Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Linda, Cindy, Clint and Families:
It was with extreme sorrow that I heard about Ray’s passing today. He was truly a friend beyond words and someone whom I thought about so very, very often. Side by side we worked countless hours and I always could count on Ray having my back in any situation, both at work and in my personal life. Even after he first entered the long term care facility in Vegreville, he always remembered me by name and we would reminiscence about the “good old times” together at AGT and laugh about some of the many stunts we pulled and how he was always able to talk our way out of trouble even when it seemed inevitable that this time we had finally “crossed the line.” During those early years in the Care Home, he would point to the pictures on the wall of both Cindy and Clint and his eyes would just light up and he would smile from ear to ear as he told me about your recent accomplishments and how proud he was of how you both made him feel. He also said it made him sad that because of his illness he was no longer able to communicate his love to you the way he really felt it in his heart. But telling me of his love for you Linda, seemed to hurt him the most to talk about. It would bring tears to his eyes as he recalled so many happy and enjoyable times the two of you had together. Unfortunately as time progressed, so did his ability to communicate with me. The last time I saw him the visit was short as he just stared at me with tears in his eyes and I knew that deep down he wanted so bad to say something but the words just would not come out. Ray was an exceptional co-worker, friend, father, and husband and I was so deeply honored to be a part of his life. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. Linda, Cindy, Clint and families, may you be comforted by your many happy memories as you walk through the days ahead knowing that you all made Ray a very happy and proud man. Rest in peace Ray, your rest is well deserved
