I am deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of our beloved son, brother, uncle, and father Johnny-Ray Charles Diamond Jordan Delaronde who left this world far too soon in Winnipeg, Manitoba on November 30th 2025. Born on September 10th 1996, he was just 29 years old at the time of his passing leaving a profound and lasting ache on the hearts of his family and friends. 

Johnny-Ray was born in Swan River, Manitoba. He lived in Duck Bay, Manitoba, and considered Winnipeg, Manitoba his second home where he often stayed with his late koko Irene Chartrand and uncle Richard Chartrand.

He is survived by his mother Selena Chartrand and his father Ray Charles Delaronde. He leaves behind his son Johnny-Ray Jr. Flett and his sons mother Dana Flett. He is also survived by his sister Champagnee Delaronde, and brother-in-law James Slykhuis and their children — Ripley, Salem and Kasper Slykhuis. As well as his brother Blu Chartrand. He is also mourned by six uncles and six aunts, and many cousins who all loved him deeply. 

Johnny-Ray had many friends, he was a jokester and could make people laugh within moments of meeting him. He loved music and loved to draw, he always had a pen and would be found writing poems and drawing sketches. He would gift his family drawings and whatever he carried with him. He would constantly check in with his family and always told them he loved them. His son was his pride and joy, and he thought the world of him. 

Johnny-Ray was a generous, loving person who had his hardships. Despite his struggles, he would give the jacket off of his back to help someone if he could. It's unfortunate that his life was cut short, however he will never be forgotten and he will forever be in our hearts. May his spirit travel gently, carried by the love he left behind. 

 

Don’t think of him as gone away

his journey’s just begun,

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched…

for nothing loved is ever lost

and he was loved so much.

- Ellen brenneman