Eldon Dwain Ray Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Eldon Dwain Ray

October 26, 1932 - November 06, 2020

Obituary For Eldon Dwain Ray

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eldon Dwain Ray on Friday, November 6, 2020, in Beaverlodge, AB, at the age of 88 years.

Eldon was born on October 26, 1932, in Appleton, AB, to Helen and Scotty Ray.

Eldon was a pillar of his community and a strong foundation for his family. As a young man, he learned to work hard and to take on whatever job was available. This carried over throughout his entire life as Eldon was successful in several local businesses.

In 1954, he married the love of his life, Thelma Schenk, and they were inseparable for over 60 years and built a very fulfilled life together. Eldon was a loving father and grandfather and did the best he could to teach and guide his family; he held a special connection with each one.

Eldon loved family, farming, horses, sports, travelling and business. His witty humour and prankster ways would entertain friends and family. He and Thelma had a lifelong group of dear friends who shared many activities and special memories. Baseball was his one true passion. He loved to watch and even played at a senior level for many years. When Eldon was not working, you could find him on the golf course well into his eighties. Eldon loved to be with family and friends and was always up for gatherings, swimming at the river, camping, skiing, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a strong and proud patriarch of his family. He held the highest integrity in business and family life and was a good friend to all. He is loved and will be missed by many.

Eldon is survived by his sister LaVerne Dixon; his children Gary (Daphne) Ray, and Rhonda (Mark) Snatic; grandchildren: Josh (Cathie), Chelsea (Don), Callie (Bart), Dania (Ammiel), Shone (Todd), and Britten (Carl); great-grandchildren: Carson, Madison, Sophie, Demri, Liam, Nate, Ryden, Adam, Lane, Mae, Claire, and Nola; in-laws: Verna Whitlock, Fred (Ilene) Schenk, Helen (Henry) Matthews, and Lorraine Oucharek.

Eldon was predeceased by his loving wife Thelma Ray (nee Schenk); parents William “Scotty” and Helen Ray; brother Gordon (Connie) Ray; nephew Gordie Ray; brother in-law Don Dixon; and in-laws: Erwin (Anna) Schenk, Doris (Bob) Eggen, Annie (Allan) Lowe, and Orest Oucharek.

We will honour Eldon’s memory on a future date due to the present COVID-19 restrictions.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Eldon Ray to Red Willow Boys and Girls Camp (Box 57, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0), Beaverlodge Hospital Foundation (Box 480, Beaverlodge, AB, T0H 0C0), and The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta (5241 Calgary Trail NW, Edmonton, AB, T6H 5G8).

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Thiel Paul

Dear Gary and Daphine My memories of your father go back mainly the late 40s through the 50s when as neighbours living across the Red Willow from the Ray family we had the privilege of knowing Eldon as he grew up. He was a very positive roll model to me. Being the same age as Eldon's brother Gordon, who I periodically visited ,and visa versa, I was always felt welcomed by Eldon who was positive and full of fun. Since leaving home and the Beaverlodge area in 1958 my contact with Eldon and Thelma of course has been limited but I always enjoyable. I would like to share a memory of your father that has always stuck with me. While I was out squirrel hunting and enjoying our river valley one sunny winter afternoon in the early 50's, I meet your father and your grandfather Scotty doing the same thing. What was significant to me was how your Dad and Grandfather were enjoying just being out there, father and son, joying nature and those river hills together. Eldon will be missed but has certainly left great memories to many people. Our sincere condolences on your loss. Paul and Judy Thiel
June 24, 2021

Dunbar Rod and Linda

Our condolences. Eldon will be missed. Rod and Linda.
June 24, 2021

Loberg Emily

So sorry to hear of Eldon's passing! He was such a larger than life character and he will leave a very big empty space. Hopefully you will be comforted by your memorries and Rhonda, if you ever have time I'd love to take you for lunch at the Merc.

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