M.G. Daly Funeral Home Ltd. Maynooth, Ontario

Peacefully at Quinte Health Care North Hastings Hospital, Bancroft surrounded by family on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the age of 75.  Beloved husband and best friend of Gloria Stephen (Meeks).  Loving father of Tammy (Ron) McMurray and Dan (Kate) Stephen.  Grandfather of Carter (Johanna), Tanner (Abbey), Adam and Reaya.  Brother of Tina Goldsmith, Jack, Paul (Mary), Mike (Wendy), Mary Jane Baker, Teresa Fenn (Tim) brother-in-law of Jon (Joanne) Meeks and Dennis Meeks.  He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. 

Reay was born in Toronto on November 20, 1948 and was the 3rd of seven children born to Bud and Mary Stephen. He enjoyed many summers at the family cottage in Muskoka. In October 1969 he married his highschool sweetheart Gloria. In 1976, Reay and Gloria moved to Bancroft with their young family for Reay to work in the family business, Bancroft Concrete. He was later employed with the Town of Bancroft for 20 years, where he was the Chief Operator of the Water Treatment Plant.

Reay was an active member of his community. He enjoyed playing Old Timers Hockey with the IGA Oldtimers. He was a member of the Bancroft Curling Club both as a curler and an Ice Maker for many years, and when the curling season was over, he could be found out on the golf course. Some of his other hobbies included hunting and fishing.

Reay was a man of many talents, including woodworking, sock making and whittling; however, one of his biggest accomplishments was restoring a 1949 antique wooden boat which was his prized possession. He and Gloria spent more than 30 summers at their happy place, Pine Cliff, where he was fondly known as the “mayor” by his many friends and the “happy hour crew”. Above all, he will always be remembered for his sense of humour and his wonderful ability to make people laugh.

A Celebration of Life is being held at the Rec Hall at Pine Cliff Resort, (21 Allingham Lane, Combermere, ON) on Saturday, October 5th from 1-4 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Hospice North Hastings would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements entrusted to M.G. Daly Funeral Home, Maynooth. (613) 338-3259 (Condolence messages may be e-mailed to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or visit www.mgdalyfuneralhome.com).