RAYMOND CAMERON MCVICAR

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RAYMOND CAMERON MCVICAR With sadness we regret to say that Dad passed away the evening of March 11, 2014, at the age of 92, at St. Pierre Hospital. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Florence Lillian, and their children Bruce, Beverley (Kerby), William (Jeannie), and Dwight, nine grandchildren, Candice, Jared, Jordan, Joshua, Matthew, Alexandra, Dustin, Travis and Amanda and great-grandchildren Samara and Xander, also two sisters-in-law Muriel McVicar and Aline McVicar, and many nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by his parents, five brothers, Warren, Harold, Ralph, Alan and Neil, and his only sister Louise. Raymond Cameron McVicar was born August 17, 1921 at home in Otterburne West 15-6-3e. He was just a year and a half old when his father passed away suddenly, from surgery. Ray took his education at Otterburne West School and a short stint at Emerson, Manitoba. In January 1943, he joined the Canadian Artillery, 7th Medium Division, in Winnipeg. He sailed to England on the "Mauritania". On his 23rd birthday, August 17, 1944, he crossed the English Channel and landed in France. At Calais, Ray sighted an enemy submarine. In Woendrecht he was two houses away from being taken prisoner. On the second last day of the war Dad lost his best friend as they were running for cover amidst incoming shelling. Dad didn't have time to make it to the "splinter proof" with his friend where a shell managed to enter and explode. After the war was over in Europe he sailed home on the "Queen Elizabeth" and was home in time for Christmas. Ray and Ralph spent the winter of 1948 / 1949 at Seven Sisters, Manitoba, helping to build the hydroelectric dam. Ray was instrumental in organizing and carrying out a program to gravel all side roads in our area to farmer's homes. In his younger years, he was active in sports: hockey, baseball and curling. Interests: Farming! Improving drainage! Controlling "Wild Oats". He was heard to say "You can't farm with Wild Oats and water". June 17, 1950 he married Florence Lillian Bracken and they moved to the farm in Otterburne that Ray had recently purchased. Ray and Florence lived there until their move to Niverville, Manitoba in 2006. We would like to thank the staff at Niverville Credit Union Manor for the care and attention provided for the last three years. Also thanks to the staff at Steinbach and St. Pierre Hospitals for their care. As per his wishes, there will be no funeral and a private interment will take place at Otterburne Public Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2014