RAYMOND DHEILLY

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RAYMOND (RAY) DHEILLY Peacefully, Ray passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017 at the age of 90. Ray was predeceased by his wife Angele (2001), granddaughter Crystal (2001) and son Marcel (2003). Leaving to mourn his passing are Ray's son Roger (Nikki), and grandchildren, Renee, Christopher, Rebecca and great-grandchildren Kayla, Keegan, Alex and Bennett. Ray was always the optimist, facing each adversity head on with determination and the positive belief that no challenge was insurmountable. Those qualities were tested early in life for Ray, as he left his childhood home in Laurier, Manitoba at a very young age, to begin working in Ontario on the railway. At 19 years old following an accident on the railway, Ray was hospitalized where he unfortunately contracted Polio. For nearly one year he was hospitalized and had to re-learn to walk. His resolve to not let this keep him down, resulted in his walking again and working for over 20 years in the construction industry, driving both dump trucks and cement trucks. While he would never admit it, Ray enjoyed having his son Roger accompany him in the truck whenever Roger had the unfortunate event of being suspended from school (once or twice). A man who truly loved to work, never refusing any overtime, he imparted to anyone who knew him a strong work ethic and the message that if you don't go to school...you work. Ray had a secondary career following his work in construction, where he became Manager of a private club in St. Boniface, the Club LaVerendrye. He truly loved that job and a 16 hour day was most often a routine for him. During his work in construction, Ray met a lifelong friend, "Lucien." Right to Ray's end of life Lucien was there to visit. Words cannot express how Ray valued that true friendship. Ray's greatest challenge in life was the loss of his wife Angele. They had been married for 48 years. To his dying breath, Ray considered himself a married man and strongly berated anyone who suggested to him otherwise. He believed in and honored the vow of commitment. To all those who knew him, Ray will be remembered as a kind and helpful man who would never refuse to help others. Some will also remember him as at times opinionated and not too concerned about the audience. His discourses on a variety of subjects will always bring a smile to many of us. Ray liked to plan things in advance and it came as no surprise that he did his funeral arrangements in 1991. However, in recent weeks, when he had periods of absolute clarity, he made some changes to his plans. In accordance with those wishes, there will be no funeral service. A private family memorial will be held for Ray in August, on his wedding anniversary. Rest in Peace Dad... Love you and Thank You. Desjardins204-233-4949 1-888-233-4949 www.desjardinsfuneralchapel.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2017