McMaster University Athletics

An inspiration to all who knew him, Ray's McMaster story is unforgettable. A member of the Varsity Rowing Team from 1964 to 1968, Ray was the captain in his final three years. While rowing for Mac, he twice led his team to an OQAA Championship title. Perhaps more impressive than a championship title is the story of Ray's return to rowing after a life-threatening car accident in 1966. Not expected to survive the accident, Ray recovered and returned to the McMaster rowing roster to anchor the lightweight team to a first place finish. He was also a member of Canada's National Rowing Team in 1966 and 1967, participated in the 1967 Pan-Am Games, and won a total of eleven Canadian Championships and two U.S. Championships. Ray has recently retired as the Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate General in Detroit. He and his wife Valerie have four children and now own and operate an historic property in Niagara-on-the-Lake as a very successful B&B.