RAYMOND SOMMERS

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RAYMOND SOMMERS
December 13, 1940 - November 3, 2022

Raymond (Ray) entered this world just shy of 82 years ago. One of two children to parents, Joseph and Rose and brother to sister Gloria (Ron). He was raised in Winnipeg's vibrant and bustling north end in the post depression era, where he was educated and crafted his skills as a great hockey player (amongst other skills) for many years. Later in life with the Winnipeg Old Timers and as coach to many eager to learn from him.
In his early 20s, while frolicking at Grand Beach, MB, he met his future wife of over 60 years, Hope. They enjoyed a wonderful life together, started a family and were blessed with children, Shelley (Gary) and Shawn (Pam), along with grandchildren, Samantha, Dylan, Cole, Kyla, Tiana and Jaxon.
Upon marrying Hope, Ray continued his education in Moorhead, MN, USA and earned his bachelors degree with a major in Business Administration. While a degree was a gateway to many opportunities, it was truly Ray's personality that paved his future. He could walk into a room, light it up and make it shine! His ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable was where he excelled. As such, he enjoyed a wonderful career in sales and marketing for decades (and for a brief period instructed marketing at RRC). Before "it was a thing," we think Ray unknowingly invented the concept of "remote working." For decades, he operated out of the trunk of his car. For those that knew where to find him, his office was located at "The Sals" - Salisbury House restaurant on Main Street and Matheson! He had many great pals with whom he "kibbitzed with" over coffee on a daily basis. Before mobile phones, the staff there were his reception! No matter, Ray was productive yet passionate (for work, family and friends). Ray retired in 2005 after a long tenure as a pharmaceutical sales representative with STIEFEL CANADA. He had many great relationships with colleagues and clients.
In his retirement, Ray and Hope enjoyed the "lake life" at their cottage in Halcyon Cove, made wonderful friends over the years and enjoyed travel as well.
Over the last decade, with Hope and family at his side, Ray learned to live with Parkinson's Disease. Ray never complained....While Parkinson's may have robbed Ray's ability to smile and "light up a room" like he once had, he still had the ability to create that lustre for all those who knew him. We take comfort in knowing that our memories of him will always light us up.
On November 3, 2022, Ray succumbed to the effects of Parkinson's Disease at the Tuxedo Villa, where he called home for the past four years. We wish to thank the staff at "The Villa", especially Nadine, for all their care and compassion for Ray during his stay.
In addition to his immediate family, Ray will be remembered by numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and wonderful friends.
Family and friends may offer condolences and even chuckles at: www.EthicalDeathCare.com. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2022