RAYMOND CLIFFORD WRIGHT

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RAYMOND CLIFFORD WRIGHT Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, on March 30, 2002 at the Victoria General Hospital, Ray passed away at the age of 84. Pat, his beloved wife of 54 years predeceased him in 1996. He will be lovingly remembered by his two children, son Robin (Marilyn), daughter Terri (Ron) Churchill, and his five grandchildren, Colin, Kimberly (Steve Gallagher), Rob, Matthew and Caitlin. Born in Winnipeg in 1917, Ray grew up in the Wolseley area, spending his summers at the family cottage in Boundary Park. He attended Gordon Bell High School and the University of Manitoba, graduating with a B.A. in 1939. During the Second World War, Ray served in England with the R.C.A.F. (1941-1945). It was there that he met a pretty member of the R.A.F. named Pat. They married in Aughton, Lancashire, on August 22, 1942. Following the war, Ray attended McGill University graduating with a B.L.S. in 1947. He and Pat then returned to Winnipeg and settled in River Heights. Ray had a lifelong love of books and knowledge. He was a librarian; employed initially with the Province of Manitoba; the University of Manitoba, and lastly with the University of Winnipeg where he was Director of Library Services for 20 years until his retirement in 1982. He was granted an honorary life membership by the Manitoba Library Association, having served terms as their secretary, treasurer and president. Other executive positions include Chair of the Council of Prairie University Libraries. Ray was an honorary life member of the Samoyed Association of Manitoba. Dad wanted to make a contribution to the community. He spent countless hours over the years helping others at his "Club" on Lilac Street. Dad and Mom enjoyed travel, seeing England and Hawaii several times, paying yearly visits to Terri and her family in Vancouver, joining Robin and his family for weekends in Grand Forks and entering their beloved Samoyeds in competitions across North America. Both enjoyed regular get-togethers with friends for a few hours of bridge, laced with stimulating conversation and fine food. All in all Ray was a kind, decent human being. He loved his family and we shall miss him greatly. "Green sod above Lie light, lie light Good night dear heart, Good night, Good night." A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 8 at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St., with Rev. Don McIntyre officiating. The family would like to express their thanks to staff at the Riverview Health Centre, CD1 Unit, for their compassionate, dedicated and cheerful care of Ray. In his memory, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 301-352 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2H8. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2002