After a very long battle with dementia Ray passed away peacefully the evening of June 17th with his wife by his side.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Diane, their three sons, Don (Barb), Randy (Sandy) and Kelly (Angela) plus grandchildren Tyler, Nick, Jamie, Jenelle, Sean, and Kyle, great grandson Asher and brother Reg as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sister Edith and brother Jim.
Ray was born in Maidstone Saskatchewan to Art and Ella Owens. He enjoyed life in a small prairie town until the age of twelve at which time the family made the move to Victoria.
Ray made lifelong friends while attending Oaklands, Sir James Douglas, Central Jr. High and Victoria High School, graduating in 1953.
Ray started working in the dairy industry soon after graduation beginning with Palm Dairies, moving to Northwestern Creamery and retiring at Island Farms Dairy after a 38 year career. He was pleased to have achieved his Stationary Engineering and Refrigeration certificates early in his career.
Ray loved sports and was a very good athlete. He played hockey, baseball and football into his early twenties.
Ray met the love of his life Diane (nee Thomas) and after they courted for 3 years were married in 1957. Soon afterwards they began their family.
Ray spent a great amount of time with their three sons managing teams, umpiring baseball, taking them to early morning hockey practices and hours driving the boat so the boys could water ski.
Ray never gave up his own love of sports. He became a very good golfer and excelled at curling representing BC in the Western Canadian Championships.
Ray was Superintendant of Fairfield United Church Sunday School where he taught grades 6 and older for many years.
Ray and Diane loved to travel and were fortunate to have travelled around the world visiting many countries. A four month trip across Canada in their 5th wheel was another highlight of travel, but always looked forward to returning to spend time at their summer home at Lake Cowichan with family and many friends.
Ray was a person who was happiest when helping others. Anyone could call him and he would stop what he was doing to go help solve their problem. He was a “jack of all trades” and his workmanship was excellent.
A special thank you to the staff on the 4th floor at Beacon Hill Villa. They are all so kind and thoughtful. A very special last hug to Cherry, Ray’s very wonderful caregiver who could always make him smile.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held Wednesday July 6th, 2:00 p.m. at First Memorial Funeral Services Chapel, 4725 Falaise Dr. Victoria. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC.