It is with profound sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Raymond John Turner on June 14, 2020, two weeks shy of his 64th birthday. Ray was born in Vancouver on June 29,1956 to Alice and Glenn Turner, and was welcomed by big brother and lifelong best friend, Ron Turner.
Ray was a big man with a big heart and soul to match. He loved family, football and cars, and gave the best and warmest hugs in the world. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Alice and Glenn, and we know that when they meet again, they will be waiting for him with open arms and a big plate of Mom’s chocolate chip cookies. Ray is survived by his loving, tight knit family, brother Ron, sister-in-law, Dianne, nieces Ashleigh (Justin), and Alannah, and grand-nephew, Jack, as well as cherished Aunts, Uncle, Cousins and football buddies.
Ray graduated from John Oliver High School where he played Varsity Football and Basketball for the Jokers. After graduation he joined his father Glenn, working with CT&S/Telus, making many friends during his 36 years with the company.
Ray had two passions in life: football and car racing. As a football player, he was part of two Provincial Championship Meraloma’s teams in 1976 and 1978. He also spent many years coaching the John Oliver Jokers alongside his brother Ron. One of Ray’s proudest achievements was when the Jokers won the Provincial Championship in 1992. He was especially proud of the hundreds of boys he mentored and coached, watching them grow and develop into wonderful young men throughout the years.
Ray was a huge fan of all forms of car racing and loved attending the Vancouver Molson Indy races. Among his most prized possessions were his three amazing cars; his Mustang, his Cadillac CTS-V and his ultimate pride and joy - the Calloway Corvette.
Above all else, Ray was someone who loved his family, and would do anything to help those he loved. He had a very special, loving, bond with his parents, Glenn and Alice. As his father got older and lost mobility, Ray would spend many hours sitting with his Dad keeping him company. Ray truly loved being an uncle, and was like a second father to his two nieces, Ashleigh and Alannah. They were blessed to have their Uncle Ray at every Christmas morning for their whole lives. He was so proud of their education, careers, personal accomplishments, and how they grew up to be such kind, giving and caring people. Uncle Ray introduced them to good music, hot wings, and his endless knowledge of useless pop culture trivia. He picked them up when their cars got towed, he made them laugh when they were sad, and he hugged them with his famous hug until their backs cracked. There are no words that can fully convey how much Uncle Ray meant to them and how much they will miss him. Ray was also particularly fond of his great-nephew Jack, and the two shared a love of sports, games, cars, and racetracks. Ray was like a big kid when he was with Jack, and Jack absolutely adored his Uncle Ray.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life for Ray will be held at a later date so that all who loved him will be able to gather together and honour his memory. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Ray’s name, to a charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6