Raymond Joseph Lem

August 21, 1929 – May 29, 2014

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our greatly cherished father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and lifelong friend, Raymond Joseph Lem, in Chilliwack, BC, on May 29, 2014, with his daughters by his side. Ray was born in Melfort, SK, and was predeceased by his parents, Regina (Matalski) and George Lem, and, in 1974, by his much loved first wife, Cindy Helen (Ernst) Lem. Ray loved and was loved by his three daughters, Jacqueline Cunningham (Richard) of Wakefield, MA; Gail Lem (Pat Hagarty) of Smiths Falls, ON; and Anita Lem of Chilliwack, BC. He was the beloved grandfather of Kristin Cunningham (Aaron Lamb) of Wakefield, MA and Allison Cunningham (Lance Merritt) of Bourne, MA. Ray is survived by his much loved cousins Clarence and Agnes Matalski of Regina, SK, by numerous other cousins, nieces and nephews, and by many devoted friends. An expert horseman and an extraordinary horse trainer, roper, trick roper and bullwhip expert, Ray spent a lifetime performing with his highly-trained trick horses across the country, from the early years of the travelling road shows all the way to the movies. King Shows and Alberta Slim’s Circus were followed by performances with Tom Bishop’s 4B Ranch Rodeo and Wild West Show in Ontario, and later many other wild west shows and rodeos throughout British Columbia. The highlights of Ray’s career included performances with his horses on the TV series The Black Stallion with Hollywood actor Mickey Rooney, as well as work on two other television series, Bordertown and McGyver. He was a proud honorary member of the Chilliwack Riding Club and was deeply honored in 2004 to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Wild West Arts Club in Las Vegas. Ray was one of those uncommon people who was as humble as he was accomplished. He never made an enemy; only lifelong friendships. His many skills included being a self-taught artist, leather carver, and guitar player. His irrepressible sense of humor kept those around him in laughter. He had a keen appreciation for life, music, movies, the great outdoors, and animals big and small. He bought his first horse, Reno, when he was 17, and from then on, no matter what changes life brought, he was never without a horse, and he loved everything “cowboy.” A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at a later date. Happy trails to you, Rodeo Ray, until we meet again.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.