Hundreds celebrated the life of Ray Chang last Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
By Gerald V. Paul

“Live life to the fullest and share it with those around you. Strive to be the best but keep an open mind. Question even the obvious, because critical thinking will keep you current and relevant. Always take the high road- you’ll never regret it. And make sure you dream, because the possibilities are endless.”

That was Chancellor G. Raymond Chang, addressing the 2005 Convocation at Ryerson University.

And so every strata of the community came to pay respect in a packed St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church last Saturday while Kim Richardson sang a poignant Ave Maria. During the service, Elsie Chang, mother of his children Andrew and Brigette, read Acts 10: 34-43

The children are continuing their father’s work in the financial sector at CI International, a legacy of their Dad to the tune of $100 billion in investments.

“Anyone who fears Him [God] and does what is right is acceptable to Him. He went about doing good,” read Chang.

The community came to give thanks to God for a beloved soul, Dr. G. Ray Raymond Chang, philanthropist, business leader, former chancellor of Ryerson University, Order of Jamaica and Order of Canada.

And from the Chang family: “A simple thank you can never express our appreciation for the constant love, kindness, prayers, sustenance, words of encouragement and visits – you made this journey a little easier.”

Chang was considered a champion of education and adult learning as exemplified by his tremendous support for his alma mater, St. George College. He stood as one of Canada’s most highly respected and successful business leaders, but his first love is “For the Greater Glory of God” – doing good for others, came naturally in his philanthropy.

The Chang family said they will be forever grateful to the extraordinary team of the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto as well as “our celebrant Fr. Luc Amoussou, Most Rev. Archbishop Charles H. Dufour of Kingston, Jamaica, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, for their spiritual guidance and other members of the ‘inner circle’ who held our hands and sat with us for those talks of life, trips and the future.”

“And He will raise you up with eagle’s wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun, And hold you in the palm of His hand,” was the refrain of the Communion Hymn from the gathering.

The Celebration of Life continued with a reception in memory of Chang at the Mattamy Athletic Centre at Ryerson University.

All for the greater glory of God, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – according to St. George’s College, Jamaica, Chang’s beloved school.

“At the end of the day, a good life is not measured by the amount of wealth you have accumulated. It is evaluated according to the contributions you have made to society – of yourself first and of your resources next. I encourage you, throughout your personal and professional lives, to keep asking – What can I give to society, to make even one person’s life better?”

That, too, was Chancellor G. Raymond Chang addressing the 2005 Convocation at Ryerson University

Walk Good …

  celebrated, Chancellor, philanthropist, Ray Chang