Obituary for Raymond John Pylypiw
Pylypiw, Raymond “Ray” John
Surrounded by his loving family, Ray Pylypiw passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020, just two weeks before his 86th birthday.
Ray was born in 1934 in Oshawa, Ontario to Fred and Anastasia (Nellie) Pylypiw. Ray had a varied career, starting out as the popcorn maker in a drive-in theatre to owning a gas station, working at General Motors and ultimately moving to Calgary in 1974 as Western Region Vice President for Mac’s Convenience Stores. In 1980, Ray moved to London, Ontario, as Vice President of Silverwood Dairies, making lifelong friends. After retiring in 1983 from the corporate life, Ray moved back to Calgary and opened his own business with his good friend, Ron, turning a passionate hobby of woodworking and cabinetry into his final career.
Ray married the love of his life, Debra Scott in 1984, and together they would share a love that was one for the ages. Their love did and will continue to set an example for how friendship is the greatest foundation for true love- they were the best of friends. Ray would do anything to spend a little extra time with Deb- driving her to and from work every day after he retired or jumping up to join her when she ran out to get gas.
They later raised two children, Gregory and Jennifer. Ray’s family was his true passion, and spending time with them was his greatest joy- whether it was coaching Greg’s hockey teams and Jennifer’s soccer teams as children, constructing school projects for hours in the shop, or laughing until he cried during family game nights. Jenn and Greg would often joke that he was “completely obsessed with them”- but this was of course, completely true. He believed his children could accomplish anything they wanted to in life and was their biggest cheerleader in whatever they decided to do.
Ray was always delighted when his daughter, Tracey (Bill) Lane of Roseneath, Ontario, was able to join her Calgary family for a visit. From wine nights in the back yard to Pinã Colada’s in Hawaii- time together was always treasured.
Dinners with family and friends happened often and were a major source of happiness for Ray. These gatherings were always energetic; filled with loud, lively conversation and over the top laughter. Ray could be found at the head of the table, sipping wine and observing quietly. However, one of his favourite things to do every once in a while, was to throw out a controversial comment, watch the conversation erupt in reaction, and resume his position- sitting back, sipping wine, and smirking at the buzz he had just created.
Christmas was Ray’s favorite time of year and he was known for his fabulous outdoor light display and large Christmas open house gathering. In Ray’s later years, after the weeks of planning and hours of work; once the final guest had left, and the final drink had been drunk; there would be talk of toning down the festivities the next year so he could take a well-deserved rest. Ray would agree, noting it might be nice to have a little more rest; but once the next snowfall came, he was back in the garage testing Christmas lights, and pestering Deb to create a menu for the open house. Nothing could stop Ray from a party.
Summer barbeques with family and friends were another great source of pleasure for Ray. His backyard was his favourite place to travel to, as he was able to change it exactly to what he felt was needed at the time. It saw swing sets and trampolines, pool parties for the kids, a gazebo for morning coffee, and was always filled with flowers- always bright colours, as he had no time for dullness in his life.
Ray is preceded in death by his father, Fred and his mother, Nellie. He is survived by his wife, Debra; their children, Gregory (Paige Froese) and Jennifer; daughter, Tracey (Bill); in-laws, Jan and John DeLisle; nephew, Adam DeLisle, and sister in law, Linda Scott, as well as many close family and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the support, care, and compassion from the Palliative Homecare Team- with particular gratitude for our nurse, Melissa and Dr. Surmawala.
Due to current global circumstances, a Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at a later date once we are able to safely gather and raise a glass to Ray.
Those who so desire, may make donations in Ray’s memory to:
Stars Air Ambulance (www.stars.ca)
1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570
Calgary, AB T2E 8M7
(403) 295-1811
OR
Victoria’s Quilts Canada (www.victoriasquiltscanada.com)
454 – 1568 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K2G 5Y7
(613) 843-9212
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Ray, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
Surrounded by his loving family, Ray Pylypiw passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020, just two weeks before his 86th birthday.
Ray was born in 1934 in Oshawa, Ontario to Fred and Anastasia (Nellie) Pylypiw. Ray had a varied career, starting out as the popcorn maker in a drive-in theatre to owning a gas station, working at General Motors and ultimately moving to Calgary in 1974 as Western Region Vice President for Mac’s Convenience Stores. In 1980, Ray moved to London, Ontario, as Vice President of Silverwood Dairies, making lifelong friends. After retiring in 1983 from the corporate life, Ray moved back to Calgary and opened his own business with his good friend, Ron, turning a passionate hobby of woodworking and cabinetry into his final career.
Ray married the love of his life, Debra Scott in 1984, and together they would share a love that was one for the ages. Their love did and will continue to set an example for how friendship is the greatest foundation for true love- they were the best of friends. Ray would do anything to spend a little extra time with Deb- driving her to and from work every day after he retired or jumping up to join her when she ran out to get gas.
They later raised two children, Gregory and Jennifer. Ray’s family was his true passion, and spending time with them was his greatest joy- whether it was coaching Greg’s hockey teams and Jennifer’s soccer teams as children, constructing school projects for hours in the shop, or laughing until he cried during family game nights. Jenn and Greg would often joke that he was “completely obsessed with them”- but this was of course, completely true. He believed his children could accomplish anything they wanted to in life and was their biggest cheerleader in whatever they decided to do.
Ray was always delighted when his daughter, Tracey (Bill) Lane of Roseneath, Ontario, was able to join her Calgary family for a visit. From wine nights in the back yard to Pinã Colada’s in Hawaii- time together was always treasured.
Dinners with family and friends happened often and were a major source of happiness for Ray. These gatherings were always energetic; filled with loud, lively conversation and over the top laughter. Ray could be found at the head of the table, sipping wine and observing quietly. However, one of his favourite things to do every once in a while, was to throw out a controversial comment, watch the conversation erupt in reaction, and resume his position- sitting back, sipping wine, and smirking at the buzz he had just created.
Christmas was Ray’s favorite time of year and he was known for his fabulous outdoor light display and large Christmas open house gathering. In Ray’s later years, after the weeks of planning and hours of work; once the final guest had left, and the final drink had been drunk; there would be talk of toning down the festivities the next year so he could take a well-deserved rest. Ray would agree, noting it might be nice to have a little more rest; but once the next snowfall came, he was back in the garage testing Christmas lights, and pestering Deb to create a menu for the open house. Nothing could stop Ray from a party.
Summer barbeques with family and friends were another great source of pleasure for Ray. His backyard was his favourite place to travel to, as he was able to change it exactly to what he felt was needed at the time. It saw swing sets and trampolines, pool parties for the kids, a gazebo for morning coffee, and was always filled with flowers- always bright colours, as he had no time for dullness in his life.
Ray is preceded in death by his father, Fred and his mother, Nellie. He is survived by his wife, Debra; their children, Gregory (Paige Froese) and Jennifer; daughter, Tracey (Bill); in-laws, Jan and John DeLisle; nephew, Adam DeLisle, and sister in law, Linda Scott, as well as many close family and friends.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks for the support, care, and compassion from the Palliative Homecare Team- with particular gratitude for our nurse, Melissa and Dr. Surmawala.
Due to current global circumstances, a Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at a later date once we are able to safely gather and raise a glass to Ray.
Those who so desire, may make donations in Ray’s memory to:
Stars Air Ambulance (www.stars.ca)
1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570
Calgary, AB T2E 8M7
(403) 295-1811
OR
Victoria’s Quilts Canada (www.victoriasquiltscanada.com)
454 – 1568 Merivale Road
Ottawa, ON K2G 5Y7
(613) 843-9212
To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Ray, please visit www.choicememorial.com.