April 1, 1933 - June 28, 2018
Raymond would like you to know that his work here on earth is done and he has now joined his beloved wife Vally (Edith Valentine Lewis 1935- 2010) for eternity. He has used his nine lives and his time is up. Ray has lived the fullest life one could ever wish for, always living up to his nickname, Fearless. He has loved deeply and been loved more than most.
Throughout his life Ray worked in and protected the forests. He was a leader in the industry, from cross- haul horse team driver at the age of six to owning and operating his successful Trucking and Logging Company (Russie Transport Ltd). He was a Director for the Interior Logger's Association (ILA) from 1961-1974 and President in 1973-1974.
Raymond was a great outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He fished the lakes and the ocean and loved every minute of it. He travelled with Vally at his side and enjoyed every experience, every trip; whether a road trip across America or a plane ride to Sweden. As long as they were together they were complete and content.
Ray loved his family so much and was so very proud of them. He fiercely protected and supported his children, Shyrl (Michael) Kennedy, Calvin (Maxine) Johnson, Shelly (Rod) McDonald and Darren (Lisa) Johnson. Raymond was actively involved in the lives of each of his ten grandchildren Blair and Kyle Desjardins (Shyrl), Bradley and Sheldon Johnson (Calvin), Rae-Lynn and Dustin McDonald (Shelly), Kyla and Kalin Johnson and Josh and Jordyn Deans (Darren). He enjoyed special moments with his young great-grandchildren Kaden and Madix (Rae-Lynn), Emily (Dustin), Benjamin Raymond and baby Olivia (Kyla).
Raymond was the last surviving member of his birth family. He was predeceased by his father Karl Oscar, mother Evelyn Edith, and brothers Carl, Richard and Wendell Johnson, and sister-in-law Phyllis (Carl).
Per their wishes, Raymond, along with his wife Vally, will be laid to rest together at Lakeview Cemetery in Penticton, BC. Service to be held at 11:00 am July 28th, Providence Chapel, Penticton.