Raymond Lawrence Merrifield

Like bright metal on sullen ground, Raymond Lawrence Merrifield distinguished himself in almost every way. He was a remarkable man whose life was full of many inspiring accomplishments, but he was never one for fanfare and so it was unsurprising he quietly left us on the morning of May 6, 2022 in North Vancouver, British Columbia at the age of 88. Ray was born in Copper Cliff, Ontario to Joseph William Anthony Merrifield and Marie Marguerite Albertine (nee Levis). Ray was predeceased by his beloved wife Arlene (nee Halland), his sister Marie Emma and his brothers Albert and Wyman. Ray is the loving father of sons Dan (Stacey Lowrie) and Kurt and daughter Nicole (Darren Hribar). He also leaves behind his brother Paul, his granddaughters Paige, Sarah, Megan and Sophie and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Professionally, Ray loved his chosen career of engineering. Ray obtained his P. Eng at Michigan Tech, where he also played hockey for the Huskies. He would go on to work for Cominco and Kilborn Engineering in Canada and abroad. He would also spend time as a labour negotiator. In Canada, Ray’s work took him to Yellowknife, Pine Point, Benson Lake, Kimberley, Trail, Vancouver and Bronson Creek. Internationally Ray was involved in projects throughout the U.S. and in Spain, Peru and Ghana.

Raymond’s inspiring story is that of a life well lived. He was a man of many passions. Ray was an avid reader who appreciated an elegant turn of phrase. He could quote Shakespeare and Churchill at will. He loved music, especially opera, Western movies and spy novels. He loved his dogs and was terrified of snakes. He lived for good food (with the exception of peas, which he believed were a manifestation of the lord when he was truly angry) and family gatherings where he would famously respond “both” when asked to choose between dessert options. Ray was a lovely singer and whistler and had renditions of everything from Desperado to Nessun dorma. Ray enjoyed fashion – particularly hats. He collected hats from around the world and at any given moment – whether hosting a party or shopping for pepperoni – he could be seen sporting a dramatic matador’s montera, a jaunty French beret, or a wide gondoliers straw hat. He enjoyed tailored suits but rarely did his pajamas match and were often worn inside out or backwards or both.

Ray loved sports. He was a gifted athlete who excelled at hockey and baseball. In Pine Point, Ray was the coach of the Cougars – the winning Con Mine hockey team. Ray loved to travel to exotic destinations and engage with the locals in their own language, whether he knew it or not. Indeed, Ray was a charismatic raconteur who he loved to spin a tale or tell a joke. He was handsome, charming and witty and inevitably became the life of every party right up until the moment he fell asleep – Ray’s ability to nap anywhere, anytime was a wonder and a constant source of annoyance to his wife.

Ray was a man of strength and wisdom who believed in honour, duty and a hard day’s work.

He was the father you avoided at all costs if you had broken a window or dented the car. He was also the man you sought out in your hour of darkest despair or greatest fear. He fixed things. He knew the answers.

Ray loved his life and expressed no regrets. He accomplished big things, but he appreciated the little things. He liked shining his shoes. He was grateful for a fresh cup of tea. He enjoyed a rest on a bench. He loved his family and his home and he never tired of strolling along the ocean after dinner with his wife. His final wish was to go to Ambleside and sit by the sea. Godspeed Dad.