Raphael James Dubay

Dubay, Capt. Raphael J
Bay City, Michigan
Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Mr. Dubay passed away peacefully on November 7, 2020 at his home in Mid-Forest Lodge,
Roscommon County, Michigan at the age of 76. Ray was born in Bay City, Michigan to Mildred
(Helms) Dubay.

He lived his life full of generosity, kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. He loved the
beauty in nature, history, and architecture. His passions were boating, motorcycling (Harleys)
and healthcare all of which were fostered by his grandparents, the late James and Agnes Helms.
In 1963 at the age of 19, he began his career at Colonial Rest Home (a family run business) as an
"orderly" caring for the elderly. When his grandmother became ill, Ray purchased Colonial
Rest Home from her and in 1985 built The Carriage House of Bay City on the site. Continuing
his drive for quality healthcare services in the Bay City area, he built the luxurious Colonnades
assisted living which emulates luxury hotel living. Although healthcare was his passion, he
dabbled in other businesses which included a dog kennel (raising 400 afghan hounds), Adult
Foster Care, screen printing, bars/restaurants and luxury yacht charter in Fort Lauderdale,
Florida. He concluded his career in healthcare on October 31, 2020 when he sold The Carriage
House of Bay City and The Colonnades.

He enjoyed historic preservation, serving on the Board of Directors for the Bay County Historical
Society and on the Bay County Architectural Review Committee. He was instrumental in
acquiring the former Armory for the Bay County Museum on Washington Avenue. He was a
lifetime member of the Saginaw Bay Power Squadron, Harley Owners Group and the Healthcare
Association of Michigan.

Ray is survived by his longtime, life partner of 35 years, Mark V Sheridan; 4 brothers, 2 sisters
and the Sheridan family of Mid-Forest Lodge. Ray is also survived by the staff of The Carriage
House of Bay City and The Colonnades (you were family to Ray and he truly appreciated the
noble service you provided in the name of senior care). He is preceded in death by his
grandparents, James and Agnes Helms; parents, Bernard and Mildred Dubay; uncle and aunt,
Tom and Dorothy Becnel.

For the safety of the residents and staff of The Carriage House and The Colonnades during the
pandemic, the family has requested a private entombment at the Oakwood Mausoleum. Those
planning an expression of sympathy my wish to make a memorial contribution to The Carriage
House Resident Activity Fund, The Colonnades Resident Activity Fund, Religious Sisters of Mercy
of Alma, or Heartland Hospice of West Branch.

St. Raphael the Archangel Patron Saint of Healers pray for us.