RAYMOND EDWARD SMITH

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RAYMOND EDWARD SMITH Born April 23, 1948, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 peacefully at home, surrounded by family members, following a lengthy struggle with cancer. He was predeceased by his wife Marilyn, January 15, 2016. By his parents Edward in 1981 and Edith in 2014 and an infant brother in 1946, also by Marilyn's parents. He is survived by his children: Alfred; Angela (Paul) Kuchma; Gillian (Darrell) Giesbrecht; Ivol Franklin; Wesley (Karen) Franklin. Grandchildren: Mason, Nicolas, Zachary, Samantha (Rance) Baby Aubrey, Larissa, Jocelyn. His brother Brent (Pat), niece Julie and Austin. His sister-in-law Judy (Barry) Soura and Scott. His aunts Clara Moore and Margaret Baer, numerous extended family and many friends. Raymond was raised on his parent's farm in the Rockwood District South East of Stonewall where he attended the one room Rockwood School for grades one to eight. Then went to Stonewall Collegiate. He worked for a farm machinery business and then went into the autobody industry for several years. He purchased his own farm in Gunton during this time, then moved to his farm five miles North West of Stonewall where he lived and farmed since 1981, until the time of his passing. In 1978 he married Marilyn (Smith) Franklin of Gunton, and they farmed together as a team ever since. Ray took great pride in his crops and his well-maintained equipment and yard. Ray was well known for his determination perseverance, and "thriftiness". He was always willing to give neighbors, friends or family a helping hand or some helpful advice. Ray and Marilyn always enjoyed their numerous Sunday drives, especially throughout the Interlake. Since his retirement he got a lot of enjoyment out of restoring old farm equipment, especially with Darrell's assistance. In recent years Ray and Brent enjoyed many hours together seeding, harvesting, and especially visiting about old times, and also touring around visiting some of their favorite spots around the province. Raymond was able to spend his last days in his own home, as per his wishes, thanks to family members, assisted by Palliative Care, Home Care, and medical staff. Celebration of life will be held on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Chapel in Stonewall. Interment will take place at a later date. He will be greatly missed by all his family, friends and neighbors. May he rest in peace. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 05, 2016