Ray passed away peacefully at Sunridge Place on Sunday, January 10. He was laid to rest in a private ceremony on January 16 at Mountain View Cemetery. Ray will be remembered and deeply missed by his wife Ruth; children Patricia (Joe), David, Stephanie (Chuck) and Jennifer (Lucas); grandchildren Asher, Sammy, Nolan, Clara and Myles; brother William (Margo); sisters Georgina, Sylvia, Diana (Allan), and Bonita (Bill); sister in-law Mary; and his many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. Ray was predeceased by his father Charlie Onn, mother Alice and siblings Gilbert, Margaret and Douglas. He was born in Nanaimo BC and grew up in Duncan. As a child, he delivered the local newspaper and helped his family at their dry cleaning business and the retail store Charlie Onn Company. Ray graduated from high school, studied commerce at the University of British Columbia and then returned to work at the family store. Ray and Ruth were married in 1960 and spent the next years as owners of Charlie Onn’s Menswear and Shoes, raising their four children and enjoying their five grandchildren. Ray was a member of the Kiwanis and a volunteer for Scouts Canada. He was very proud when Charlie Onn Company was recognized in 2010 for its role in the Chinese community and the business centre in Duncan. Ray especially loved being with his family whether it was taking a vacation, going on a picnic, or just spending time together. He will be most remembered for his kind and gentle nature as well as his generosity and sense of humour. For his family and friends, to be with Ray meant laughing, enjoying life (and good food!) and valuing moments shared with others.
The family wishes to thank Drs. H. R. Gilbert and W. R. Nielsen, the Cowichan District Hospital, Sunridge Place and those involved in Ray’s health for the exceptional care he received.
An afternoon tea will be held at The Quamichan Inn, 1478 Maple Bay Road in Duncan at 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Sunday, January 31, 2016 to celebrate Ray’s life and share stories of your times with him. Condolences and RSVPs by Monday, January 25 may be left at hwwallacecbc.com or (250) 701-0001. In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.