FREDERICK RAYMOND (RAY) PILGRIM

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FREDERICK RAYMOND (RAY) PILGRIM August 11, 1931 - August 1, 2018 With great sadness, the family announces the passing of Frederick Raymond (Ray) Pilgrim. Ray passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 1, 2018 at Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 86 years. Ray was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Hope; parents, Fred and Doris; and sisters, Donna (Ed) and Kathy. He will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his sons, Mel (Sherry), and Scott; granddaughter Vanessa (Kevin) and his great-granddaughter Leah; brother Tom (Arlene); nephews, Brad (Tanya), Danny (Sheryle), and Mark (Miyuki); niece Monica (Chad); great-nephews, Liam and Ben; great-nieces Hanna, Ellen, Kailie, Laura, and Emily. Ray was born in Winnipeg on August 11, 1931, eldest child of Fred and Doris Pilgrim. Ray lived in many areas of Winnipeg, going to school and working at the stores his parents owned, along with many other various jobs. After completing high school, he attended Manitoba Tech as an auto mechanic, graduating in 1950. Ray joined the RCAF and was posted to Gimli, Manitoba, then to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He left RCAF in 1955 to pursue his dream job, Air Traffic Controller, completing course #2 on April 2, 1956. At this time Ray met Hope at an Air Force Reserve lounge. They dated a few times before Ray was posted to Vancouver Tower, then Victoria Tower. Ray travelled between Vancouver and Winnipeg while dating Hope, and they married on April 18, 1957, and made their first home together in Vancouver. In 1959, Ray was transferred to Winnipeg Area Control Centre, so they moved back to Winnipeg, residing in the St. James area. In 1962 and 1964, they were blessed with two bundles of joy, Mel and Scott. Growing up, summers were spent at Sioux Narrows, where good times and great friendships were formed. In 1986, Ray retired from his job as an Air Traffic Controller. Ray and Hope then moved back to Vancouver, settling in Surrey, BC. They were blessed with wonderful neighbours, Wayne and Hazel on one side, and Lee on the other. They spent many years traveling all over North America, as well trips to Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand. They travelled back to Winnipeg each summer to spend time with Mel and his family, as well as lifelong friends. In later years, Ray and Hope could not travel as much as they would have liked. They enjoyed visits from their families as well as friends. In November 2017, when Hope's health was failing, she moved to a nursing home. Ray visited everyday, never missing a day. When Hope passed away in March, 2018, Ray decided to move back to Winnipeg to be closer to Mel and his family. He moved into a beautiful retirement residence on May 2, but unfortunately became ill and spent time at Grace Hospital in June, moving to Riverview Health Centre in July. At Ray's request, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place, and his ashes will be interred in Neepawa, Manitoba at a later date. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and health care aides at Riverview Health Centre 3E for their kind and compassionate care. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 18, 2018