Obituary of Raymond W. Tordoff

Raymond Wilfred Tordoff of Wilson, NY passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, at Niagara Hospice in Lockport, NY. Born on February 9th, 1940, in London, Ontario, Canada, Ray can only be described as truly being larger than life. In November 1960, Ray married his beloved Ruth A. Tordoff in Kitchener, Ontario. Their loving bond of over six decades saw them embark on global adventures, immigration to Lewiston, NY, USA in 1974, and a lifetime full of incredible memories. Ray was the consummate professional throughout his business career. He always excelled and overachieved in demanding and challenging occupations. Ray’s strong and ethical work habits always positioned him on the top. He was a born leader evidenced by his continual successes throughout his career. It wasn’t always easy for Ray. After losing his parents at a very young age he was raised by his loving aunt and uncle. Upon completion of his schooling, he entered the workforce in direct hard labor jobs. Ray’s appetite for success and desire to excel drove his career throughout the years. His passion for sales propelled him to lead several companies in positions as National Sales Manager and Vice-President. He was a true asset in every position he held. His professional career culminated in owning and presiding over a successful business. Along the way Ray developed superb, life long, personal relationships with his business partners and colleagues, a true testament to his professionalism. “Hacker” as he was affectionally known by his teammates of the “Damn Yankees” Old Timers hockey team loved and breathed the sport from an early age. It was rumored that he was even born with ice skates on! Much to hisson’s delight and his daughter’s chagrin, Ray was a Montreal Canadiens ‘Habs’ fan through and through. Whether coaching or playing, his aggressive style balanced with the right dose of sportsmanship ensured a winning combination. Ray’s biggest victories on the ice surely came with his enjoyment as a youth coach and mentor. He made them work hard and they loved him. Sometimes we wondered why! When he wasn’t on the ice, he could often be found rollerblading down Routes 18 or 425 in Wilson, as well as other patches of pavement around the country. Ruth and Ray had an immense passion for collecting and restoring antiques. Their exuberance for items from the old world truly blossomed with their purchase of an historic cobblestone house in Wilson, NY. Throughout the restoration and beyond, they amassed a collection of items that would rival a museum, including Ray’s favorite car a 1940 Ford convertible from his birth year. They orchestrated their beautiful possessions and projects into an extremely warm and welcoming home in order to entertain family and guests alike. They loved people. Ray’s wide and varied interests kept him happy and joyful. Along with hockey he loved scuba diving (amassing 199 dives around the world), golfing, curling, skiing, and numerous other sports. Of course, he always excelled at them. Ray just loved life! He was always quick with a joke and loved to be at the center of things. His antics always made him the life of the party…usually with some type of twist. He kept everyone on their toes. Ray was always a generous man, both financially and more importantly, with his time and wisdom. He always stood ready to counsel family and friends. He is survived by his children, Richard Tordoff and wife Lesley, and Richelle Tordoff with fiancé Chad Plants. His legacy continues with his grandchildren and great grandchildren: Raymond A. Tordoff and wife Amy with their children Eleanor and Amelia; Brittany and husband Chip Forbes with their children Graham and Audrey; Gunnar Tordoff; Ripley Tordoff and her daughter Adelaide. He is also survived by his sister Sharon and husband Frank Crossley. Ray joins his wife Ruth in peaceful rest, along with his brothers Robert and Verne. No immediate service will be held. A celebration of Ray and Ruth’s remarkable lives will be organized for family and friends at a later date. Together, we encourage you to raise a toast to them for lives lived well and to the fullest! God speed Ray. Niagara Hospice is a wonderful facility! Memorial donations may be made in Ray Tordoff’s name. www.niagarahospice.org