Obituary of Alan Frederick James Raeside

Alan (Al) Frederick James Raeside passed away peacefully after a long illness on November 22, 2022 in London, Ontario, at the Mount Hope Care Facility, at the age of 77.

Alan is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Crawford Raeside. Alan is survived by his adored mother, Iris Joyce Raeside [nee Hutt], age 97, his beloved wife of 24 years,Deborah (Debbie) Raeside [nee Balcom]; his sister,Carol/Richard Lobb, brothers: Michael & Robert: his eldest son, Carl/Lorrie Raeside & family, Paul/Lea Raeside, Melanie/Sean Imrie, Jennifer/Matt Barr, Dale/Akime Hawse, daughters: Shannon Hawse/Travis Ellsworth & family, Angela/Aaron Balamatowski, Heidi/Reed Balamatowshi, youngest son, Joel Raeside, and his 15 cherished grandchildren.

Alan was born on July 22, 1945 in Woking, Surrey, England to Thomas Crawford Raeside & Iris Joyce Raeside [nee Hutt].

Alan’s first adventure was to cross the Atlantic with his mother bound for Canada at the end of WWII with thousands of War Brides aboard the Queen Mary. Al was a published author who loved writing novels, plays, and poetry. He was abundantly fond of hockey and baseball having been a Maple Leaf’s fan all his life. He was a kind and gentle soul who on occasion lost his way, but always fought to find his path again in life. He loved all 9 of his children dearly and was a proud grandfather of 15grandchildren. He had many careers over the course of his life. His most enjoyed career was working with troubled youth. He had an ability to connect with them and help them find a calm in their lives. A calm he struggled to find for himself. This diverse experience in life helped him to create the stories he wrote. Late in life and with the encouragement of his wife, Debbie, Al was finally given the opportunity to devote his talents to writing 4 novelettes. He was a dedicated member of the AnglicanChurch, and his faith gave him strength to endure the years of torment. During the final days he was surrounded by his eldest son Carl, daughter-in-law Lorrie, eldest grandson Joshua, devoted friend Carolyn Plant, and loving wife Debbie and comforting calls from friends and family. He finally found the peace and calm knowing he would be with his Lord and Saviour forever.

It is with deep and profound sadness in our hearts that we make this announcement. There will be a celebration of life for Alan in Spring of 2023. Al will be cremated as per his wishes and will be put to rest in the forests and hills of Petawawa, Ontario his favorite childhood playground. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Mt. Hope Long Term Care Home for the loving care that was given to Al during his long battle with Parkinson’s & dementia. Additionally, thank you to the staff at University Hospital Emergency for the compassionate care & assistance with transitioning Al to palliative care. We are forever grateful. 

I felt an angel near today, though one I could not see
I felt an angel oh so close, sent to comfort me

I felt an angel’s kiss, soft upon my cheek
And oh, without a single word of caring did it speak

I felt an angel’s loving touch, soft upon my heart
And with that touch, I felt the pain and hurt within depart

I felt an angel’s tepid tears, fall softly next to mine
And knew that as those tears did dry a new day would be mine

I felt an angel’s silken wings enfold me with pure love
And felt a strength within me grow, a strength sent from above

I felt an angel oh so close, though one I could not see
I felt an angel near today, sent to comfort me.