RAYMOND DUWARD TAFT

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RAYMOND DUWARD TAFT Raymond DuWard Taft passed away at Glenboro Hospital on October 13, 2006. Ray was born at Westbourne, MB on April 18, 1912, son of Alvin and Eva Lou Taft. Ray left home to work at the paper mill in Pine Falls. He came to Glenboro on December 6, 1931. His brother Dewey came to Glenboro the following year and they both played for the Glenboro Hockey Team. Ray played for them until the spring of 1938. Ray always talked about Doc. Hurton buying Dewey and him custom made skates from the Pestyck Brothers on Brandon for $25.00 We still have those skates as he saved them all these years. He worked for the Douglas's during the summers of 1933 and 1934 and did chores for them in the winter. He went to work for his brother Dewey when he bought the Glenboro Transfer and worked there from 1935-1938. The winter of 1938-1939, Ray plated hockey for the Carman Beavers. They went to he Wester Canadian Intermediate Finals in Vernon, BC. On December 14, 1939, he married Ruth Barker and began farming with his father-in-law, Bob Barker. They lived on the farm until they retired to Glenboro in 1977. When they moved to town, Ray kept up his farming skills by having 3 gardens. We told him he produced enough food to feed all of Glenboro. Ray and Ruth were very involved in the community. Ray has life memberships in the Curling Club and Agricultural Society and served on the Pool Elevator Board. He also received a Life Membership in the Manitoba Agricultural Society. He served on the Glenboro Hospital Board for a number of years and was Chairman when they worked to get the Hospital accredited, one of the things he was proud of. He was also a member of the Mason's for over 60 years. Ray is survived by his son Alvin (Valerie) and his grandchildren; Don (Carrie) and Eileen (Gord) Mooney. His pride and joy were his great-grandchildren, Bryce Taft and Carson and Jordyn Mooney. He was predeceased in April 2006 by Ruth, his wife of 66 years. He was also predeceased by his parents, brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Willmor Chapel, Glenboro, MB, with Rev. Bob Stark officiating. Interment to follow in the Glenboro Cemetery. Friends that so desire, memoriams may be made in Ray's memory to the Glenboro United Church Memorial Fund, or to the Glenboro Area Foundation, Box 147, Glenboro, MB, R0K 0X0. Jamieson Funeral Service of Baldur-Glenboro in care of arrangements 1-204-827-2480.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 16, 2006