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RAYMOND DAVID JAMES BROWN It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Raymond David James Brown with family at his side as he took his final flight after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 70 years old. Leaving to mourn his passing are his wife Darlene of over 48 years; daughter Jackie (Dave); son Stuart (Jane); his sisters Elaine (Allen) and family, Marilyn (Al) and family; and brother Keith; brother-in-law Jim (Avis) and family; his grandchildren Derek, Nicole, Delaney, Ryan and Lauren whom he was so very proud of; and many other family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and a niece. Raymond was born on November 1, 1942, in Unity, Saskatchewan. He joined the military in the spring of 1962 while attending the University of Saskatoon. Ray and Darlene married in September, 1964, and began their tour of military postings that included Moose Jaw, Portage la Prairie, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Toronto, Winnipeg, Trenton, Regina, Edmonton then back to Winnipeg. Lieutenant Colonel Brown flew many aircraft but the highlight of his career was his over 5000 hours on the Hercules and his time as Commander of 435 Squadron in Edmonton and leading Op Nile a famine relief mission in Ethiopia. After 31 years of loyal service to his country he retired from the Air Force and started a new career at Transport Canada where he continued to fly until 2005. He was an avid golfer and curler. He enjoyed travelling with Darlene and spending summers at the cabin fishing, boating, entertaining and just enjoying life. He loved to putter around in his shop doing woodworking but his favorite pastime was watching his grandchildren in their sporting events and other activities. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory may be made to a cancer charity or other charity of your choice. A service will be held at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard, on Wednesday, March 27, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 16, 2013
Condolences & Memories (20 entries)
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Having been out of touch with Ray for several years, I was very saddened to hear, almost by accident, that Ray had left us far too early. Ray was an irrepressibly upbeat person, perfectly captured by the "Movie Star" smile in the photo above. Along with his ready grin, he brought a quiet, constructive and professional presence to everything he did. As is evident in earlier tributes, his loss is keenly and widely felt. - Posted by: Mike Murphy (Former Colleague) on: Jul 07, 2013
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Our condolences to Auntie Darlene and Family, Uncle Ray was a great man with the biggest smile to match his heart. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. - Posted by: Travis Mackay and Katelyn Adkin (Nephew) on: Mar 27, 2013
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Dear Darlene and family, Susan and I are deeply saddened to learn of Ray's illness and death. We remember with fondness our first "Carriage Road" connection with you and Ray in 1974. It was not until Ray joined Transport Canada that we would meet again. Ray's positive aproach to work and life leaves a lasting impression. I shall always remember his cheerful demeanor and support. I will miss a dear friend. Jim Stewart - Posted by: Jim Stewart (friend) on: Mar 25, 2013
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Darlene and family, we were so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. I always enjoyed our time together at Aircom HG as well as our many golf games together at Mess tournaments as well as at Clear Lake. It was always a pleasure to spend time with Ray. - Posted by: Dirwyn Hayes (Air Force friemd) on: Mar 22, 2013
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Darlene: We were shocked and saddened to learn that Ray had passed away. Sincere sympathy to you and your family. Seeing Ray's picture brought back memories of the good old hockey days. It's nice that Ray was enjoying his retirement. Hopefully, memories of the good times will be of some comfort to you. Carol & Wayne Guicheret - Posted by: Carol & Wayne Guicheret (Friends) on: Mar 21, 2013
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My deepest condolences go out to the rest of my family touched by this loss. Ray was a great man and an amazing uncle. He will be missed by many. - Posted by: Tyler Mackay (Nephew) on: Mar 20, 2013
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Darlene and family, Thoughts and prayers are with you during this very sad time of parting with a very special caring and loving family member. May fond memories comfort you. - Posted by: Brenda Sklar (co-worker - Aviation Enforcement Division, Transport Canada) on: Mar 20, 2013
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Darlene and family. Bev and I were saddened to hear of Ray's illness and further shocked to learn of his sudden passing. Ray always was cheerful and fun. A professional pilot with a huge reservoir of aviation knowledge and experience, he had, "been there, done that!" Mostly, Ray was a friend, loved by all who knew him. - Posted by: Bob & Bev Gersbach (Friend) on: Mar 20, 2013
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Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I worked with Ray at Transport as well and always enjoyed our conversations. He was a gentle, funny and wonderful person to work for and with. I will miss that smile that would light up the room. Rest in peace Mr. Brown, you will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Tracy & Terry Pepin (Co-Worker, Transport Canada) on: Mar 19, 2013
