RAYMOND GEORGE SMITH

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RAYMOND GEORGE SMITH Peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family, we regretfully announce the passing of Raymond G. Smith on Tuesday, August 23, 2005. He courageously fought a short but dignified battle with cancer. He is gone but will never be forgotten. He leaves to mourn his best friend and wife of 50 years Dora; his son and business partner Lorne (Susan); his devoted daughter Janice (Tony); his fishing partner, namesake and grandson Raymond; his granddaughter who was the apple of his eye Tabitha (Brian); and of course the family pet King. He is survived by two brothers, Allan (Betty), Don (Martha) of Corbyville, ON; sister Louise (Mike) of California. Also survived by his brothers-in-law, Fred, Gunnar (Lorraine), John (Kathy), Victor (Donna), and Orville; and sisters-in-law, Lillian, Gay, Fay (Richard), Francine (Doug); as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends. He was predeceased by his father Oli; his mother and father-in-law, Anna and Gunnar Palson; his brothers-in-law, Vincent, Fred, Norman; his sisters-in-law, Joy and Gerri. In Ray's younger years he was an active member of the Gimli Kinsmen Club, the Gimli Men's Curling Club, the Masonic Lodge #175, and the Gimli Legion Branch #182. For many years, he was president of the Viking Co-op and a member of the Freshwater Fish Marketing Board. And until his passing a member of the Gimli Harbour Authority. Ray was born in Edmonton on October 2, 1934 (hence the big Eskimo fan). He was very well read, had a keen business sense, and knew Lake Winnipeg like the back of his hand. He came to Gimli at a young age and had been a commercial fisherman for over 50 years. Ray's motto was work before play and took much pride in the fact that he instilled these ethics in his children and grandchildren. One of Ray's proudest moments was when the MS Smitty departed for Georges Island with the three generations, Raymond G., Raymond L. and Raymond C. on board. Above all else, Ray's greatest love was his family - annual summer holidays with the grandchildren fishing and sea-dooing at Uncle John's, weekly Sunday dinners were a must and of course the special birthday and holiday dinners, and his favourite, the traditional Christmas gathering. His wife who he dearly loved and spoiled was his backbone. They worked side by side for many years and had a great life together. They didn't care much to travel but were happiest in their own home with family and friends. But, many Saturday afternoons were date night and they would head down to the Oldie to meet with their friends, have a couple of beers and many laughs. He leaves behind a legacy for his family and will remain in our hearts forever with never ending love and respect. Our many thanks to Brenda and Julie for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that Ray could be kept comfortable at home and cared for by his loving family. At Ray's request, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2005