JOSEPH RAYMOND GIRLING

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JOSEPH RAYMOND GIRLING Joseph Raymond Girling of Minnedosa, formerly of the Basswood District, died peacefully at the Minnedosa District Hospital on Thursday, January 22, 2004 following a brief illness. Raymond was born on October 9, 1907 at his parents home in the Martindale School District, north of Newdale. At the age of eight he moved with his parents and younger sister, Kay, to the farm north of Basswood to take advantage of the building of a new consolidated school. Raymond took grades 1-11 at Basswood School and then attended the Manitoba Agricultural College in Winnipeg for one year. He returned home to farm, first in partnership with his father, Joe Girling, and then after his parents retirement in 1943 and following his marriage to Margaret Lane of the Lakelet School District, he farmed independently until 1972. In 1952 he married Edith Mitchell (Kingdon) of the Crocus District and they resided on the farm until 1977 when they retired to their new home built by Raymond in Minnedosa. In their retirement years Edith and Raymond enjoyed travelling throughout North America and overseas. Raymond was always active in the communities in which he lived. He served on the Basswood Pool Elevator Board, the Basswood United Church Board, was Secretary Treasurer of the Basswood School District for several years, and was very involved with the Green Valley Drop In Centre and Minnedosa United Church after moving to town. Raymond was meticulous in everything he cared for and he always kept a neat and tidy farmyard. He planted shelterbelts on his farm over the years, many of which still stand. His hard work ensured his success as a farmer. Raymond was a master wood worker and he was proud to display the many objects he had created over the years. Raymond also loved a good game of cards and was still playing cribbage until his recent illness. Raymond is survived by his sister Kay Yuar of Winnipeg; several Girling relatives; and nephews and nieces through the Kingdon connection. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary (Forsyth) Girling; and his wife Edith with home he shared 46 happy years before her death in 1998. The funeral service for Raymond Girling was held in Minnedosa United Church on Tuesday, January 27, 2004 following burial at Minnedosa Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Neil Cameron, Andy Cardy, Glenn Kingdon, Michael Kingdon, Greg Marchischuk, and Nelson Shewfelt. Barb Kingdon gave a touching and heartfelt tribute to her great uncle in the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Minnedosa and District Health Foundation, P.O. Box 772, Minnedosa, MB, R0J 1E0. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, Minnedosa, MB. 867-3868

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2004