RAYMOND EDDIE HERSLEY

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RAYMOND EDDIE HERSLEY February 12, 1931 - November 17, 2011 It is with our great sadness that we have lost Ray after many years of his strong will and determination and his struggle with COPD. Left to mourn and miss him are his wife of 57 years, Margaret; his children: daughter Debbie Navitka of Winnipeg (Gerry deceased 2004); sons Richard (Sherry) of Vancouver, Lloyd (Tina) of Brandon, Douglas (Linda) of Elma; nine grandchildren, Brock Byzuk, Landon and Julie Navitka, Sheena and Leland Hersley, Shane Brown (deceased 2007), Christina, Mitchell and Katie Hersley, Skyla Morriseau-Hersley, and his devoted pet Samantha. Ray grew up in the north end of Winnipeg and was the only child of George and Dorothy Hersley. At an early age he joined the Cubs at Robertson United Church with Reverend Dr. White as his mentor, a man whom he greatly respected. He went on to join the Boy Scouts and work passionately to earn all the badges including the King Scout Badge and Gold Cords. He then became a Scout Leader and later a Sunday School teacher. As a young man after high school at the age of 18, Ray learned to dance and loved it, frequenting the dance halls. In 1953 he met his wife to be Margaret at the Normandy Dance Hall and after a short courtship they were married on December 31, 1953. Ray started work in the printing trade but after several years decided it was not for him and joined J.B. Carter as a time study. After moving to a small home with his family to St. Vital he joined Canada Post as a mail carrier where he worked diligently for over 30 years, a job he truly enjoyed. Ray's passion on the job was meeting people, facing the challenges of inclement weather and befriending many friendly (and unfriendly) dogs and pets. At age 58 Ray decided to retire and after his boys built his beloved gazebo as a retirement gift, he continued to enjoy the outdoors for many years. After Margaret retired they took a few trips together which he enjoyed, but Ray was not a travelling man. He was a stay at home person just marveling in his big yard, and caring for his many trees which he always loved. He admired his growing family and enjoyed his grandchildren as they were growing up and always looked forward to their visits. In his later years Ray joined the Vital Seniors where he was elected Vice President in 1995 and President in l997. During those 13 years, with the help of many other dedicated members, they increased the membership from 67 to 254, and further developed many activities for seniors such as line dancing and monthly lunches (which were his favourites). Due to failing health Ray had to make the very difficult decision to give up his involvement with Vital Seniors, a position he thoroughly enjoyed and one where he met many wonderful people. The family would like to convey their thanks to the home care attendants and many wonderful nurses who helped Ray throughout his last few years to live a more comfortable life at home. Also special thanks to Dr. Thottingal, who was there for Ray until the end of his battle. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 2:00 p.m., at Glen Lawn Funeral Home (982-7550) 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., interment to follow. The pallbearers will be his grandchildren with Pastor Jake Froese officiating. Flowers gratefully declined, if desired please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2011