Raymond Gerald DeGraff

On August 25, 2023, 17 days after a tragic accident, Raymond Gerald DeGraff died peacefully at Victoria General Hospital, lovingly supported by his long-time partner, and with his extended family there in spirit, to guide him on his way. Ride free and ride strong, Ray.

The fourth of 7 children, Ray was born June 7, 1946, in Stettler, Alberta, and grew up in the countryside area once known as Wooded Hills, eventually moving to Winfield and then to several other small towns, where his mother would teach school. His father tried farming, but with the number of mouths to feed, ended up taking a job with CNR .

Life could be tough in the 50’s for the new guy in small town Alberta, so with each move, Ray had his share of trouble with the local bullies, until he grew to his full height of 6’2” at age 16. He escaped by heading out into the countryside. There he discovered his natural affinity for the serenity of nature, and developed a keen awareness of the wildlife, especially birds, maintaining this appreciation for the rest of his life, through his photography and poetry.

He started work on a survey crew for Alberta Highways, staying at a boarding house in Vermillion, where he met people who would become lifelong friends. The misery of having to work long hours outside in the freezing cold convinced him to look at options other than northern life.

He married in 1970, and he and his wife Colleen moved to B C, living at first in Vancouver, where he tried out a series of jobs before being hired by the B.C. Ministry of Highways, and they then moved to Nanaimo, Rosedale, and finally to the Sunshine Coast in 1978, setting up house in Roberts Creek. Ray worked in development approvals, until ill health in his 50’s forced him into an unwanted retirement. He was highly regarded for his expertise and had a reputation for not bowing to developers demanding he sidestep the rules.

After his divorce, Ray became single dad to his son Christopher, born in 1975. He took Chris on trips back to the DeGraff Homestead, restored in the 80’s to be a haven and meeting place for the descendants of Herbert and Lucy DeGraff, and this rekindled his love for the peace he found there.

In Dec 1988, Ray met Cathie Masters, on Gabriola Island. In 1991, she moved from Victoria to the Sunshine Coast and they began their life together. In 1992 they bought their first home in Gibsons.

At the end of 1999 and through 2000, Ray began to deal with health issues that altered his life in ways he had a hard time accepting, though his sense of humour and sarcastic wit never diminished. Once he recovered enough physically and mentally, his early retirement allowed him more time to be involved with the DeGraff Homestead, to visit his son in Kelowna, and to enjoy his hobbies of photography, kayaking, reading, especially good science fiction and fantasy, sudoku, all things star trek, the game Oblivion, all music except rap, and online games. E-bikes immediately caught his attention, and intrigued, he bought his first in 2014. The physical exhilaration from riding gave him great joy.

In 2018, Ray and Cathie relocated to Ladysmith, on the Island, with a view of the water, and close to hiking trails, beaches, rivers and lakes, close as well to Cathie’s sister near Elliot Beach, and other family members in Victoria.

In March of 2023, a sudden illness put Ray in the hospital for 8 days. As he slowly recovered over the next 4 weeks, he developed a fierce desire to regain the physical strength to enjoy life again, as much as he could. He started off with short walks, then worked up to longer, more demanding hikes using his Nordic poles. Ready to ride again at the end of April, he rewarded himself with a brand-new e-bike. Ray travelled 25 to 45 kilometers most days, delighted at being capable of exploring the Cowichan Valley’s trails and roads again. Cycling helped him feel young at heart again and he loved the sense of freedom it gave him. On August 8, a beautiful sunshiny day, he geared up and headed out for what would be his last ride. Rest easy Ray. We love and miss you and will keep you in our hearts forever.

Ray was predeceased by his father Jack, and his mother Violet DeGraff, his brother Neil, his little sister, Leala DeGraff, all of Alberta, and his brother Alvan, of B.C., Ray is survived by his son Christopher DeGraff, of Kelowna, as well as his spouse of 32 years, Cathie Masters. Left to mourn are his brothers Roger (Mary), Tom (Liz), sister Brenda Campbell and sister-in-law Ann DeGraff. Ray, known as the ‘fun’ uncle will be remembered with great fondness by his many nieces and nephews, both here in BC and in Alberta, as well as by former co-workers and friends.

Heartfelt thank-yous to brother Tom and his wife Liz, nephews Scott and Dan, friends Monica, Barb, and Erin for your visits and support before Ray died, to Brenda, and Deb for your help so his son could have a last visit with his father, and to all the other family members and friends who called. You are all so appreciated.

Many thanks as well to all those who stopped to help Ray, the paramedics and flight crew, the exemplary ER and ICU physicians, the ICU nurses, radiologists and technicians who did all they could to help; I am so grateful for the care he received.

A celebration of life is planned for October 14, 2023, scheduled at 2 PM at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria.