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RAY TAPLIN

Born: Jul 05, 1928

Date of Passing: Mar 27, 2012

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RAY TAPLIN July 5, 1928 - March 27, 2012 Ray passed away suddenly at his residence. He leaves behind his wife Elza, of 55 years, daughters Janice, Sandy (Stuart) Hallam and Judy (Marcel) Delannoy, grandchildren Lynn (Lyle) Flinta, Melanie (Craig) MacCarthy, Pam (Danny) Galatuik, Sara and David Hallam, and great-grandchildren Collry, Morgan, Hayden and Lathen. As a young man Dad worked for his Uncle Bob and Aunt Rita Comrie. Dad recounted fondly that time of his life, he remembered good times and hard work and always expressed great respect for his Aunt and Uncle. Ray and Elza were married July 21, 1956. They started married life in Argyle, MB where Elza taught school and Ray in partnership with brother Fred ran the Argyle Transfer. In 1964 Ray and Elza moved to the farm northwest of Balmoral, MB where they resided until retirement in 2010 at which time they moved to Cedar Lodge in Teulon, MB. Farm life was tough going but Dad was never afraid of work and with his wife and daughters working alongside many hours were spent picking stones, pitching bales, fencing, milking cows and all the other chores that come with farm life. He expected lots from his family but gave as good as he got. Community, friends and neighbours were always important to Dad. He was a member of many community organizations and spent countless hours volunteering. Some of these organizations were the Balmoral Hallboard, Rockwood Ag Society, Balmoral Curling Club, Canadian Thoroughbred Chariot Racing Corp and was a founding member of the Interlake Pony Chariot and Chuckwagon Club. Dad spent happy times hauling teams of horses to parades, race meets and the Austin Threshermen's Reunion. His teams of horses were seen across the Interlake and Winnipeg, countless families have enjoyed a sleigh ride on the bush trails or in town. In the 1980s Dad became a spare bus driver with the Interlake School Division and eventually acquired a regular route. Dad enjoyed his time as a bus driver, finding pleasure and amusement in the kids but definitely had an intolerance for misbehaviour. Many kids have prospered from the loonies and treats he handed out. Without a doubt his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren and he was the best Grandpa a child could wish for. He was active in every aspect of their lives from the time of their births to present. It wasn't uncommon for his grandchildren to bring their friends along and the more the merrier. Many chuckwagon and chariot races ended with all the kids piling into the wagon around Grandpa as he did a final loop in the infield. His entire family took great pride in hearing his name over the loud speaker as a race was announced. As we all do, Dad had his downfalls but his greatest accomplishments were his abilities with horses and his work ethic. His legacy will live on in the passion and knowledge of horses he passed on to his family and friends, the work ethic he taught his daughters, and his willingness to help others in need. We will miss you Dad and Grandpa. A private family graveside service will be held. The family respectfully declines flowers, and in lieu of, donations may be made to the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital Foundation. MACKENZIE FUNERAL CHAPEL STONEWALL (204) 467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2012

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • Judy, until Dad died I had no idea that you lost your Dad as well. So sorry, although I know it is very late coming. Your Dad was always so kind to Dad. I always remember that time Dad came home just beaming. He was already quite elderly and didn`t have a chariot team anymore, but your dad had let him drive his thoroughbreds, and Dad had won the heat. So kind of your Dad to do that. Hope you are all doing well. Sandy, thanks for posting on Dad`s obituary or I wouldn't have found out, and life gets busy. - Posted by: joan howland (friend of family) on: Dec 18, 2014

  • Thank you to all those who posted messages. It was nice to see names from the old racing days...hard to believe the years that have passed. Regards. - Posted by: sandy hallam (daughter) on: Sep 10, 2012

  • Ray will be greatly missed ...He was and will always be a great neighbour and the best bus driver no matter how strict the kids always come first... I bought a horse from Ray bought 5 years back on the promise that she'd turn out to be the greatest companion ever Ray had told me and just that she did... she was the greatest horse in the world. I enjoyed training her and riding her. every time I'd think this horse came from Ray :) always so grateful to have such great neighbours thanks to the Taplins for being awesome. thanks Megan - Posted by: Megan Bedford (neighbour :)) on: Apr 04, 2012

  • Elza and family, we are truly saddened to have learned of your loss. Ray was a a very kind and gentle man. I always loved our visits at the horse shows and Morris Stamplede or at your home. He was a good friend to our family and to my Dad (Ken Wilson). I beleive that Dad and Ray are watching over us from up above, and will be able to talk horse and show and race until the end of time. Rest in peace Ray, you will not be forgotten! - Posted by: Jackie Wilson Morin (Fellow Horse Lovers and Friends) on: Apr 01, 2012

  • Our sincere sympathy to the Taplin family. Ray's bubbly personality will surely be missed by all who knew him. - Posted by: Paulette & Tom Francis, Calgary AB (family friend) on: Mar 31, 2012

  • Elza and family. So sorry for the sudden loss. I have known Ray since I was knee high. Always had something to teach. I can honestly say I learned a couple things from Ray. Fond memories of parades and IPCCC. "May the Angels guide you home Ray". - Posted by: Lori Slater (Acquaintance ) on: Mar 30, 2012

  • To Elza, and family, our condolences, we will always remember his humor, stories, and laughter. It was a pleasure to see and talk to him, at the Manitoba Gun dog club or at his home. Our Sincere Sympathy,Doug & Peg Dauphinais - Posted by: Doug & Peggy Dauphinais ((friend)) on: Mar 30, 2012

  • To Elza and family, We will always remember Ray's humour. It was an honor to have known a real horseman. At this time of loss, we send our condolences. - Posted by: Leonard and Josie Lindley (past-neighbors) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family. Ray was a good man and I have many fond memories of our friendship together. Thinking of you all at this time. Sincerely, Cleo St. George, Cranbrook, BC - Posted by: Cleo St. George (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • The Board of Directors and staff of the Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition are sorry to hear of Ray's passing and extend condolences to the family. - Posted by: Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition () on: Mar 29, 2012

  • Ray will be missed. He was a good friend. - Posted by: Ralph & Shirley Sinclair (Friend Of Ray) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • Elza, Janice, Sandy, Judy and families, Our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of Ray. We have many fun memories of Austin Thresherman's Reunion and Teulon Stampedes with all the races etc. We also had a horse named Prince that your dad lent us for our daughters to ride. That was an experience. Again our sincere sympathy, Tom, Barb,and Family. - Posted by: Tom & Barbara Bowman (friends) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • Dear Judy and family, my sincere condolences on your loss, treasure the pleasant memories forever...as I know exactly what u r going thru as I lost my mom in November:( Stay strong as he will be by your side forever:) - Posted by: Bertha James (friend of daughter) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • I will treasure the memories - Ray will be missed by a huge circle of friends and family. With fondness, I remember his dedication to the Stonewall Festival of Lights parade for many years and being the Santa wagon with his team. Til we meet again - drive that team my friend. - Posted by: Lynne Sutton (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • We are certainly going to miss you Uncle Ray. I've appreciated your great stories from the past and thank-you for portraying a work ethic and a great love for your family. It's something that I think is important and seeing your grandchildren's enjoyment when you were around, showed you were doing something right. God challenged you with life's true test. It's over now, Enjoy your rest. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Jason Ryden and Family (Nephew) on: Mar 29, 2012

  • You're all in our Thoughts & Prayers. Ray is harnessed up & ready for the great ride that has been awaiting him. Happy Trails Ray, it was a great honor to know you & you will be missed by all. Vitor & Charlene Dziedzic - Posted by: Victor & Charlene Dziedzic (freind) on: Mar 29, 2012

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