WILLIAM (BILLY) JOHN WESLEY RAY

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WILLIAM (BILLY) JOHN WESLEY RAY July 7, 1944 - November 24, 2011 It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden yet, peaceful passing of Bill Ray. He was predeceased by his parents: Mary and Ernie and his sister Donalda. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his children: Colin (Morgan), Terence, Shelley; grandchildren, Conor and Finley; good friend and confidante Brenda, as well as countless lifelong friends including Ruth Ray Tomasson. Bill was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Fort Rouge. He was a fixture at Riverview Community Club and a little terror on the ice. His mother would often threaten to take his skates away if he didn't behave which was more than enough to get Bill to straighten out. Billy never let his small stature get in his way and more than made up for it in heart and went on to play for the Winnipeg Rangers Junior A' Hockey club. He continued his love of hockey by playing, coaching, refereeing, and as a loyal follower of the Winnipeg Jets. Billy was extremely happy to see their return so that his children and grandchildren would be able to gain the same enjoyment that he did as a season ticket holder from 1973 to 1995. Bill was able to transfer his determination on the ice into his working career spanning five decades; working for Phillips Appliance Ltd. in Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg as National Sales Manager, True Temper hardware for 17 years and later in life as a passionate entrepreneur. It was through his career that he met so many lifelong friends and was a founding member of the Hardware Housewares group in Winnipeg in 1978. These friends would spend the next 30 plus years working, playing hockey, golfing, curling, travelling and partying together. We wish to thank you all for your friendship and support. Bill's crowning achievements were his three children and he was never shy to tell all who would listen about their exploits and how proud he was of them whether it be in sports or life in general. Billy loved to tell a story, and truly had the gift of the gab. No party was complete without a long and winding story wrapped up at the end to the amazement of all. Perhaps Billy's greatest asset was his ability to lend an ear and offer wise counsel while never telling you what to do and allowing you to make your own decisions. His advice will be greatly missed. In keeping with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 in the Fort Garry Legion Branch 90, 1125 Pembina Hwy. from the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with brief words of remembrance spoken at 4:30 p.m. As said many times: The point being A', quite frankly, who has more fun than people!? . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2011