He was predeceased by wife, Jean, sister, Yvonne, and brothers, Fred, Lou, and John. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews across Western Canada and cousins in Switzerland.
Ray arrived in Port Alberni in 1952 with brothers John and Lou after a road trip through Colorado and Iowa, visiting Swiss relatives. They arrived in Port with an empty tank of gas and not enough money to pay for their hotel room. He eventually got a job at the Alberni mill, met his wife Jean, and, with his brother John, built the house he lived in until he moved to Rainbow Lodge last fall.
Ray was a loving husband, a caring uncle, and a loyal friend. He enjoyed his years as foreman at Alberni Plywood where he worked until his retirement, but he was most proud of his many years volunteering with the Port Alberni Big Brothers from 1969 - 1984. He cherished his Swiss heritage and the visits he had with his Swiss cousins both in B.C. and abroad. He enjoyed curling, fishing, and playing cards, but most of all he loved travelling with Jean. Ray always had stories to tell about their road trips to the United States, their work tour of China, and their family holidays to Spain, France and Switzerland.
A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, June 8th at the Alberni Valley United Church, 3747 Church Street, Port Alberni, BC. Thank you to Dr. Lund, the Rainbow Lodge staff, neighbour, Peter Finch, and nephew, Dean Washington, for their care.
Memories and condolences may be left at www.chapelofmemories.ca. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Brothers in Ray's name. Auf Wiedersehen Ray!
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