RAYMOND JAMES MILLAR

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RAYMOND JAMES MILLAR

August 24, 1939 – September 7, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Raymond (Ray) Millar. Raymond passed from complications of a short illness on September 7, 2023 at Grace Hospital at the age of 84.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Patsy (nee Chartrand); parents, Jim and Aggie Millar; brothers, Arnold and Angus; and sisters, Ollie, Arla, and Alice.

He will be greatly missed by his children, Warren (Cherie), Duane (Nancy), and Crystal (Karl); grandchildren, Gage (Hailie), Tawney (Tony), Taina, Shaelee and Rya; and special, only great-grandson Staley. Also, his siblings, Grace, Bob, and Bernice (Louis), and special niece Rita, along with many, many in-laws, extended family and friends.

Raymond was born in Inwood, MB “On the day the war started”, as he would say. Raised most of his young life in Harperville and Inwood, he had endless stories of what is was like to grow up in a homestead deep in the bush, east of St. Laurent. One room schoolhouses; walking or horse and buggy rides to and from school; getting accidentally shot by his dad; walking to school with his gun and snares, so he could hunt on the way home and bring home supper, and so much more. He has recorded many of these stories for his family to continue to enjoy and share today.

The family eventually moved to Oak Point upon his parent’s retirement from the farm. After a few years, he met and married his wife Patsy. They married in St. Laurent, her community, on September 25, 1965. Then they raised their three children in Oak Point as well.

Raymond was a man of many stories and talents. He started his career as a plumber and duck hunting guide, eventually graduating to Building Inspector and Development Officer for over 25 years. Throughout his long, well-lived life, he enjoyed: sports, hunting, guiding, being a musician, steer roping and pick-up man in rodeos, fishing, trapping, traveling, camping, boating, curling, golf and so much more. He formed and played in several bands in his early music career. His latest being The Country Pride Band. They travelled all over the province playing old time country music for dancers and dances. He also released several CD’s of his music over the years.

Raymond was a tremendous supporter of his children. He and Patsy thought it was important for them to be socialized and work off their endless energy (We had a lot!). So, they got them into all and any sports and community activities available. Meanwhile, he never missed games or practices, and many times gave other kids rides so they wouldn’t miss either. He was largely into baseball and hockey, which he played once upon a time, but would still attend basketball or soccer games and learn about the sport. He didn’t care if he understood the game, as long as he was there to watch his kid play. He taught them discipline in this way. Always show up, keep a good attitude, and always do your best. Even if we got told everything we missed on the way home. He just wanted us to be better, always.

He was a kind, generous, and special man to so many. He was everyone’s favourite uncle. We know he touched so may lives during his time in this world, and he won’t be soon forgotten by not only his family, relatives and many friends but his community also.

At his request, family and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life, which will be held at the Oak Point Hall on Saturday, October 14th at 2:00 p.m. A private family burial will be held at the family’s discretion

Special thanks to the staff at the Grace Hospital for the care they provided him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Canada.

MacKenzie Funeral Home

Stonewall

204-467-2525

mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2023