Tribute

October 18, 1926 – February 19, 2018
We have no greater sadness than to announce the passing of our dad, husband, grandpa and great-grandpa, surrounded by his loving family. Ray leaves behind his wife of 66 years Dolores, his daughters Jennifer McNeil (Murray), Cindy McMurchy (John) and Cheryl Jaster (Hal). Also brokenhearted are his grandchildren Stephanie (Rick); Grant (Lauren) and little Natalie; Brooke (Chris); Spencer (Caitlin) and little Olivia; Allison; Christina (Ryan) and little Isabella; and Laurel (Mike).
Ray also leaves behind his brothers Bill, Gord, Don and Jeff and his sister Mary Lou Kantymir. He will also be fondly missed by many nieces and nephews. Ray was predeceased by his parents Will and Edith Thompson and his sister Mabel McKay.
Ray was born in North Vancouver and moved to Powell River when he was two years old. He enjoyed his childhood growing up in Stillwater, with his brothers and sisters. He had a “Huckleberry Finn” life. Dad had many places he enjoyed; but Stillwater remained his “happy” place.
He began his career at the Powell River Company (Catalyst Paper) when he was 19. After working in the Building Division, he moved on and worked as a planner in the Planning Department. He then became the supervisor of carpentry and retired after 45 accident-free years. Ray respected his crew and, as a man known for fairness and integrity, he easily earned respect back. Ray was a man dedicated to his family and job, in that order.
Dad was one pair of many hands who built the infamous “Windmill on Joyce Avenue” that stood proudly in front of his parents’ home. He could literally build or fix anything. He knew something about everything; from the name of any bird, fish, flower or tree to what the weather would be next week. He worked hard to give us a “Huck Finn” life of our own, growing up with the beach as our front yard and a park as our back. Many lifelong lessons were learned over those years and all the years after that as well. He was a kind and thoughtful man whose gentle actions spoke volumes in his deep love for his family. Contentment for him was his dog on his lap or sharing the wonders of nature. When you hear a whistled tune or see a little girl standing on her father’s feet to dance, you will feel dad’s spirit.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Doctor Jon Elliott, staff at Powell River Home Care, where dad began his journey, and also to the loving, caring hands at Evergreen Care Unit that carried him through. A very special thank you to his “dining table” friends: Bill, Bill, Bill, Bertha and Elly, for always watching out for him.
We will celebrate dad’s life at a later date, when the spring flowers bloom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Powell River General Hospital.