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.
Sympathy Messages
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, on
October 11, 2025
So sorry for the loss of your dad. Thinking of you!
- Kelly Gorman, on
October 11, 2025
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, on
October 11, 2025
Condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
- Cori Clement and Brian Stratford., on
October 11, 2025
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, on
October 11, 2025
Our condolences to your family on the loss of your father/grandfather. stay strong that's what he would of wanted.
- Rob Taylor, on
October 11, 2025
Condolences to the Grossinger family.
- Darrell Kant, on
October 11, 2025
I knew Ray most of my life from Goodfish area. May you rest in peace. So sorry for your loss
- Don Kelly, on
October 11, 2025
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 , on
October 11, 2025
Our condolences to your family on the loss of your father/grandfather.
- Monica and Murray Haase, on
October 11, 2025
We are so sorry to hear the news of your dad’s passing. Our condolences go out to you all.
- Erin Robazza & Tom Wadey, on
October 11, 2025
Sorry for loss Real was a great friend & brother we will really miss him.
- Gary & Modesta Brasch , on
October 12, 2025
Real was special to many of us
For many different reasons
Finding Comfort in the love ️
Of family and friends during
Difficult times is what Real,
Would want and to take care
Of one another
Forever Grateful to have known
Real And call him friend & brother
HUGUETTE PARCHER
- HUGUETTE PARCHER, on
October 12, 2025
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, on
October 12, 2025
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 , on
October 12, 2025
I wanted to send my love to the family. Real was such and kind man and will be truly missed
- Andrea Hannah, on
October 12, 2025
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, on
October 12, 2025
Garry and I were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. With our heartfelt sympathies.
Linda and Garry Bullen
- Linda Bullen , on
October 12, 2025
Sending my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time Georgia Natasha& Ron
- Georgia Boychuk, on
October 13, 2025
We are still shaken by the news of your fathers passing. Real was such a corner stone in our community that maybe we thought he would live forever, and he will live forever in our hearts and minds. His compassion and thoughtfulness for others was out of this world. Real was always there to help the community and individuals who needed him. He grew the Sesekinika volunteer fire department into what it is, and volunteer he did in a big way.
We will miss Real's smile, and his genuine way that he cared for others. He was a wonderful example of how we should treat each other.
Please accept our condolences.
- Gerry and Marlene Danis, on
October 13, 2025
My deepest condolences
- Doris Uhrayn, on
October 14, 2025
We share in your sadness with the loss of your dad. Real was the kindest person I've ever known. For example: I mentioned that I'd like to buy some of his rough lumber to build a garden box. The next thing I know, he's delivering it, all measured and cut, ready to be assembled. Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to all of you.
- Wilf and Ann-Marie King, on
October 14, 2025
My deepest condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. He lived a full life, and I pray your memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
- Shannon Carey, on
October 14, 2025
So sorry to read of Real's passing. He was a good friend throughout the years when we worked together. He will be missed dearly in the Sesekinika area and by all who knew him.
RIP Real.
- Harold & Karen Birimcombe, on
October 15, 2025
Sending our deepest Condolences in the loss of Rheal May he RIP and be Reunited with Theresa , my thoughts are with you during this time,
Bev and Wes
- Bev Niemi, on
October 17, 2025
Thank you, riel, for letting me brad and Sara. Enjoy your hunt cap and what you build in that front of your house with your sons and daughters. My dad mike Barton brought me to you and his family still to this day.We still love to go up there.great people. Busy lifeThat we're living .the king and the barton side. Love your spirit and what you have done in your life. It keeps us moving on and try to be somebody like you.
- Bradley barton , on
October 17, 2025
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
May your father‘s memories always be held close to your hearts and bring you comfort to know that your father is now resting in peace.
- Stella Fortin, on
October 17, 2025
So sorry for your loss, Tammy. Sending lots of love from PEI.
- Marie-France, on
October 22, 2025
I am so very sorry for your loss.💔
May my support warm your heart
- Martha Wilke-Pittock, on
December 9, 2025
Sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure he missed his wife Theresa , or he was avoiding doing a mechanical on my truck. Great guy I went there to see him more than just to get my vehicles properly repaired, he raised my spirits...he went the extra mile. RIP Ray
- Roy Fitzgerald, on
February 4, 2026
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