RAYMOND RUSSELL HEDLEY

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RAYMOND RUSSELL HEDLEY December 5, 1927 - June 17, 2015 Today in the 11th hour, I lay in my bed at Moog Hospice Care, waiting for that final call, to continue my Next Journey. With "My Girls" at my side; wife Gerry (Yasinski), of almost 66 years; daughters, Bonnie Hedley, Debbie George (Dave), Alison Francis (Rob); and grandson Allan George. In Spirit, my son Kevin Hedley (Sheryl), grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and in-laws, nieces and nephews, my many friends. Along with Our Special Earth Angel Friends, Barb and Jack; all loving, encouraging and supporting me as I await that heralding call, while a Butterfly continuously flutters outside the window at the foot of my bed. Till then, there is time to recall My Life as it was: Very Full and Gratifying; Living My Life for My Wife, My Family and My Community. Serving them, being the Best I could be, being Honest, Kind, Supportive and Loving, Leading by example, as others have told me. It took time to grow, to be that person, just as building Our Beloved Family cottage home, on Lake Winnipeg, Lester Beach, Belair, Manitoba. (1958 to 2001) I chose to be an Active Participant of Life, rather than an observer. Encouraging and developing young peoples' skills, their innate abilities, keeping them off the streets by being involved in the community; Sports Director -Summer and Winter sports - Issac Brock Community Center, Winnipeg, President Winnipeg Speedskating Club - three years, supportive to our own children's sports, music and dance, supportive to Penticton Vees in presence - at home or on tour games. I was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, my parents farming reprieve from Hamiota, Manitoba, where they later returned and I attended Hamiota School. I recall my own farming years, My Love of the Land and its Animals, A Gift from My Parents Percy Edgar Hedley and Aleta Irvine, and shared with my siblings; Predeceased Norville Kirk (Stella), Reg (Jerry) and Harvey (Jean) Hedley; and surviving sisters, Merle (Harold) Tremaine and Wilma (Harley) Treloar; and brother Robert (Margerite). I saddenly left Hamiota, yet inspired to move to Winnipeg, to join the Winnipeg Police Force from 1956 to 1981 until retirement. I balanced my career, serving my family and community, through my love of physical activity; curling, hockey and football. To include volunteer work as a Lion Member, and Canadian Diabetes Association. I leave for my children, nine grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren; To continue to Love, To have Integrity, To be Honest, To be the Best You Can Be, To be Supportive to each other, To give back to those in need, MY LEGACY to be carried on, As My Parents did and theirs before them. I desire My Family to gather at Thanksgiving, Our Anniversary, to be Grateful, to celebrate this Special Time. Flowers are declined but a donation or Volunteer Time may be made at Moog Hospice House or Canadian Diabetes Association on My Behalf. Gerry, I lift My Head And My Heart to You, In Our Last Kiss, And My Last Breath. Always remember... Red Roses For Our Love, For Now and Evermore! I now Ascend, To that Heralding Call, To walk with Spike and Sparky, At the creek once more! Love Ray Written by Bonnie Condolences may be sent to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com. PROVIDENCE "Every Life Tells A Story" 250-493-1774

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2015