A man affectionately referred to as "Mr. Sarnia" by the city's mayor is being remembered locally.
Ray Curran died January 2, 2022, just over two weeks after he turned 91 years old.
Curran held an active role in local labour relations since 1953, after taking on an active role in his fathers company the year before. Presently known as Curran Contractors, the company has now served the Sarnia-Lambton industrial community for over 70 years.
Curran was a founding member of the Sarnia Construction Association and sat as a chairman for the Labour Relations Council. He was involved as a chairman of the Labour Relations Bureau of the Ontario General Contractors Association and the Construction Employers Coordinating Council of Ontario. He was also a director of the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce Energy Committee, a member of the board of directors for Bluewater Power and a key supporter of the Lambton College Foundation.
"A huge loss for Sarnia Lambton," Mike Bradley shared in a Twitter post Sunday. "The Man called "Mr. Sarnia," Ray Curran has passed away. Ray should have been called "Mr. Sarnia-Lambton" with his humble St. Clair Township roots which he never forgot and his support for all of Sarnia-Lambton from the farm gate to the factory gate. He was an untiring champion for Sarnia-Lambton which he loved dearly."
https://twitter.com/mayorofsarnia/status/1477734458254139397
Condolences were also shared by LiUNA 1089 / 625 Government Relations Director Jason McMichael.
"Ray Curran was a community leader, dedicated to building Sarnia-Lambton," McMichael shared on Twitter. "I’m grateful for his friendship in my time as President of Sarnia & District Labour Council. My deepest condolences to his family and countless friends."
https://twitter.com/unionMcMichael/status/1477755852656369664
Cremation has taken place. A private family mass will be held to commemorate Curran's life at St. Joseph’s Church, Corunna, with interment to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Corunna.
Arrangements are entrusted to McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre.
Curran's full obituary can be read here.