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Avril and I were saddened to learn of Ray's passing. Our condolences to Darlene, Jackie and Stu and families. Fond memories of our times in Edmonton, Aircom and many curling games. - Posted by: Rob and Avril Kilborn (Friends and Neighbors) on: Mar 18, 2013
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Flew several missions with Ray. Had great times together. Was with him in Lahr the evening he was advised he had been promoted to LCol. We had returned from dinner to the Fliegerhof. We turned around and went back out to celebrate a bit. Great memories! Was saddened and a bit in shock when we heard of his passing. - Posted by: Rod & Lois Lanning (Friends and fellow Aviator) on: Mar 18, 2013
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To Darlene and family - may you draw strength and comfort from the knowledge your grief is shared by so many who have had the privilege to have known, worked, played, or socialized with this talented and dedicated Canadian. Ray was one of the best and one of those fellows who you were proud to be able to call a friend. I will always treasure the hours we shared in the cockpit. Sandy MacCulloch - Qualicum Beach, BC - Posted by: Sandy MacCulloch (Co-worker and friend) on: Mar 18, 2013
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Darlene and family our thoughts are with you...Sharon and I are in shock...Ray was a wonderful man and as you know I spent many fun hours with him in the Air Force/Transport Canada and on the golf course...I will miss him...Time will heal your wound...Fred and Sharon - Posted by: Fred Pratt (Friend and fellow Herc driver) on: Mar 18, 2013
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In the winter of 2003 I first met Ray when I was being interviewed for a position in Transport Canada. I was honored to have Ray as a mentor who must have seen something in me worth hiring and then promoting me in the organization. Over the next few years I looked at Ray as a friend first and foremost, as well as a respected supervisor. Since his retirement my wife Kathy and I would occasionally meet with Ray and Darlene for supper and drinks to share stories and have some good laughs. I am deeply saddened that we did not get together this past winter as we had done over the years. I will very much miss Ray's humor and wisdom that helped guide me to strive to be a better person. My wife and I pass on our deepest condolences to Darlene and the family in hearing of Ray's passing. I am truly at a loss for words and will very much miss our visits. He will forever be in my thoughts and prayers! Good bye my friend! - Posted by: Tim Kalushka (Friend) on: Mar 17, 2013
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Dear Darlene and family Our sympathy to you and your family at this sad time. We both remember all the fun we all had together at 435 squadron. Sincerely, Merv and Anna Matiowsky - Posted by: Merv and Anna Matiowsky (Military friends) on: Mar 17, 2013
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A man is never measured, but created on his own merit. Ray opened his family to me, and accepted me. I feel honored to have taken his hand in friendship, sat at his table and shared his Scotch. I saw his opinions and witnessed greatness in his appreciation for his children and grandchildren. Observed true love for a man for his wife, Darlene. And learned that your children can be forever. Never feeling judged, I felt I had a home and a family. Thank you Ray for opening many doors, and sharing some time with me. Cheers, Dave Murray - Posted by: Dave Murray (Almost......a son in law. ) on: Mar 17, 2013
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Our heartfelt condolences to you Darlene and family. I was honored to have attended Ray's TC retirement luncheon. His words of tribute were not of what one might think following such a long, long aviation career. Rather, he praised the people whom he met along the way. It spoke volumes about his sincerity and character. He is home with the Lord. Blessings to you. - Posted by: Art and Linda Lashbrook (Transport Canada days) on: Mar 17, 2013
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Ray and I joined the Commercial and Business Aviation Branch of Transport Canada on the same day, and it was not only a pleasure to work with him, but also a learning experience regarding interpersonal relationships. Ray was a true gentleman and leader of people. He influenced the lives of many. There are people who go through life never really accomplishing or being excited by anything. Ray was not one of those. He enjoyed every moment, and was an inspiration to those around him. Thank-you for enriching our lives Ray, you are a man who made a difference. - Posted by: Lee Smith (Co-worker at Transport CAnada) on: Mar 17, 2013
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Our heartfelt condolences to you Darlene, Jackie and Stuart and your families. Ray was a good man and a good friend. We were schocked to hear of his passing at such a young age. As a tough ol'farm boy, we thought he would last forever. God Bless you - Jim & Mae. - Posted by: Jim & Mae Robinson (Friends and fellow aviator) on: Mar 17, 2013
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Sharon and I were shocked and saddened to learn of Ray's passing. Our thoughts are with Darlene and family at this sad time. Please accept our deepest sympathies and be assured that we have lost a good friend who will be missed. We will remember the good times with fond memories. - Posted by: Peter & Sharon Francis (Friend & colleague) on: Mar 16, 2013