Obituary for Ray Ramsay
William Ray Ramsay (Ray)
June 8, 1958 – November 1, 2022
It is with broken hearts that we share our beloved William 'Ray' Ramsay passed away peacefully after a 16-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia on November 1, 2022. Ray was a deeply devoted husband, loving Father, Papa, brother, friend, and mentor. Ray was a true “Ray of Sunshine.” He was the epitome of a gentleman who treated others with respect and kindness. He is survived by his most cherished family members including Shelley, his beloved wife of 41 years, and their two daughters and families, Brittney (Nick) Grayson 4.5 years and Rudy 1.5 years, and Breanne (Andrew) Harvey Ray 9 months. We are forever grateful he got to meet his three adorable grandsons. Ray, the youngest of five siblings, is survived by his three brothers and one sister along with his nieces, nephews, and ‘adopted daughter’ Nicole Motter and her family. Ray, a born and raised Calgarian, loved travelling the world; however, he always returned to his Calgary roots and the mountains. The place he treasured most on earth was the family cottage in Invermere where he spent his hours tinkering, ingeniously fixing things, and being outside with his family. He was an excellent snow and water skier. His daughter's favorite childhood memories of Ray include being woken up early in the morning on ski days by Dad bringing them hot chocolates in bed. Ever the prankster, Ray enjoyed providing thrilling tube rides, and the “accidental” throw off the dock followed by his infectious and warm laughter.
He so thoroughly enjoyed everything life had to offer; his effervescent nature truly enriched the lives of those around him. Ray was a successful entrepreneur and landman until his retirement in 2010. He had a profound impact on those whom he worked alongside. To be mentored, fathered, and loved, by Ray, meant you had someone who deeply believed in the innate power and wisdom you possessed. He did not always give you the answers. Instead, he cultivated the strength and courage you needed to solve problems yourself; all the while ensuring you knew he had your back. In Ray’s retirement he and Shelley enjoyed time in Turks and Caicos, LaQuinta, and went on amazing travels exploring the world with both his family and great friends. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Tracy, his dedicated caregiver for the past three years, for the heartfelt way she cared for Ray and friendship she cultivated with him. We also thank Ray’s care team from Poplar North, Bethany Riverview. Our hearts ache with the loss of Ray who is gone too soon from our lives. He was an incredible human who will be greatly missed, we will cherish the amazing experiences and memories forever! We will honour him daily through doing our best, loving wholeheartedly, and smiling big and bright.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life (Ray-style) at The Ranchmen's Club (710 13 Ave SW) on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Association of Alberta or to Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary in Ray’s honour.
To view and share photos and stories of Ray, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.
June 8, 1958 – November 1, 2022
It is with broken hearts that we share our beloved William 'Ray' Ramsay passed away peacefully after a 16-year journey with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia on November 1, 2022. Ray was a deeply devoted husband, loving Father, Papa, brother, friend, and mentor. Ray was a true “Ray of Sunshine.” He was the epitome of a gentleman who treated others with respect and kindness. He is survived by his most cherished family members including Shelley, his beloved wife of 41 years, and their two daughters and families, Brittney (Nick) Grayson 4.5 years and Rudy 1.5 years, and Breanne (Andrew) Harvey Ray 9 months. We are forever grateful he got to meet his three adorable grandsons. Ray, the youngest of five siblings, is survived by his three brothers and one sister along with his nieces, nephews, and ‘adopted daughter’ Nicole Motter and her family. Ray, a born and raised Calgarian, loved travelling the world; however, he always returned to his Calgary roots and the mountains. The place he treasured most on earth was the family cottage in Invermere where he spent his hours tinkering, ingeniously fixing things, and being outside with his family. He was an excellent snow and water skier. His daughter's favorite childhood memories of Ray include being woken up early in the morning on ski days by Dad bringing them hot chocolates in bed. Ever the prankster, Ray enjoyed providing thrilling tube rides, and the “accidental” throw off the dock followed by his infectious and warm laughter.
He so thoroughly enjoyed everything life had to offer; his effervescent nature truly enriched the lives of those around him. Ray was a successful entrepreneur and landman until his retirement in 2010. He had a profound impact on those whom he worked alongside. To be mentored, fathered, and loved, by Ray, meant you had someone who deeply believed in the innate power and wisdom you possessed. He did not always give you the answers. Instead, he cultivated the strength and courage you needed to solve problems yourself; all the while ensuring you knew he had your back. In Ray’s retirement he and Shelley enjoyed time in Turks and Caicos, LaQuinta, and went on amazing travels exploring the world with both his family and great friends. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Tracy, his dedicated caregiver for the past three years, for the heartfelt way she cared for Ray and friendship she cultivated with him. We also thank Ray’s care team from Poplar North, Bethany Riverview. Our hearts ache with the loss of Ray who is gone too soon from our lives. He was an incredible human who will be greatly missed, we will cherish the amazing experiences and memories forever! We will honour him daily through doing our best, loving wholeheartedly, and smiling big and bright.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life (Ray-style) at The Ranchmen's Club (710 13 Ave SW) on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Parkinson Association of Alberta or to Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary in Ray’s honour.
To view and share photos and stories of Ray, visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.