JOHN RAYMOND "RAY" STEVENS

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JOHN RAYMOND "RAY" STEVENS How do you sum up a lifetime in just a few words? We cant. Except one thing is for sure; Everyone loved Raymond! Ray passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 27, 2003 in Kamloops, BC while en route to a Smith family reunion, and to be with his daughters and their families in Vancouver. Ray was born April 2, 1932, on the Smith family farm to Jack and Bessie (nee Smith) Stevens. He grew up on Victor Street in Winnipeg and attended General Wolfe and Gordon Bell Schools, and was an "all-star" graduate of Caseys Poolroom! Ray joined the C.P.R. in 1950, initially as a brakeman and wrote up for conductor. While he was working out of Kenora in 1951, he met the girl of his dreams, Joan Barber, and they married in 1954. In 1958, Ray left the railway and started a career in sales with Canada Packers. During his 15-year tenure in sales and management, Ray was highly regarded having achieved the "Top Salesman" award for 13 years. From there, Ray went on to a Senior Management position with East West Packers for five years, before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey, and starting his own brokerage business, Ray Stevens Brokers. This was an extremely important turning point in Rays life. The consummate "idea" man, Ray then went on to develop H & K Packers, a processing plant in partnership with Ed Klein, that opened in brand new facilities in St. Boniface in 1983. Rays penchant for forging and developing lasting relationships with clients and suppliers, paved the way for a successful enterprise that was doing business across Canada, the United States, and ultimately developing programs for export, to Japan, Korea, and Russia. All of this from a single idea, a passionate desire to create something "new and improved", and the courage to accept the risks involved. That, along with Joans encouragement and support, was a recipe for personal success. Never content with the status quo, Ray also became a partner in Fingers Restaurant for 17 years. Ray and Joan lived in St. James for 34 years and raised four children along the way, Chris, Karen, Danny and Joanne. The Stevens household was the ultimate drop-in center for friends, family, and even wandering animals. An abundance of music from jazz to the blues was the backdrop for many dinner parties, family gatherings, and spontaneous games of street hockey, and driveway basketball. The more the merrier, as Ray enjoyed an action environment. Through it all, he always made time for the kids activities, including volunteering his time and expertise. Summer vacations were always special in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where lifetime memories were created and are now cherished. For all of his accomplishments, Ray was most proud of their children, Chris and wife Lori, Karen and husband Neil Gallagher, Dan and wife Barbara, Joanne and husband John Peccia and his most precious and loved grandchildren who knew him as "Papa", Lauren, Michael and Chelsea Gallagher (Vancouver), Matthew and Lisa Stevens (Winnipeg), Amanda, Michelle, and Kelsey Stevens (Winnipeg) and Presley-Raye, Paris, and Jack Peccia (Vancouver). He delighted and loved each one and revelled in their accomplishments. He will be deeply missed by all. His parents, Jack and Bessie; his brother Frank and sister Shirley Greenaway predeceased Ray. In their 49 and a half years of marriage, Ray and Joan enjoyed many fabulous trips with close friends and family members. Trips to Australia, Mexico, Europe and the Virgin Islands, hold particularly special memories. Cold winters turned into warm pleasures of golfing, barbecuing, and boating with friends at their condo in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Ray enjoyed the sport of golf and was a member of the St. Charles Country Club for the past 20 years. "Ray...itsbeenalongroad,withlotsof bumps and twists, but man, its been a great ride! Ill love you forever." - Joan A memorial service in celebration of Rays life will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. A reception at Chapel Lawn will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6, or to Manitoba Lung Association, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 02, 2003