David Graham Ray was born in Nantwich, England, on May 30, 1966, to Colin and Barbara Ray. He died peacefully, at the age of 58, on April 26, 2025, in Toronto, Ontario. Throughout the past few years, Dave faced several serious health challenges, which eventually led to cardiac arrest. Our sorrow is tempered by the knowledge that Dave is pain free and at peace.

Dave grew up in Blackpool, England, a seaside town and popular tourist destination. In his teens, Dave became a legendary drummer of several punk rock bands: The Condemned, The Rabid Dogs and Dog Food. Many of Dave’s happiest times involved punk rock and his cherished bandmates.

Much of Dave’s career was spent in the world of printing, and he shared many stories about his time working for Alan Cass as a printer, where he enjoyed working with his friends Steve and Tony and was well-treated by Alan.

In 2015, Dave met his future wife, Rachel, after a Coronation Street tour in Manchester. Like many beloved “Corrie” characters, they soon became inseparable, and Dave supported Rachel as she found her place in a new country. A year later, Dave made the difficult decision to leave his family and friends in England for Canada, where Rachel and Dave married in 2016.

After settling in Toronto, Dave and Rachel enjoyed going to gigs together, checking out new restaurants and pubs, and cheering on Blackpool FC. Thanks to his father Colin’s influence, Dave was a dedicated Seasider, and a visit “home” included a game when possible.

Dave was also profoundly concerned about the environment as well as the creatures who share our world, and Rachel and Dave loved exploring vegetarian and pescatarian recipes and menus. An avid reader, Dave enjoyed playing on his pub quiz team “The Damned,” where his sense of humour was much appreciated.

Dave was predeceased by his father, Colin, in 2013. He will be remembered lovingly by his wife Rachel, mother Barbara, brother Steve, stepsons Chris (Sarah) and Ollie (Gemma) as well as his beautiful granddaughters, Maia, Luna and Willow. Dave will also be missed by his cousins in Crewe and Blackpool and his uncle Geoff and aunt Christine. In Ontario, Dave was loved by his many in-laws, especially Maureen, Ron, Rebecca, Christian and Archer. Across the Atlantic in Blackpool and Manchester, and in Toronto, Dave’s many friends will also miss him dearly.

A cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held in the future.