Raymond Schafer

Ray was born in Macklin February 18, 1932. Around 1943, the family moved to Saskatoon where he attended King George School, St. Mary’s Elementary School and Technical Collegiate. After completing high school, Ray became a journeyman bricklayer. He spent his working years in construction, bringing along his three sons to the trade - R Schafer and Sons Masonry Contractors.

Ray met the love of his life, Joyce, at a wedding dance and said to his friend at the time, “I’m going to marry that girl”. Sure enough, they married April 30, 1954. They were married for 69 years.

Ray was a man of many talents. He was a very gifted artist - drawing, painting and wood carving - loved singing and dancing and over the years played ball, golf, curling and a good game of bridge. I know many family and friends have gifts of paintings and carvings from Ray. He loved gardening and was still out at their garden, helping to bring in their harvest, 3 weeks before his passing. Over the years Ray helped and guided all his kids and grandkids with many building projects, lending his years of experience and expertise. Ray was fond of saying “I’m a jack of all trades and a master of them all.” One of his many great accomplishments was building a gorgeous log cabin, overlooking the water, at Jackfish Lake. He did everything from stripping the logs himself to the final finishing touches. Ray also enjoyed 13 years serving as a councillor for the Rural Municipality of Corman Park.

Ray and Joyce have spent over 30 years wintering in El Centro, California with family and friends. They enjoyed golf, ball and the many social activities in their park.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Joyce (Stevenson), 5 children, Terry (Joan), Kirk (Fran), Loree (Bill), Kent and Kim. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Ray also leaves his two sisters, Beatrice and Joanne and his brother Martin, along with many of Joyce’s family, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Peter and Magdalena Schafer, his sister, Kathleen and his brothers, Clarence and Mike.

Ray passed away peacefully the morning of Sept. 30th. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held October 14 at 2:00 pm at Elim Lodge Auditorium – 1127 Moss Avenue, Entrance B. Saskatoon, SK.