quatre enfants, avec lesquels il partageait un lien très spécial. Petit de taille mais grand de cœur, Real a prouvé que tout est possible avec détermination, loyauté et courage.

Il est resté fidèle à sa foi de Témoin de Jéhovah, vivant avec humilité, intégrité et une foi inébranlable jusqu'à la fin.

Après une vie pleinement vécue et généreuse, Real retrouve enfin son "rayon de soleil" Therese.

Pour reprendre les mots de Ray : "Reste sur la piste !".

La famille tient à exprimer sa plus profonde gratitude à son voisin Steve Pullen, aux ambulanciers et aux policiers qui ont fait de leur mieux pour aider Real dans l’urgence. Elle remercie également  les personnels de Blanche River Health et de l’Hôpital du district de
Timmins.

En mémoire de Real, des dons peuvent être faits à la caserne de
pompiers de Sesekinika.

Real sera inhumé au cimetière de Kirkland Lake. Nous invitons la famille et les amis à une célébration de la vie à la caserne de pompiers de Sesekinika le samedi 18 octobre, de 13 h à 16 h.

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16 messages received

The Entire Grossinger Family

We are so sorry to hear the news of your dad’s passing. Our condolences go out to you all.

Erin Robazza & Tom Wadey, October 11, 2025

Tammy, Tom, Emmerson and family

Our condolences to your family on the loss of your father/grandfather.

Monica and Murray Haase, October 11, 2025

Bernice and family

My deepest condolences to you Bernice , Joe and his other children and family and friends so sorry for your loss


May my support
warm your heart
Amanda couture , October 11, 2025

To the Grossinger family

I knew Ray most of my life from Goodfish area. May you rest in peace. So sorry for your loss

Don Kelly, October 11, 2025

Real Grossingers family and friends

Condolences to the Grossinger family.

Darrell Kant, October 11, 2025

Grossinger famaily

Our condolences to your family on the loss of your father/grandfather. stay strong that's what he would of wanted.

Rob Taylor, October 11, 2025

Grossinger Family.

Real really was the kindness person one could know. He always went out of his way to help who ever he could. If you went to his place you would always find him in his garage doing something. If he was your friend he proved himself to be a true friend to you. He will be missed dearly at our Kingdom Hall meetings. I was blessed to call him my friend and brother. Thank you Real for leaving us with many wonderful memories.

Phyllis Cholette, October 11, 2025

The entire Grossinger family

Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Cori Clement and Brian Stratford., October 11, 2025

family of Real

I am so sorry for your loss. Your father was a great neighbor, always friendly with a big smile and a real loss to the community of Sesekinika. He will be remembered always for his tireless work in helping to make the community great. He was looked up to by his peers. The Fillion family.


May my support
warm your heart
Cindy Fillion, October 11, 2025

Bernice and family

So sorry for the loss of your dad. Thinking of you!

Kelly Gorman, October 11, 2025

Entire Grossinger Family

Our deepest condolences on the loss of a great man and friend. May you find strength and peace knowing he is reunited with the love of his life and that heaven gained another angel to soon but will always be watching over you for all of eternity.
From Larry and Joyce Quibell and Larry (Jr.) & Shelly Quibell


May my support
warm your heart
Shelly Quibell, October 11, 2025

Norman Grossinger and Families

Garry and I were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. With our heartfelt sympathies.
Linda and Garry Bullen

Linda Bullen , October 12, 2025

Bernice and Family

I am so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Condolences to the family.


May my support
warm your heart
Christine Rae, October 12, 2025

The family

I wanted to send my love to the family. Real was such and kind man and will be truly missed

Andrea Hannah, October 12, 2025

Norman, Bernice, Tammy and Darlene

My sincere sympathies to the four of you and your families on the loss of your dad. I knew him my entire life, and he truly was a great man. I’m thinking of you all in this difficult time. His legacy will live on through the four of you and through your children and grandchildren he inspired. Much love to you all.

Cindy Van Oosten , October 12, 2025

The Grossinger Family

We lived close to Real and Theresa from 1985 to 1995.Real kept our driveway and road cleared.Theresa was quiet but a good friend...adopted one of our bunnies and kept it alive in their yard for 3 years.We loved our time in Sesekinika...truly a wonderful community .Everyone worked to make it the best place to be.Im sorry to hear another great Ses resident is gone...he will be missed.

Nereda Rehm, October 12, 2025