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RAYMOND ALBERT LOEWEN  Obituary pic

RAYMOND ALBERT LOEWEN

Born: Sep 17, 1951

Date of Passing: Nov 16, 2018

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RAYMOND ALBERT LOEWEN Our brother Ray passed away at home on November 16, 2018 after struggling with lung cancer since summer. Born in Winnipeg on September 17, 1951, Ray was an active child who enjoyed free range play and had an endless appetite for exploration. At a young age he became fascinated with horses and everything western, including cowboy hats, rodeos, chaps, spurs and country/western music. At age 14, Mom and Dad gave him Dancer, his first horse, on which Ray spent endless hours riding and roping. He was also fond of fast cars, a favourite being his sporty yellow Triumph convertible. At age 17, Ray met Debbie Armstrong in the library of River East Collegiate, winked at her across the room and sparked a lifelong love. They married on July 21, 1973, soulmates from the start. In his late teens, Ray joined Dad in J. Loewen and Son Masonry, first as a helper and then as a partner. They creatively designed and built the brickwork for fireplaces, residential and commercial buildings, turning many houses into beautiful homes. As a side venture, he and Debbie bought and renovated houses. They were a great team, blessed with all the skills their projects needed. Over 44 years of fun-filled marriage, they hosted and cooked for large festive gatherings, had card nights and many bonfires. Their Winnipeg home and their fishing getaway at Redden's Resort, where they were the first to have a seasonal camping spot and became the longest-term residents, were grand central for family and friends. Loyal and committed, Ray's generosity impacted countless people. If you needed something, he was your guy. He was a special uncle to nieces and nephews who shared daily life as it happened through texts and Snapchat. Likewise, the children at Debbie's daycare all cherished their "Uncle Ray." Ray was predeceased by his wife Debbie, parents, Jac and Mary Loewen and brother-in-law Kevin. Left to cherish his memory are siblings, Pat (Al), Millie (Wally), Sue (Phil) and Don (Sandy), and Debbie's siblings, Terry (Jeff), Rob (Doreen), Karen (Ed) and Don (Michelle), and many nieces, nephews and friends. Ray and his family were deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received from CancerCare Manitoba and the Health Sciences Centre. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 23, 2018 at River East Church, 755 McLeod Avenue, Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place with interment at a later date. Donations in Ray's honour can be made to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation Thoracic Endoscopy Unit or Union Gospel Mission. This obituary may also be viewed at www.friendsfs.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2018

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I went to Debbie’s daycare back in the 80’s and loved both Debbie and Ray. They were amazing and special people with huge hearts!! I only actually heard of Debbie’s passing not long ago from my Mom, as I had lost touch with Debbie. That news was terribly sad, and now I’m shocked and saddened to hear that Ray has now passed as well. Ray was a kind soul and could make all the kids at the daycare laugh. My friend Erin chose a silly nickname for him “Ray Rubber Ducky” and that’s what we called him from then on.....and even though we were obnoxious kids that probably annoyed him, he never made us feel like it bothered him, he would chuckle along. He used to call my brother “Chief” , and he loved that, that he was coined a special nickname from our Ray Rubber Ducky :). My condolences go out to his family and friends, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope him and Debbie are now together and happy. Wonderful Couple. They will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Ashley Vieira (Went to Debbie's Daycare in the 80’s) on: Mar 21, 2020

  • My parents, Chuck and Doris Rieck, knew Ray and Deb for many years as we spent weeks in August vacationing at Reddens. Ray was always ready to help with a smile and great fishing advice. The communal meals in Hooterville will never be forgotten! He is deeply missed by my sisters and me, and was welcomed into heaven by my parents, who loved him dearly. - Posted by: Cindy Rieck (Friend from Redden's) on: Dec 21, 2018

  • Uncle Ray was like a second dad to me growing up. He never missed a special occasion like a birthday, gymnastics competition (even if he did have to leave the gym when I was on the balance beam!) or graduation. We shared so many good times and while we may not have seen as much of each other in recent years as our lives got busier, he’ll always hold a special place in my heart. He most definitely will never be forgotten for his fishing wisdom! His name often comes up when enjoying a day on the lake... whether it be a funny fishing story or my mom sharing some of Uncle Ray’s fishing wisdom!! I’m truly grateful for all the memories. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family on the loss of such a kind soul. - Posted by: Tara Carson (Family friend) on: Nov 22, 2018

  • I know from Millie how special her family is. Kind and generous folks. 💐 - Posted by: Valerie Unwin (Friend of Ray’s sister Millie ) on: Nov 22, 2018

  • Loving condolences to all the families related to Ray and Debbie. They are all well remembered by us for we had close relationships with their families. We will miss you all. Prayers for all the families. - Posted by: Bill & Helen Kroeker (Uncle and Aunt) on: Nov 22, 2018

  • I dealt with Ray for years at I-XL. I was very sorry to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences and prayers for his family. - Posted by: James Bowman (knew him through work) on: Nov 22, 2018

  • Deepest sympathies to Raymond's family in the loss of their dear brother. May God give you strength and comfort during this time. Sending my love and hugs. Auntie Mildred. Sherwood Park, AB. - Posted by: Mildred Loewen (Aunt) on: Nov 21, 2018

  • Our heartfelt sympathy to your families at the too-early loss of your dear brother, uncle and friend. Ray will be deeply missed by all of you. He was obviously a big and happy part of your lives. May the memories you share and the stories you tell bring you comfort. With our love and thoughts - Posted by: Ron and Elaine Braun (Friends of the family) on: Nov 21, 2018

  • Uncle Ray (aka Tex) was a huge part of our family and was a father figure to both me and my sister Tara. He lived 2 doors down from our family home and as we grew from young children to adults. Ray was always around to throw a ball, play some guitar, take us fishing, spend time by the campfire, share Christmas morning breakfasts (it became a family tradition). We were so very blessed to have him in our lives for all these decades. He was an amazing man and a great friend...though he will be missed, I will remember him with a smile. - Posted by: Craig Wasylkiw (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2018

  • We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ray and will miss spending time with him. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family. - Posted by: Tood and Angie Georgeson (Summer Neighbors at Redden’s ) on: Nov 20, 2018

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